Does anyone know why there were so many Pollack jokes?

) March 21st, 2009

back when it was socially acceptable to tell ethnic jokes? I spoke to a man last month that was of Polish descent and when I asked him about it, he gave me a very intriguing answer. I was wondering if anyone else ever was curious about it, or if they knew the reason. He explained that it was because many Polish immigrants didn’t know English, and were treated with disdain for it, even though many were very intelligent and spoke other languages, but that English wasn’t one of them.

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

9 Answers

Archie Bunker and “All in the Family” helped.

Mr_M (7621

)“Great Answer” (0

) Flag as…

I have seen many people try to talk to someone who speaks another language by raising their voice when not understood. This is not very effective. If you do not speak the language of the country you are in, and if you do not know how to behave properly, the natives will think you are stupid, and they will make jokes about you.

To go to another culture, and not be laughed at, it is best to learn the language and study culture. This is especially true if you want to work with those people as an equal. You never be equal, but at least they may not laugh at you. If you have very much money, they will still laugh, but not to your face.

rancid (214

)“Great Answer” (0

) Flag as…

his style of painting was never fully appreciated.

eponymoushipster (20297

)“Great Answer” (4

) Flag as…

Because Sydney Pollack was funny?

Sueanne_Tremendous (11290

)“Great Answer” (0

) Flag as…

It was the fate of immigrant groups to be the butt of jokes and derision by frightened and prejudiced Americans from earlier waves of immigration. Something similar happened to the Irish and the Italians and others as well.

marinelife (62485

)“Great Answer” (1

) Flag as…