STEPH DEROSA: ERIN GO THIS >>>

Last year I bitched and moaned and broke some sort of record as to how many times I could use the word “fuck” in one column. I griped about how stupid it was that we hate on people for not wearing green. Yes, I let my daughter wear green today â€" I wouldn’t deprive her of these silly childhood customs. But to inflict pain on others for not sporting a certain color on a certain day â€" like a gang? We aren’t even Irish! C’mon now, people. Think about how wrong that is on so many levels.

Today I am all bent out of shape again. Here we are in the midst of another St. Patrick’s Day, and I think people really blow it out of proportion.

Yes, if you’re Irish or of Irish descent â€" Erin Go Braugh! Drink it up! Wear the hell outta that shamrock green leprechaun shit and drink yourself into a week-long hospital stay! Seriously, if you’re Irish, I salute you. Doyle’s having a party? Paddy Coyne’s having a party? Hell yeah! They have good reason to be throwing a shindig today.

But hasn’t it all gotten lost in translation somewhere? Have you any idea what religious impact St. Patrick had? Or what the shamrock was supposedly used for? Are you of Irish descent? Or is St. Patrick’s Day just a reason for you to get shitty drunk mid week? Hell, if I want to get wasted on color-tinted beer, why can’t I have a purple Bud Light on May 19? Do I really need a reason?

My point is: The days like St. Patrick’s Day are on our calendars for us to celebrate a culture. Today, I ask you to recognize Ireland’s history and the effect it had on this world when you drink your green beer. Don’t be a stupid fuck. Don’t be “that guy” who is out acting the moron just because society tells you today’s a good day to get wasted.

Two other celebrated culture days that Americans lose in translation and use as an excuse to get shitfaced:

Cinco de Mayo â€" Did you know that Americans celebrate Mexican's victory over the French more than Mexico does?

Oktoberfest â€" You just drink German beer and eat sausages during this time, don’t you? C’mon, admit it. Or are you truly recognizing the German culture for what it’s contributed to our country?

And although this is not used as a day to drink necessarily, you don’t even want to get me started on Valentine’s Day. The dude (St. Valentine) was beheaded, and we make this a day to buy candy and flowers for our loved ones? Do I need a day to tell me to do that?

Here’s a question for the atheists who are out drinking today: Are you aware of the religious impact St. Patrick had in history? Basically, you’re celebrating a Catholic Saint. Drink up!