Themes of remembering and refusing to forget haunt walls and neighborhoods in all corners of Belfast (north - New Lodge/Crumlin, west - Falls/Shankill, south - Sandy Row, and east - Short Strand/Newtownards). Memorials to those who fought or suffered during the troubles, scenes of oppression, and phrases such as "Lest we Forget" or "_____ Remembers" can be found all over neighborhoods with particularly strong Loyalist or Republican ties. Throughout the troubles these were the places where the paramilitary forces such as UVF/UFF/UDA or the IRA/RealIRA/PIRA/INLA gained a strong contingent of troops which also happen to be areas of primarily working class families, lower education levels, and high unemployment rates. Each group feels strongly that it is their duty to protect their fellow citizens in any struggle (Loyalist) from any group that threatens or demonstrates against British Rule (Republican).
Remembrance of these events are an integral part of this place moving toward coexistence, but it's the way in which the messages are displayed that I worry will only prolong the fragmentation of the north. Each mural is pitting a group as the aggressor or murderer, while the other is claimed as the victim or the rightful protector from the aggressor. The aggressive rhetoric on the walls of these neighborhoods will undoubtedly be passed on to the children who play near them prolonging the divisive mentality of future generations.
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