Conversation with Erasmus Student about Polish stereotypes
Transcription
Roy, a guest on the podcast, discusses common stereotypes about Poles. He agrees that Poles can be reserved, but believes they are better friends once you get to know them. He is not familiar with the stereotype that Poles like to complain, and actually thinks they should complain more. He believes Poles are hardworking based on the country's economic development. He agrees that Poles are generally conservative and traditional, and appreciates the importance of traditions. He believes Poles are passionate about their national identity, especially when it comes to sports. He agrees that Poles can be hesitant towards strangers, but doesn't see it as xenophobia. Overall, he encourages listeners not to let stereotypes define people. Welcome to ESN SGI-H podcast. We are here to discuss the stereotypes about both come true in everyday life. I'm your host, my name is Zuzia and today we'll be diving into a topic that often sparks curiosity and debate. The stereotypes about both. Do these stereotypes hold and need true in everyday life? Let's find out. Today we'll be joining Roy and he's from... Can you please tell us? Well, first of all, thank you so much for inviting me. It's a pleasure to be here to give my opinions about this topic, which I find very interesting. And yeah, my name is Roy and I come from Galicia, which is in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. And the reason why I decided to come to Poland is because back in Galicia, where I'm studying in Santiago Compostela, my flatmates are Polish and they were always cooking Polish food or showing me the music and whatever. So yeah, I am very excited to be here since September, almost for a year. That's great. Welcome to the show, Roy. Okay, so to kick things off, let's address some common stereotypes about both. One stereotype that often arises is the Poles are unfriendly or reserved. Is there any truth to this? In my opinion, as I come from a southern European country, it's true that when I first came here, I found it very different. I think the Polish people coming to Portugal or to Spain tend to be different because when they see this atmosphere of warm people and very open-minded people, they change a little bit. But here it's true that I found it quite difficult to approach Polish people. But on the other hand, I think people here, when you get to know them better, they are for sure better friends than people in my country. So I think this stereotype is partially true. They are more reserved, but I don't think that's something negative, to be honest. And I wouldn't say they are unfriendly. I think they are different terms. Okay, thank you for that, Roy. I think every person is different and stereotypes don't describe everyone, yes. So the following prevalent stereotype about Poles that I want to talk with you about is that they like to complain. What do you think about that? To be honest, it's the first time I hear about this stereotype. I never heard this about Polish people. In fact, sometimes I thought they should complain more. I don't want to get into political stuff, but sometimes I was seeing some controversial topics and I was surprised that people don't manifest it on the streets as it can be maybe in France or other countries. So I never thought this about Polish people. Maybe I should stay here for a longer time to hear that. Yeah, that's a great point. Actually, I think that Poles like to complain, but more like in a conversation with friends or family. I think that with family, complaining is very popular here. But I think also it might be everywhere, yes. So moving on, another common stereotype about Poles is that they are hardworking. Does it hold any truth in everyday life? Yeah, definitely I heard this one before. So for me, it's difficult to see on my day-to-day life if this is true or not, because the only Polish workers I have contact with are the professors or workers of the university, maybe other places as restaurants or museums, if I go to one or whatever. It's a difficult question indeed. But I think, yeah, they probably are hardworking people. Especially, well, we are from the University of Economics of Warsaw and when you see the development that Poland had in the last years, and how it multiplied, I think, by six the GDP since the end of the Polish People's Republic, I think that's a proof that people have been working harder, I guess. Yeah, well said, Rory. Stereotypes can sometimes create unrealistic expectations or assumptions, but I think it's true. I think it's true. So now we can talk about the stereotype that Poles are generally conservative and traditional people. What do you think about that? Yeah, this is definitely true. I was surprised, because in Galicia, for example, religion. I think most of the people will identify themselves as Catholics, as is the case of Poland. But then no one really goes to church or religion is not really important in our daily lives. I think here, religious traditions are taken more seriously. And I think that's maybe a sign of being more conservative or traditional. I think also in Poland, traditions are more important than it can be in other countries. From talking with other Erasmus people, for example, from Germany, I have the feeling in countries like Germany or France, traditions are more something they do because they have to, while here it's something that is really important and they understand the meaning of the tradition and why they do it. But I think that is something very good, actually. I mean, it's true in every country there are traditions that maybe we shouldn't keep, like bullfighting in Spain or these kind of things. But I think keeping the tradition, especially when it's related to family values or friendship or living in community in general, I think that's good. So even if it's true, the stereotypes, I don't think it's something negative. That's really nice to hear that. I agree with that. Like, you know, it's very famous in Poland to meet with family for the Christmas Eve and stuff. And yeah, that's nice to hear that you actually appreciate that. Yeah. So what do you think? Poles are passionate about their national identity? What do you think about that? Yeah, well, I was lucky that during the Majer Asmus Poland was playing the World Cup. And I think football and national teams is one of the most popular ways of expressing their national identity nowadays. And I was surprised how even, no offence, Poland had a very weak team. Let's be honest. People were very supportive with it. And I think that's something I envy about Poland. I think Polish people are really proud of being Polish and of the national identity. And I think that's something that in Western Europe, it's disappearing. If you talk with Asmus people from here, and you ask for me, those who know me, first thing that will come to their minds is, oh, Galicia, Galicia. Because I am always very proud of Spain, where I come from. And I think one of the reasons why they find it surprising, and a friend from the Netherlands told me this, is that because in the Netherlands, for example, they are not that proud of their national identity. They find it funny when someone is, because it's something shocking for them. And here in Poland, it was the first time I had the feeling that people share this love for their nation that I have for mine. So that's a stereotype. But again, that's true, a true stereotype. But again, you know, when I think the word stereotype, for me, it has negative connotations. So I don't like saying this is a stereotype or a true stereotype, because I think it's something very positive to be proud about where you come from. I agree with that. It's true. It's not negative. Yes, I also think that stereotypes like, made us make us think that it's something negative, but it's not always so. So yeah, I agree with that. Well said. I think most of us are proud of being Paul. Coming to an end, the last stereotype is that Poles don't like strangers. Would you agree with that? Okay, I've been talking very well about Poland so far. So maybe it's the moment to criticize it a bit. I think this is true. I don't judge it directly. But for example, I understand that maybe it's a bit aggressive or violent for Polish people if you approach them directly in the public transport or in public places in places in general. But I have, for example, a very shocking experience. I was in the tram and you know, sometimes I am just remembering something that happened to me and I started laughing because I was thinking about some story. And there was a woman sitting in front of me, middle aged woman, and she started shouting at me in Polish, so I couldn't understand anything. And I said, nie mówię po polsku. And the guy, one young guy next to me translated and she said, if I have any F word problem with her. So I think this was a sign that people here don't like strangers. But I want to make a point because I don't think, I think that people, a lot of people say that Polish people are xenophobic. For example, in my experience, I don't think that was the case because she didn't even know where I come from. She just saw me as a stranger. And she found my attitude, maybe aggressive towards her. So but yeah, I would say they don't like strangers. And this is something that is a pity. But I mean, everyone is different. Thank you for sharing your point of view. And I'm sorry that happens to you. But I think it's changing and younger people now are like more open to new people and meeting new people. But yeah, sometimes that happens to us. And I hope that will keep changing. So I want you guys to remember that stereotypes doesn't always come true in everyday life. And they should never define us and any group of people. Thank you for joining us today, Roy, and sharing your point of view with us. I hope you like it here. Thank you very much again for inviting me. I would like to send a salute to my friends since I talked about them in the introduction and they are probably listening to this. Hi to Piotr Sampowek. And yeah, thank you so much. It was a pleasure to be here. We're also happy to have you and see you guys. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we hope that you will stay tuned for the next episode. Bye
