Shared Style and Paradox

Abstract

Twice a year, the city of Derry (or Londonderry) is the scene of major celebrations. In August, the Apprentice Boys—a fraternal organization named for the apprentices of Derry who held the city gates shut to prevent Governor Robert Lundy from surrendering to the forces of King James—commemorate the lifting of the siege. In December, Lundy is burned in effigy. The summer demonstration is particularly controversial because the Apprentice Boys have a reputation for rowdiness in their parades. They are said to make a mess, littering the streets with beer cans and food wrappers. Worse, they are associated with public urination. The leaders fiercely deny these accusations, explaining that with such large crowds of participants there is bound to be some of these activities, and that they cannot control everyone involved.