While not the same, you'll have to trust when I say I've been in a similar place before. If you want someont to talk to that's something I can do (shoot me a pm and we can set up on an IM or Skype or something of the like). If you want advice on dealing with this sort of thing, I do have some. However, it's not the answer anyone really wants to hear. 

Much like someone's feet, the skin which takes the most abuse grows thicker, tougher, and calloused. It sucks but honestly it's something that took me a number of years to learn to do. Grow thicker skin. I know that's not the easy way, and I know it's not really a compassionate answer. But it's the best thing for it. Learn to just ignore the negativity around you, and focus instead on knowing who you are at heart. 

No matter what you do for yourself, for family, friends, or even the world, there will always be someone who speaks against you. Learn to accept and ignore the asshats of the world, and it will get easier.

Well, of course this is the most intelligent forum you've ever been to; I'm on it! :D Oh and that Roo kid seems pretty bright. I heard he likes physics, or something.

:P Please don't send me angry messages, folks!

Anyway, thank you for that! Yes, there are clearly bright people here, and I like that about this place, too!

As for your post, yeah, like Aestolia said, you just have to learn to ignore assholes, and not care what they say or think. That sounds like a really simplified way to look at it, but it's not any less true, and it's something everyone has to learn to deal with. Trust me, there's no shortage of assholes in the world, and unfortunately, I don't think there ever will be. You'll have to deal with crap like this everywhere; school, work, maybe neighbors, random people on the street, etc. Hell, if you follow a path in which you'll have some sort of fan-following, such as being a writer, actor, artist, etc., you'll have to deal with people like that there, too; you will hear from them sometimes, eventually. Hopefully not too much though! Some people do get lucky.

Never stop being who you truly are, either. Ever. If you identify yourself as all-Irish, and love it, then by God, that's who you should be, and wear it with pride. Everyone who doesn't like it can go suck one, for all you should care. Of course, that doesn't mean you should be obnoxious about it, and shove it in everyone's faces; no, that....won't get you a lot of cheers, either. :P It just means, be who you are, and celebrate it, and don't apologize for it. Don't change into something you're not or don't feel you should be just because someone else thinks you should.

I think a lot of Americans do sympathize with you and the Irish; keep in mind, America has deep Irish roots in its population. I'm sorry if you haven't been seeing it, but I assure you, a great many of us do feel your pain that you and your country are going through, and most of us wish there was something we could really do ourselves to help. We are here and we do care!

I wish I could say I knew what was going to happen in the future, but I certainly understand why you might be afraid. The world is in a scary situation right now, in a number of ways and there's no easy answer. The best advice I can give is to just do the best you can to make it through, and never, ever give up, and never abandon hope. You have to decide that you will make it through to the end no matter what, and then do it. I know that's a lot easier said than done sometimes, but it's also still no less true. It also helps if you do have a strong network of support from family and friends to help you; work together. That's the best way to make it through; work together, and foster that union. Encourage others to do the same. As the saying goes, it all starts in the home. Also, never stop living by example; show people the way you think they should be by doing so yourself, and promoting it. No, it's not going to always work, again, because there will always be assholes. However, it's a matter of principle, and you should never back away from your principles.

Another key is don't give in to your fears and concerns, and let them cripple you. While no doubt you have legitimate concerns about the future, if you let this control you, it will take you to a place that will just become darker and darker, and you will become more desparate and despair will also take hold. If I may quote Yoda, remember that 'Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.' Sometimes talking about concerns like this can indeed help, which is what we're doing now! But again, it helps if you also have strong family and friend relations to turn to, too, and hopefully strength can be retained there, as well.

I don't know if these will help either or not, but; I saw a stamp on DeviantArt once that was meant to promote this kind of support in people. It said something like "If you're alive, then it's not over yet."

I'm also reminded of a quote from The End of Evangelion, from Yui Ikari: "Anywhere can be Paradise, as long as you have the will to live. Afterall, you are alive,  so you will always have the chance to be happy. As long as the sun, the moon, and the Earth exist, everything will be all right."

I'm not sure if any of this will really help, but I hope it does. the only other advice I have is....moving to America, where all the cool kids are at! :D

(...please don't send me angry messages. :P )

I've been reading and thinking about your problem, and this might be awkward to say, but it reminds me of a scene in a PS1 RPG entitled Wild ARMs. This Elw, being bullied by kids in a town, and she's all alone, being teased and discriminated for it. And as you talk to her, you'll see taking care of a single flower in her garden, and she seems to live far away from the town proper.

Let me remind you, this scene is quite symbolic to me and it really relates on you. But setting the obvious ill-fated sides of that scene, because it's already given, instead let's look upon the other side of the coin.

You know the flower she is taking care of, that symbolizes hope, perseverance and resolve. She didn't give up, no matter how the townspeople, especially the children, that no matter how they hurt and push them away, she keeps on working hard to break that stalemate and somewhat get a headway to their respect.

It's a matter of being strong, mentally, hey, look at what we are. We're NERDS! Do you think society, well the normal and the cool ones loves us? Oh hell no! They are being prejudicial and hostile among us! Most of us understand how you feel here! Don't lose hope!

I can imagine how you feel splosionjumper. I work in the medical field and among my colleagues Im the weird guy. All they ever talk about is their work, politics and sports. Like you can imagine my interests are of a more geeky nature and thats why Im sometimes not taken serious because "someone with my education shouldnt be interested in those childish things". I believe that when Im at work I have to be professional, but in my free time I can do whatever I like. It makes me angry that Im judged upon just by my hobbies but often its very difficult to change peoples mind. So if you dont want to constantly prove yourself to others, follow Aestolias advice and grow a thicker skin. I know its easier said than done but I think it will make your life easier. Dont worry what other people say about you, just be yourself and be confident about it - people will respect you for that - and the few idiots that dont.. just ignore them. Don't lose hope, be optimistic and Im sure that you will come out of this stronger than before :)

Hey just wanted to say thanks to everyone, you are great guys.