Second stereotype: Poles never smile, but complain a lot
This fact concerns the older part of Polish society who grew up and lived under a communist system. The continuous lack of basic goods (including meat, razor blades, sugar or toilet paper) and the absurdity of everyday life (enormous queues, extreme bureaucracy and propaganda) would exhaust the patience of a saint, not to mention ordinary people. Many of them do not believe in any improvement of their situations, so they only complain. On the other hand, Poles always can laugh at themselves and have been known for the brilliant comedies and cabarets.
The first years of capitalism brought quick changes and instability that were completely new challenges for lots of people. Many of them were left disappointed with the new system and… keep complaining. Although the Poland's economy is still developing and the population grows richer and richer, Poles are accustomed to complaining. Over half of Polish citizens believe that even joining the European Union did not improve their living conditions.
On the other hand, young people are more similar to their Western European peers – they hardly complain, and they smile a lot.
