Immigrant groups in the United States have been extensively studied by social scientists, anthropologists, and ethnomusicologists. While first and second generations draw attention with their otherness, subsequent generations provoke researchers to explore their compound, often blurred, identities. Although immigrants tend to remain committed to their heritage the ways they do it are diverse. Not being provided with an immediate model they are forced to construct their identities from scratch, which often results in an unusual hybrid.
In this thesis I explore multiple ways in which members of the Polish-American community of Toledo, Ohio, craft their immigrant identities. Specifically, I investigate where and how they look for models of Polishness. Throughout the study it becomes apparent that the community is significantly diverse and therefore projects itself on the Toledo map as a colorful mosaic.
In the study of ethnic identity there exists a bi-polar continuum. A primordial view, which takes ethnic identity as biologically given, is countered by instrumentalism, where ethnic identity is not fixed but constantly mediated. Polish-Americans from Toledo tend to constantly mediate, create, and recreate their identities according to specific situations.
I focus on three Toledo sites where Polish-oriented activities are especially alive: a church, a restaurant, and a radio show. There, an image of Poland is presented in three different ways. Further, a close analysis of the Echoes of Poland dance group reveals music and dance as powerful tools in performing identities. Understanding dance as a cultural text combines in itself ethnochoreographical and anthropological approaches. While dancing, Echoes members perform not only dances from their homeland but also enhance their Polishness, otherwise hidden.
My research is based on extensive interviews with the members of Polish-American community in Toledo, as well as my observation and participation in several community activities.