For the people like me: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_Tans
The Black and Tans (Irish: Dúchrónaigh) were constables recruited into the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) as reinforcements during the Irish War of Independence.[1][2] Recruitment began in Great Britain in January 1920, and about 10,000 men enlisted during the conflict. The majority were unemployed former British soldiers from England, Scotland and Wales who had fought in the First World War. Some sources count Irish recruits to the RIC from 1920 as “Black and Tans.”[3][4][5][6][7]
The Black and Tans had a reputation for brutality; they committed murder, arson and looting and became notorious for reprisal attacks on civilians and civilian property. Their actions further swayed Irish public opinion against British rule and drew condemnation in Britain. The Black and Tans were sometimes confused with the Auxiliary Division, a counterinsurgency unit of the RIC, also recruited during the conflict and made up of former British officers.[8] At the time, “Black and Tans” was sometimes used for both groups.[3][9] Another force, the Ulster Special Constabulary (commonly called the “B-Specials”), was founded in 1920 to reinforce the RIC in Northern Ireland.
Which sure makes this pretty awkward
especially considering that it’s pretty good for a macro.
Do they sell it in Ireland? Does everyone go silent or is it funny awkward no matter where they sell it? Having just found out about this today, before this, I probably would have made a huge mistake and order it and joke around about why everyone is so uncomfortable.
You can order a “half & half” but, probably will need to explain and get dirty looks for perceived crimes against Guinness (I think it’s a great drink, the Irish tend to be a bit protective of their stout though, in my experience).
I’ve never seen those for sale here for what it’s worth.
I have heard of black and tan drink before which I believe is half Guinness half beer / ale but I’ve never had one or seen one ordered.
It’s also specifically a reference to the song of the same name: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Come_Out,_Ye_Black_and_Tans
Fun fact: it only reached #29 in Ireland but got to #1 in Scotland as part of a long held rivalry between the two countries over which one hates the English more.
I WAS BORN IN A DUBLIN STREET, WHERE THE LOYAL DRUMS DID BEAT
Nah republicans would be like “oh I’m Irish too.” And blindly support anything anti-british “cuz 1776”
I can’t think about the black and tans without thinking about that hilarious episode of This Time with Alan Partridge. I heard that someone bet steve coogan he couldn’t get the BBC to play irish rebel songs.
When he is funny that man is absolutely hilarious. I haven’t seen that one but I’m assuming he pulled it off?
Oh, Ah, Up the 'Ra
