You have to write a short article about Belarusian people for a foreign newspaper.



How would you describe our people?

      1. You have to write a short article about Belarusian people for a foreign newspaper.

How would you describe our people?

      Of course people are individuals and have their own traits but I think that Belarusians have many characteristics in common. First of all, let us see what has been influencing the formation of the Belarusian national character. We’ll start with the natural and climatic conditions. There is a precise definition for our climate. We have no beat or biting winds, no high temperature jumps in the summertime or winter. So sharp contrasts outside, inside and in the souls are not typical for Belarus.

Now to the landscape. Our rivers are flat, calm and not very deep. They are homely and dear. All the rest landscape features follow the same pattern. Hills rather than mountains. Fields rather than deserts and prairies. The Belarusian character has no readiness for unexpected dangers. The nature of Belarus does not know storms or cataclysms in general. Therefore the Belarusians are trustful and on the whole optimistic, they never expect a misfortune.

Belarusians are hardworking and patient, they are accustomed to work hard, as it is always problematic to produce something in our climatic conditions. The environmental peculiarities require our universality. We must be able of doing much, if not everything. Diligence and universality are the qualities that have been and still are helping us to survive. Moreover, Belarusians are undemanding and modest. To a certain degree they are accustomed to poverty. A Belarusian does not need very much any external demonstrations, he is more oriented at internal work. Compared to the people in many western countries Belarusians are not materialistic. This is not to say they do not want a car, good clothes and a nice apartment.          Belarusians are extremely sociable both among themselves and with visitors.

One thing that always impresses foreign visitors to Belarus is the strong sense of community. In fact, it often seems to me, there is little distinction between family and friends. There is high respect for education and culture. The countryside holds a special place in the hearts of Belarusians. Even though Belarus has become increasingly urbanized and industrialized there always remains a link to rural life. At weekends in spring, summer and early autumn cities and towns seem to empty out as their dwellers go to their dachas.

Belarusians are rather conservative and stable in their styles and ways of life. Sometimes they may seem indifferent to everything around them.But it is also toma certain degree. If there is violence used against the country, a Belarusian has no other choice than to reach for a weapon to defend himself. History proves it too well.

 I have only touched on a few points, which make Belarus and Belarusians distinctive. There is much more but that would take a whole book to describe.

 

Do you think national stereotypes give a true picture of the national character?

I am not sure that national stereotypes are correct. The British aren’t as conservative as they are thought to be. They are talkative and very friendly. Some people think that Belarusians don’t smile. But I am sure that they are fun-loving, outgoing, humorous and very friendly.

In my opinion it is wrong to judge a person or the whole country by existing stereotypes, sometimes it’s even dangerous and it can lead to conflict. Stereotypes certainly are not the best way to describe people.

 

What questions will you ask about the specific qualities of the British national character?

I wonder if British politeness really exists.

Are the British great lovers of tea?

What pets do they prefer?

Where do they spend their holidays?

What sports are most popular among the British?

Give a piece of advice on how to avoid stereotypes?

Stereotypes are a part of our everyday life. We hear stereotypes every day and everywhere. Stereotypes affect people’s social lives, emotions, and how people interact with their environment. Stereotypes have an enormous impact of how we feel. That makes people have no motivation. Other people face stereotypes as a threat. For example there is a stereotype that says that women are bad drivers. They will try to prove that this is just a stereotype and it does not exist. In addition, the same thing occurs in situations where people worry about their performance and how they look like. Instead of focusing on all the mistakes of each person, we should start paying more attention of how unique each person is. Stereotypes make people feel lonely and even sometimes depressed. We should stop judging people before you even get to know them.

 


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