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Helsinki Edition
October 1998
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Europe: Divided we unite
Have you heard the one about the Englishman, the Irishman and the Scotsman? They share one united flag, fight wars together and continually take the piss out of each other. Whether you're amused or not probably depends more on your origins than on the quality of the joke.
The British charity, Comic Relief, has donated 46,000 (pounds) to tackle the negative stereotype that hangs over Liverpool. It will fund a two year research project by the youth theatre, Yellow House, into how the area is portrayed in the media. The final outcome will be a theatre production aimed at boosting the younger generation's battered egos.
Cross-border stereotypes are infamous across the world. Unflattering characteristics are highlighted and popular names are ridiculed by neighbouring nations. To the English every Irishman is called Paddy as he stumbles home from his daily dose of excess alcohol. To the Slovaks the Czech's are penny-pinching cheapskates who would rather sleep in forests than pay for a hotel. They are all branded Pepici, a derogatory nickname for Joseph.
It seems that the criticism knows no bounds. It certainly doesn't stop at national borders. Every country needs its scapegoats as sure as a pub needs beer. All those who proudly support their Olympic winners are quick to dissociate themselves from certain areas of their country.
The north-south divide that slashes Britain from coast to coast can be found in most countries. Holland's northeners are seen as cold and timid but England's are renowned for their friendly, party-going attitude. These stereotypes are widely accepted, unless you come from the South!
Just as Britain gives its dunce's hat to the Liverpudlians, Belgium's goes to the Limburgers. The ridcule doesn't stop with the comedians who spend hours mastering the offending accent. Research has shown that certain dialects put people at a disadvantage in job interviews. Just opening your mouth in the wrong accent will make you seem slow or stupid.
Even the phenomenon of the country bumpkins has infiltrated every corner of the continent. In Holland, the Randstad 'chic elites' see the rest of the country as clog wearing farmers with nothing to do. In Wales the rural areas are full of people with excess affection for sheep. With compatriates like that, who needs enemies?
Nancy Fielder |
