Graham Linehan Debunks the Stereotypes of the Irish

Abstract

The Irish character and typical images of Irishness have changed through the centuries and have formed depending on the political and cultural situation. From harmless imbecility, through threatening, dirty rascal, to dangerous hooligan, Paddy has been invested with various features, some of which have survived. In my thesis, I am going to focus on the successful TV shows of Irish television writer and director Graham Linehan which humorously engage with centuries old stereotypes of Irish people. More particularly I am going to analyse Father Ted (1995-1998), Black Books (2000-2004) and The IT Crowd (2006-2010) and see how Linehan stages and comically debunks stereotypical images of Irishness.