Imagine living a life where you never have extra money, your shoes have holes, the movie cinema is the best treat in the world and to find coal for the fire you have to find it on the street. This and more was a huge culture shock compared to America in the book Angela’s Ashes, things we take for granted like shoes, movies and warmth they have to work for and find the best joy in receiving. In the beginning of Frank McCourt’s book he moved from America to Ireland, because of this people blamed much of their ignorance of religion on the fact they were “Yanks.” When in the United States he rarely talked of religion at all (except for holidays) but once in Ireland he discusses Church, Saints, church schooling, and the holy sacraments he performs (confession, communion, and confirmation.) As they call the McCourts the “Yanks” anyone else different is pointed out. Like Mr. McCourt is from Northern Ireland and he can never find a job because employers would rather give the job to one of its own people. In contrast in America the only reason he couldn’t get a job was because he was an alcoholic. Everyone in the town is Catholic. Everyone. You are just assumed Catholic, so far there hasn’t been mention of a non-Catholic in Ireland. In New York there was a family of Jews living down the hall. This contrast shows how America really is a melting pot while Ireland is much more closed to immigrants.
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