Tuwim wobec stereotypów etnicznych
Tuwim on Ethnic Stereotypes

Summary/Abstract: The cultural diversity of the Second Polish Republic, in which a large part of society, especially in cities, was of Jewish origin, was variously reflected in Julian Tuwim’s poetry. Works devoted to the Jewish culture were an important part of Tuwim’s socio-political texts. The author pointed out the cultural and mental differences, whose consequences were – irrespective of their origin, whether Polish or Jewish – some orthodox attitudes towards dissimilarity. They originated, first and foremost, from the prejudices, superstitions and stereotypes formed over the ages. In his poems, Tuwim emphatically revealed the oppressive aspect of any culture, acting in many directions: within a given diaspora or social group as well as outside, in the interaction with the Other. In this way, he pointed at the threat which lies in a culture being manipulated, ideologized, subjected to politics or economic interests, and thus becoming a dangerous tool aimed against people.

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