The Wendish Research Exchange - Elle, Katharina: “A Rough, Stubborn and Devious Nation.” On the Development of a Stereotype of the Sorbs of Upper Lusatia

Lětopis Abstract 2008 1: Elle, Katharina: “A Rough, Stubborn and Devious Nation.” On the Development of a Stereotype of the Sorbs of Upper Lusatia

This study is concerned with the stereotype of the “devious Sorbs.” Evidence is presented that this stereotype has been handed down through history and has survived to the present day. During the Enlightenment a counter image developed as a result of arguments about this stereotype. The image – above all towards the Germans – of the “faithful Sorb.” In empirical data gained from interviews the tendency to find explanatory models for the perceived differences are clear: in doing this the stereotypes handed down through history are cited in a stereotypical fashion. Stereotypical characterisations also play a part within the ethnic group itself, when for instance distinctions are made between different confessional, and/or geographical identities (Catholic–Protestant, town–country, Radibor–Crostwitz etc.). The purpose of identifying differences however stands alongside the desire to analyse critically the content of the traditional stereotypes.