Authenticity, Racism and the Body

The aim of this paper is to examine the role of authenticity within inter-ethnic
relationships of young boys in Dublin City, Republic of Ireland. It will contend that being recognised as ‘authentic’ is bound within conceptions of whom can be said to legitimately embody nationally and locally authorised dispositions and identity markers. Drawing on a large qualitative dataset, this paper will argue that conceptions of whom can ‘legitimately’ consider themselves and be understood by others as belonging to Dublin and having ownership of this space is read on the body as a phenomenological racialised object. It will also argue that notions of whom can be considered an ‘authentic’ Irish boy serves to delegitimize the embodied dispositions of racialised minority groups. The construction of notions of ‘Irishness’ and it’s relationship to north inner city Dublin will be examined to argue that Dublin’s precarious belonging within the narrative of the Irish nation state emphases the need to claim authenticity in this locale. To conclude this paper will argue the exclusion of racialised groups on the ground of authenticity moralises marginalisation and disguises racism within micro encounters but also in local and national discourses of identity read through the body.