50Kviews
51 Pics Of Polish People Roleplaying As Americans Celebrating The 4th Of July
InterviewAmerican pop culture is so widespread that it would almost be impossible to find an inhabited patch of land not affected by it. Coming from movies, books, the internet, and other mediums, the idea of the "American Dream" is most likely familiar to lots of people around the world, affecting the way one sees Americans and their lifestyle.
How people from other countries actually view Americans is revealed by one group in Poland called 4th of July LARP (live-action role-playing). It is a slice-of-life project where people roleplay as contemporary Americans acting out various scenarios that they imagine happening in the United States during their Independence Day.
As the group describes on their Facebook page, the 4th of July LARP is a drama about squandering the American dream. "On July 4, 1776, the United States declared independence. The newcomers from the Old Continent wanted to create a new state in America, built on democracy, freedom and equality. More than two hundred years later, many Americans live under conditions different from what the nation's founding fathers imagined. Barely making ends meet, striving to be family members and worthy Americans despite poverty and exclusion. Although they live on the fringes of society, their home - a small town lined with caravans and shaky houses - is for them the essence of the 'land of the free and the home of the brave'. This is a story about them."
More info: Facebook
This post may include affiliate links.
I went through all the photos and it is now a goal in life to spend a 4th of July with these people!
The 4th of July LARP group has been organizing LARPs for years now and is constantly looking for interesting and important topics. "Many great blockbuster LARPs are in fantasy or sci-fi settings - this time we wanted to make a game in a contemporary environment with an illusion of actually being there. While scouting for locations, we found an inexpensive holiday resort full of mobile homes - a site you won’t often see in Poland. It reminded us of an American trailer park and we decided to make that the core theme of our game."
So mostly you are larping as white trash? Honestly these are super entertaining and I'm glad ya’ll are having fun! Love it lol
Even though they are Polish, they all grew up surrounded by American pop culture and are familiar with the idea of the "American Dream". "We’ve used the visual language and widely known archetypes to create a setting of a trailer park in the USA. From the very beginning, we aimed to be respectful toward people living in low-income neighborhoods and approach the topic with sensitivity and respect."
The organizers stressed that this project is not in any way a comedy or a pastiche, but a slice-of-life drama type of LARP. "We stayed away from comedy (like Trailer Park Boys) or supernatural elements (like Stranger Things), taking inspiration from documentaries, books, and movies touching on this subject in a slightly different way (f.e. Hillbilly Elegy, Nomadland, etc.)."
"Our LARP explores the mythos of the American Dream - or more so the Broken American Dream. Players experience human stories, portraying characters with unique backgrounds. They face their daily life and the issues that come with it. Some are universal or similar to the ones in Poland (such as struggling to provide for your family or combating addiction), and some are specific to the U.S. (such as reliance on private health care or the prevalence of firearms). We wanted to create an immersive experience about facing those hardships both as an individual and as a community, about making impossible choices, about finding your place in your small homeland."
I think it’s kinda funny that this whole thing is them pretending to be American and it’s so not accurate and yet so freaking accurate at the same time 😂😂😂😂
This is the closest one so far but the watch is too nice. Looks too happy too. You really have to be depressed
I'm puttin' all you people on report. Especially you, pal. You just made the list.
Accurate to American Sitcom aesthetic in that a pudgy man-baby's, for somehow, snagged himself a woman 10,000x more attractive than he is. The universe caters to male fantasy. What's more American than that?
Ah, the vet in uniform despite not being currently serving. Seen a few too many of these.
no but also the blueberries and raspberries over your vanilla ice cream to make it festive
Uh - not sure. Maybe trying to decide on whether to protest or not? Or go hang out at the next beer joint? Or heard that Johnny Depp is down the street and try to get an autograph?
So many of these are too "on the nose" 2 b convincing,but maybe "convincing" isn't what they were goi g 4
While everybody else went for the "Kentucky Hillbilly" look, she went straight for "Ten dollar Vegas streetwalker"
Yeah - America, sixty years past. Good old vinyl, feathers in the hair, psychedelic album covers. Now go on inside and smoke a doobie.
This looks like a Midwestern country boy and his restaurant waitress girlfriend out on a noon walk.
Nah, goth people aren't that patriotic, nor do they participate in such extravagant celebrations, especially with a slight smile.
Honestly just look like a group of American girls killing time on campus.
Man, this could be anything. College fan girl with gay girl and a pot of quiche and Brussels sprouts and lit candles for - I dunno. Gimme a hint?
I'm half American and Polish living in Poland and I honestly don't know what's going on here. I don't know anyone that would do or condone this here and it's embarrassing for me to see 🤦 Normal Poles do not see Americans this way!
I'm an American, and I think this is funny if sad. If people want to cosplay redneck culture because they find it interesting, fine. But I'm disheartened that this is how some folks in the world see us.
Fantastic. You've all managed to cosplay the smallest minority of ignorant, uncultured Americans. I'm not even the tiniest bit surprised, given the multitude of comments from Pandas who appear to believe this ridiculous stereotype, while putting their own culture on a pedestal. Grow up.
I think it's great satire and a real mirror to what we do here in the US on many occasions - let's say - Cinco de Mayo as an example. Incarceration is big business in the US - so not surprising to see how much that figures into this fantasy. If this is a critique or a celebration - it's still very informative to see how others see us and not something to be angry about.
I'm an American, and I'm both amused and saddened. I can also confirm that there is a section of the US that is represented perfectly by this (except for the ladies in the flashy short skirts and heavy makeup... that look is considered overdressed in redneck culture).
I can't believe somebody legitimately thought this would be a fruitful idea."Hey, you know what would be fun? Cosplaying poor people from a foreign country for laughs on the internet! Tee hee hee we're so progressive!"
What hurts me is how many folks here call this a "negative stereotype" and insist that Americans aren't really "like this." Why? Because their cars and clothing aren't chic? Because their interests aren't intellectual and world-cultural? Because they celebrate a major patriotic holiday with too much gusto? Because only bad dirty icky people smoke cigarettes or drink liquor? I've lived in several USA regions, this USA subculture is everywhere. Plenty of Americans look and party just like this. These folks are on the main honest, resilient, good hearted, generous people. They do not appreciate being sneered at by their fellow Americans. If the cosplay was meant to be insulting, fine, ouch. I feel FAR MORE insulted by the classist jabs of "superior" folks here in the comments section. Ignorant? Uncultured? Embarrassing? Deplorable, perhaps? Dangit, snobs. Check your privilege. Little wonder that USA subcultures are having such difficulty getting along with each other.
I don't understand how any Pandas are tolerating this. How would Poles feel if Americans took stereotypical idioms and did this same thing? Offensive.
And apparently, right now this role-playing experience is available in English too! https://larpventure.com/4th-of-july
sad to admit but it seems that many of these pics are portraying what has happened in our society in the past five or six years. by this i mean the images that have been displayed around the world with all the division and violence that has been seen via news feeds. i would hope that these people are doing this as a parody and don't really think all americans are like these people. it's embarassing.
Something missing is the excess that accompanies many celebrations in the US of A. Tables loaded with food and coolers with drinks and litter piled around. And signs made out of paper plates.
I am an American who lives in New York. Damn you Poland for doing these so damn hilariously. Nothing like reminding us of the gutter trash to celebrate the 4th of July; I've already seen many people resembling these today so it makes it that much more hilarious. Hooray for 'Murica and it's ability to let us and the whole world laugh 🤣
Honestly this is PRETTY On point. Sure EVERYONE Isn't like this BUT, More ARE Than Most Care to admit. If you think this is "WRONG" and it makes you " UPSET" Than this PROBABLY Hits close to home, meaning you are looking in a mirror and are "Triggered" by what you see. See IGNORANT White Americans believe that " ONLY THEY can appropriate other's cultures" and when someone does it to them it is " SUDDENLY Wrong." I am Comfortable Enough as a PERSON to see these things and find the Humor on them. Shoot I Laugh through My OWN Pain and Tears DAILY. I Laugh at my Faults and Mess ups so not much upsets me that way. Seriously IF You Didn't know these people were Polish and JUST Saw these pictures YOU CANNOT TELL SERIOUSLY. This looks A LOT Like the campgrounds I went to as a kid. Besides Look how tv and Movies portray the 4th and how "white" people typically celebrate💁🏻
This wasn’t just as they see America. I believe the Larp is titled “Ohio” and they took information the found directly on internet from photos in an Ohio trailer park.
Next time you have this event I suggest you consider the following to expand on your stereotyping .. 1. Use a fatter, less intelligent, cop next time with two doughnuts 2. Use more tattoos on both the women and men .. and nose rings on the women, 3. Use lots of small children with tattered clothes .. or diapers .. in the background, Extra credit if they're playing with handguns, 4. Use big mangy old mutts sprawled out in the background, 5. Ensure your photos show men that are slack jawed mouth breathers, 6. Ensure there are a few "Trump" signs in the background. Of course, the suggestions above are just stereotypes. Maybe all of us have been watching too much Jerry springer shows.
What bothers me is how many people here call this a "negative" stereotype and insist that Americans aren't really "like this." Why? Because their cars and clothing aren't chic? Because their interests aren't snooty and intellectual? Because they celebrate a major holiday with too much gusto? Because only bad dirty icky people smoke cigarettes? There are LOTS of people in the USA who look like this. The cosplay is damn accurate, I've lived in several USA regions and this particular USA subculture is everywhere! The "real" folks of this subculture are on the main honest, resilient and generous people. They do not appreciate being sneered at by their fellow Americans. If the cosplay was meant to be insulting, fine. I feel far more insulted by the classist jabs by "superior Americans" here in the comments section.
Totally ok for other countries to make fun of and stereotype Americans but it's racist and xenophobic if Americans make fun of or stereotype other countries. Ok good glad we cleared that up! Carry on.
And yet most of the Americans I know, myself included, chose not to celebrate at all this year. But, sure. Keep up the stereotypes if it makes you feel good.
I don’t know why some Americans are so upset about this - it’s supposed to be American Redneck satire and honestly it just reminds me of Daytona Bike Week…if there were bathing suits it would look like annual Redneck Regatta in Orlando
I'm half American and Polish living in Poland and I honestly don't know what's going on here. I don't know anyone that would do or condone this here and it's embarrassing for me to see 🤦 Normal Poles do not see Americans this way!
I'm an American, and I think this is funny if sad. If people want to cosplay redneck culture because they find it interesting, fine. But I'm disheartened that this is how some folks in the world see us.
Fantastic. You've all managed to cosplay the smallest minority of ignorant, uncultured Americans. I'm not even the tiniest bit surprised, given the multitude of comments from Pandas who appear to believe this ridiculous stereotype, while putting their own culture on a pedestal. Grow up.
I think it's great satire and a real mirror to what we do here in the US on many occasions - let's say - Cinco de Mayo as an example. Incarceration is big business in the US - so not surprising to see how much that figures into this fantasy. If this is a critique or a celebration - it's still very informative to see how others see us and not something to be angry about.
I'm an American, and I'm both amused and saddened. I can also confirm that there is a section of the US that is represented perfectly by this (except for the ladies in the flashy short skirts and heavy makeup... that look is considered overdressed in redneck culture).
I can't believe somebody legitimately thought this would be a fruitful idea."Hey, you know what would be fun? Cosplaying poor people from a foreign country for laughs on the internet! Tee hee hee we're so progressive!"
What hurts me is how many folks here call this a "negative stereotype" and insist that Americans aren't really "like this." Why? Because their cars and clothing aren't chic? Because their interests aren't intellectual and world-cultural? Because they celebrate a major patriotic holiday with too much gusto? Because only bad dirty icky people smoke cigarettes or drink liquor? I've lived in several USA regions, this USA subculture is everywhere. Plenty of Americans look and party just like this. These folks are on the main honest, resilient, good hearted, generous people. They do not appreciate being sneered at by their fellow Americans. If the cosplay was meant to be insulting, fine, ouch. I feel FAR MORE insulted by the classist jabs of "superior" folks here in the comments section. Ignorant? Uncultured? Embarrassing? Deplorable, perhaps? Dangit, snobs. Check your privilege. Little wonder that USA subcultures are having such difficulty getting along with each other.
I don't understand how any Pandas are tolerating this. How would Poles feel if Americans took stereotypical idioms and did this same thing? Offensive.
And apparently, right now this role-playing experience is available in English too! https://larpventure.com/4th-of-july
sad to admit but it seems that many of these pics are portraying what has happened in our society in the past five or six years. by this i mean the images that have been displayed around the world with all the division and violence that has been seen via news feeds. i would hope that these people are doing this as a parody and don't really think all americans are like these people. it's embarassing.
Something missing is the excess that accompanies many celebrations in the US of A. Tables loaded with food and coolers with drinks and litter piled around. And signs made out of paper plates.
I am an American who lives in New York. Damn you Poland for doing these so damn hilariously. Nothing like reminding us of the gutter trash to celebrate the 4th of July; I've already seen many people resembling these today so it makes it that much more hilarious. Hooray for 'Murica and it's ability to let us and the whole world laugh 🤣
Honestly this is PRETTY On point. Sure EVERYONE Isn't like this BUT, More ARE Than Most Care to admit. If you think this is "WRONG" and it makes you " UPSET" Than this PROBABLY Hits close to home, meaning you are looking in a mirror and are "Triggered" by what you see. See IGNORANT White Americans believe that " ONLY THEY can appropriate other's cultures" and when someone does it to them it is " SUDDENLY Wrong." I am Comfortable Enough as a PERSON to see these things and find the Humor on them. Shoot I Laugh through My OWN Pain and Tears DAILY. I Laugh at my Faults and Mess ups so not much upsets me that way. Seriously IF You Didn't know these people were Polish and JUST Saw these pictures YOU CANNOT TELL SERIOUSLY. This looks A LOT Like the campgrounds I went to as a kid. Besides Look how tv and Movies portray the 4th and how "white" people typically celebrate💁🏻
This wasn’t just as they see America. I believe the Larp is titled “Ohio” and they took information the found directly on internet from photos in an Ohio trailer park.
Next time you have this event I suggest you consider the following to expand on your stereotyping .. 1. Use a fatter, less intelligent, cop next time with two doughnuts 2. Use more tattoos on both the women and men .. and nose rings on the women, 3. Use lots of small children with tattered clothes .. or diapers .. in the background, Extra credit if they're playing with handguns, 4. Use big mangy old mutts sprawled out in the background, 5. Ensure your photos show men that are slack jawed mouth breathers, 6. Ensure there are a few "Trump" signs in the background. Of course, the suggestions above are just stereotypes. Maybe all of us have been watching too much Jerry springer shows.
What bothers me is how many people here call this a "negative" stereotype and insist that Americans aren't really "like this." Why? Because their cars and clothing aren't chic? Because their interests aren't snooty and intellectual? Because they celebrate a major holiday with too much gusto? Because only bad dirty icky people smoke cigarettes? There are LOTS of people in the USA who look like this. The cosplay is damn accurate, I've lived in several USA regions and this particular USA subculture is everywhere! The "real" folks of this subculture are on the main honest, resilient and generous people. They do not appreciate being sneered at by their fellow Americans. If the cosplay was meant to be insulting, fine. I feel far more insulted by the classist jabs by "superior Americans" here in the comments section.
Totally ok for other countries to make fun of and stereotype Americans but it's racist and xenophobic if Americans make fun of or stereotype other countries. Ok good glad we cleared that up! Carry on.
And yet most of the Americans I know, myself included, chose not to celebrate at all this year. But, sure. Keep up the stereotypes if it makes you feel good.
I don’t know why some Americans are so upset about this - it’s supposed to be American Redneck satire and honestly it just reminds me of Daytona Bike Week…if there were bathing suits it would look like annual Redneck Regatta in Orlando