A drunkard, a thief, a whiner… 5 stereotypes about Poles and Poland

Last week, we talked about stereotypes and all the bad stuff that tends to go with them.

Now, let’s get to the fun – if slightly awkward – part. Let us talk about stereotypes associated with Polish people! Some are funny, some are horrid, and some are just plain weird. Without further ado, let’s break a few of them down, shall we?

Here are the 5 most common stereotypes about the Polish people:

STEREOTYPE 1: „Jak ryba w wódzie” – or how Poles love vodka, and can allegedly outdrink fish

Ah, the stereotype that Poles drink vodka like it's water. Yes, Poland is famous for its vodka, that is quite true. But does that mean every Pole walks around with a flask of it in their pocket? I think not!

This stereotype probably stems from the fact that vodka is a traditional drink in Poland, especially for celebrations. But assuming that every Polish person could outdrink a Russian in a vodka contest is, let’s just say – wildly optimistic. And also: “Hello there, generalization about the Russians!”

STEREOTYPE 2: Polish Paladins – or how Poles are religious zealots

Poland is often associated with Catholicism, and to some degree, rightly so. There’s no denying the influence the Catholic Church has had on the country’s history and culture. However, just because the country is predominantly Catholic doesn’t mean every Pole attends mass every Sunday or wears a rosary to bed – get it out of your head!

STEREOTYPE 3: Poles are hardworking – but perhaps too hardworking?

Sure – the stereotype that Polish people are industrious, hardworking folk who are always hustling away at something isn’t necessarily negative. But it can be a double-edged sword. While it’s great to be known as a diligent worker, this stereotype has also been used to justify unfair labor practices, particularly when it comes to immigration.

The idea that “Poles will do any job, and for less money, at that” has led to exploitation in some cases. Like, let’s say, former US president Donald Trump, who according to “…hired a group of undocumented Polish laborers who put in ‘12-hour shifts with inadequate safety equipment at subpar wages that their contractor paid sporadically, if at all.’”, as was covered by a 2017 piece in TIME magazine.

STEREOTYPE 4: Everybody loves a winner, but nobody likes a whiner – or how Polish people complain

Some people say Poles have a tendency to grumble. Whether it's about the weather, politics, or life in general, from a Polish person's point of view, the glass is always half empty.

But come on, let’s be real for a minute: who doesn’t love a good moan from time to time?

This stereotype likely stems from the country’s tumultuous history, which has seen its fair share of hardships. Complaining is sometimes just a way to cope with adversity – it can be even considered a cathartic experience! True, mostly for the one who does the whining, and not to all that are forced to listen to it, but still. Besides, are you complaining about Poles complaining? Who is the whiner now, huh?

Interestingly, the stereotype of the "eternal complainer" could easily apply to many cultures, not just the Poles.

STEREOTYPE 5: “It’s like Ocean’s Eleven out there!” – or how Polish people are thieves

The stereotype that Poles are thieves is like an old, worn-out joke, and one that never landed in the first place. It probably started back in the day during immigration waves when Polish workers were unfairly blamed for petty crimes. Nowadays, Poles are more likely to steal your pierogi recipe than your stuff. And mayhap steal your heart with their awesome hospitality skills, while they are at that! So, let’s drop this tired myth and come to Poland, because, as one German mock tourist advert declared, “your car is already there!"

FINAL VERDICT: So what is a stereotypical Pole like?

Stereotypes might seem like harmless shortcuts. But even the best shortcuts can often lead us astray, giving us a warped view of people and the world around us.

And thus, we have the abovementioned stereotypes about Poles. If they were to be believed, then all Polish people are vodka-swilling, complaint-laden workhorses, and yet who somehow would be capable of dissembling and pawning off the Statue of Liberty between their nightly prayers.

Quite an impressive feat. And if a stereotypical Pole could get so much done when intoxicated, one could only imagine what he could achieve when sober. Stealing the moon, perhaps? You bet! If Polish cinematography is to be believed, this deed had already been done by a pair of Polish twins, back in 1962.

And then they went on to have successful careers in politics, too!

Sources:

TIME, “Donald Trump Paid $1.4 Million in a Dispute Over Undocumented Workers. Read the Newly Unsealed Legal Papers, 2017