National Geographic FInds Its Way With Grace & Class

CAPITOL HILL. Wednesday, January 23, 3008 ---- National
Geographic has mended its ways --- changing the way it
refers to Ireland, no longer calling it
a “ British isle”.

In its print Travel Catalog 2008-2009, and in its on-line
version, National Geographic had a page advertising its May
and July guided tour,” Exploring the British Isles”,
listing Ireland as part of the British Isles.

Fr. Sean Mc Manus, president of the Capitol Hill-based
Irish National Caucus (not a British organization) took
exception to this bad geography, and on January 10 wrote to
John Fahey, President and CEO of National Geographic,
urging him to correct the faux pas, and to “ assure Irish-
Americans that National Geographic is still committed to
excellence and geographic sensitivity”.

On January 15, Mr. Fahey replied to Fr. Mc Manus informing
him that National Geographic had “revised” the way it
referred to Ireland in its on-line information and would
make similar changes in future print editions. It now
refers to the British and Irish Isles.

Mr. Fahey concluded his letter: “ It’s our sincere hope
that National Geographic Society can quickly be restored to
your good graces, as well as those of St. Patrick, and
anyone else who was concerned we had lost our way. It would
warm my Irish heart!!”

Fr. Mc Manus said , “ John Fahey is a classy guy. I
commend him on his quick and appropriate action. Now Irish-
Americans can continue to admire National Geographic
without any cognitive dissonance”.
END.

Fr. Sean Mc Manus
President
Irish National Caucus
Capitol Hill
PO BOX 15128
Washington, DC. 20003-0849
202-544-0568
sean@irishnationalcaucus.org
http://www.irishnationalcaucus.blogspot.com/
http://www.irishnationalcaucus.org/index.htm