Like I said, until we
admit there is a problem, nothing will ever change for better! I personally
believe that a lot of our national shame, vulnerability and low self esteem
have their roots in 1940's. Whoever would like to understand our complex
nature, would have to make an effort in getting to know what happened in Poland
between 1939-1981. “A Question of Honor”
by Lynne Olson and "God's Playground" by Norman Davies would be good
for the start!
World War II damaged
Poland's identity - this is beyond any disputes. No other nation's history, at
that time, was as distorted as
Polish. We were invaded and destroyed during the long and bloody war, then
oppressed yet again by a communist regime. In total, 42 years of oppression.
Everyone would admit it is a long time. No wonder these events left their mark
on Polish soul and I guess, deep down inside, we still have not got over it.
It is still hard to talk about these things as the pain has
probably not gone yet. Seventy years after the
end of the Second World War and it is time for either other nations or Poles to
understand that we must be allowed the time to be Polish again and to feel
our own identity run through the veins. In the meantime, we continue to fight
the whole lot of remaining stereotypes
and prejudices:
- On the West End Poles are often
reproached for having no manners in queues. I won't catch anyone by surprise by saying the state of war and
regime are very drastic and extraordinary situations. I guess, the behaviour
conducting at that time can be justified given the extreme
circumstances. Whoever stood in line for 25 hours to get a
roll of toilet tissue or any other basics, would understand why (there is
no excuse to younger generations though)
- jealous and judgemental - as
we have suffered hardship for so
long, naturally pursue for better life with a touch of luxury. At the same
time we lack the inner strength, the drive to achieve what we
wish for. This is so destructive. Hold your world in your own
hands! That is the only way forward!
- a lot of Poles
have a rose-tinted view of the other European countries so when compared
to their prosperous neighbours, see Poland as a failure. In fact, Poles have a lot to
be proud of. With great educational system, fair infrastructure, deep
traditions and strong ego, we are culturally, intellectually and
spiritually streets ahead the others!
- low
self-esteem and lack of motivation. I personally think we can observe a
worsening trend of being cool with working hard just to serve the stronger/more powerful ones. Continue to work hard but think of your own benefits too! And don't be afraid of being successful! With our exceptional hard work and strong
character we are worth our weight in diamonds!
- we would love to live the life to the fullest but with the current attitude it's not doable. Let's not worry about what others think about us and get bitter about comments made by those who are misinformed. Most of the images they have in their heads are at least 30 years out of date and whoever has recently been to Poland is pleasantly surprised how friendly and nice the place is.
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