Since I am Polish, I decided to analyze the cultural perception of Polish people presented in the media in the United States. One of the common stereotypes about Poles is that they drink endless amounts of alcohol and have nothing else to do just drink all day, every day. Because of this, there is another misconception about when Polish people start to drink and how it affects them. People often think they were "breastfed with vodka" which means they started drinking in an early age and that is why it does not affects them as much anymore.
Personally, I have not felt the damaging effects of this stereotype but it is really frustrating to know that other people, who do not actually know me, would think all I do is drink all day and this is all that my life comes down to. I would not like to be perceived as a drunk who is only capable of pouring another drink just because people see the memes online or watch a TV show that has a Polish American character who drinks a ton, e.g. Elka from Hot in Cleveland.
Because of all those memes, jokes and TV characters, Polish people are "single storied" as alcoholics. When I see that, I feel like it almost became a determinant of Polishness. It is sad because there are so many other things Polish people should be noticed/known for.
I totally agree. I have an uncle who is Polish so I've heard it all from him and my aunt about how they get treated. He is one of the most incredible men I know but still I've seen how hard he has to work to earn respect because he is Polish. People should be able to embrace their heritage and not have to hide from it. Excellent choice I would've never thought of this topic!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I have an uncle who is Polish so I've heard it all from him and my aunt about how they get treated. He is one of the most incredible men I know but still I've seen how hard he has to work to earn respect because he is Polish. People should be able to embrace their heritage and not have to hide from it. Excellent choice I would've never thought of this topic!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I have an uncle who is Polish so I've heard it all from him and my aunt about how they get treated. He is one of the most incredible men I know but still I've seen how hard he has to work to earn respect because he is Polish. People should be able to embrace their heritage and not have to hide from it. Excellent choice I would've never thought of this topic!
ReplyDeleteI read a review from a Mormon Polish the other day, and he talked about how people are so shocked when he tells them he doesn't drink. Interesting how people can be so surprised by a very commonplace habit or way of life.
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with the Polish stereotype of drinking, but this is eye opening. Thank you for sharing this. Now I know more about the Polish community since I never grew up near Polish people or descendants.
ReplyDeleteThis was a unique single story to tackle. It would have been cool to see if there were anything besides memes or TV clips that supported this claim.
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