This ABC show, Married to the Kellys had an episode that featured Lithuanian folk dancing. All the usual Eastern European stereotypes were in full effect, including the use of a last name that ends in “ski” (and, hence, not one that’s Lithuanian). Like a name like “Bizunas” isn’t funnier than “Mitelski” or whatever they used? Well, it ain’t a thing. In any case, there were a few elements that were rather true-to-life. First, there was the whole cult sensibility (”Not another folk dance festival…”), they had the three-colour bunting, and the cuisine had elemtns of credibility. Then there was the bar serving vodka. But the best, most genuine part was that the women were catty and superficial. That’s right, I said it.
November 30th, 1999 at 0:00
“The problem with stereotypes is that they are sometimes true. I’m certain that there are real-life Lithuanians who eat dried smelt, too.That doesn’t negate the pain.”
November 30th, 1999 at 0:00
“Actually, they chose the last name Werpetinski because it was the maiden name of Sandra Kelly, the real Kelly that the show is based on. Ellis Island changed quite a few last names; in this case making it not sound Lithuanian.”