Polish Mentality
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- čas přidán 3. 02. 2022
- This short video addresses Polish mentality and reveals a conservative, yet open and laid back culture. In addition it highlights the importance of being part of a community when living abroad.
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Edited by: Szymon Szyguła
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#LivingInPoland #LivingAbroad #BlackInPoland
I might be obviously wrong about that, but I like the way once my UK friend described Poles since it's pretty simple and accurate description of us:
"Try to force them to do anything and they will set the world on fire just to resist you. But ask them for help and they are willing to sacrifice everything they have just to help you".
Pięknie powiedziane. 😀 How beautifully told.
Nie przesadzałbym z tym "sacrifice everything", ale jesteśmy dość pomocni wobec innych, tak. Szkoda, że nie wobec siebie nawzajem.
@@hyperion303 Fakt, ale to tylko czysto subiektywna opinia osoby która miała styczność z Polakami, wydawało mi się miłe i warte podzielenia się.
moja dziewczyna by tego lepiej powiedziec nie mogla... to nie znaczy ze nie probowala... a ja, ze opor mam we krwi
Thank you for seeing Polish people in such a positive way. I know we still struggle with some post-communist effects that make us kind of bitter and backward sometimes. I wish you all the best!
33 years and they still can’t destroy “Post-communist effects”. Post-Solidarity neocons su*k as always 😂
What i did not expect is so many poles with pro communist sentiment.
Nation is like a tree - it needs roots. In Poland we take care of our roots.
I would say that only old people do that.
@@AwarSurrect because young people are dumb.
Tak, to jest prawda!
I think you got this very right my friend.
I'm Polish and I have come back to live in Poland for good, after being in US for 35 years. You are great observer and believe me I wouldn't be able to described that better then you.👍
Thank you my friend 🍻
Thank you for your kind words Peter. Happy to hear you enjoy Poland 💚
thanks for sharing this useful nice information omg how i miss Poland special Silesia :) 🤗✌🏻
And Poland misses you especially Silesia… when are you coming for a visit? I feel a collab buzzing in the air 😉
@@peterholmanwashington oh man i was since last time i left Poland before Covid wanted to come and always in my mind but it’s complicated now wish i can come and get the ... visa haha but yes why not for sure I’m ready for collaboration ✌🏻
As a Pole who left the country almost twenty years ago, it warms my heart to hear you describe your experiences in Poland. Your summary of the Polish mentality was very insightful and, although very flattering!, I believe largely correct
Ciekawy film. Dziękuję za miłe słowa :)
"People are willing to help You as much as they can" - words to live dear Peter.
Words to live :)
That's really great video! I'm really glad to hear all of this.
Thank you so much for such warm words. You’re very positive and calm person. I loved it. ❤
The difference in demeanor comes from the communist times. Think North Korea where everyone cried when the leader died, and where people fainted from clapping during leader speeches. In Poland during communism showing emotion at the wrong time or opening to the wrong person could land you in prison or with a one way ticket to Siberia. That's why Polish people have a neutral expression and don't open up to strangers. But are warm and hospitable to friends. As the saying goes "When guest is home - God is in home".
As for policies take what you hear from the media and young activists with a pinch of salt. Poles are easy going generally, as long as you respect the local culture you can do your thing.
Yes! And it describes all eastern Europeans - this is what authoritarian regimes did to the society and it still impacts the next generations
Great video, that's the topic I wanted see one day. Also awesome comparison between Poles and onions XD
Your attitude and words are heart-warming.
Pozdrowienia z Polski ziomuś 👋 .
I think that the more we develop our mental awareness, the more we become understanding and kind to others.
Since you are as outside of Poland people tend to say "a person of color" or as political corectness rules in US dictate "an African American"- both terms very exotic for Polish people in terms of culture, I would like to add to Polish mentality what Americnas like you might maybe want to know. Polish people do nto stare at people with a darker skin out of agression. Why? Poland never has had any colonies or any African or dark skinned slavery system. If there was any slavery system in Polad it was social class, so rural class / landless farmers based. So in here no reason to look down on anyone due their darker complexion. Plus Poland had Jewish people in highly respected professions- lawyers, accountants, people in commerce and also Ormians as it's regular noble class- royal knights, so what people like you in line at the store might see as "an agressive stare" well, yes, it may come from the fact that your darker skin stands out in the crowd but there is no serious racist downgrading look in it. Also due to no past of African salvery people in Poland , even those English speaking ones, do get confused by everything racism- related. Me myself, well, I caught mysef once fearing to ask an African Americna for where bananas are when me and this person where only two people at the store. And when I have mentuoned this to my friend he replied that I would have appeared more racist asking about watermelons or fried chicken. By what I was completely confused and concluded that I honestly know way too little about the history of American racism and discrimantion to be able to avoid some faux pas during random contacts with African Americans. So guys, please, take into account that apart form a quite recent release of a book Underground Railway and a screening of the movie The Green Book polish people who have no native long-standing tradition of racism of their own simply get confused by all modern conventions regarding what is and what is not offensive and why. Is Poland perfect? No. Does it have any history of such conflicts? Yes, mostly religious ones, mostly with Protestants, much less with Jewish community- here cofnlict was artificially fuelled by cruel nazi policy in Poland during WWII. So well, in a nutshell, is your skin colour going to be a problem for anyone? Not for more than maximum of 30% of extreme far right supporters if they happen to give into "white power" ideology. This is the same number for most European countries in most European countries and yes, it has roots in nazi ideology this is why for Europe and for how Europeans react to people of color matters more a memory about WWII and how nazi ideology has driven people to inhumane cruelty rather than the history of racism in US since it has never been an important factor influencing the national mentality and this is especially true about Poland. As for your experience of racism in US or elsewhere sure anyone can share his life experience with Polish people and mostl likely can count on lots of empathy. But do not assume that Polish people as a nation have any high potential for racism. Nothing further from the truth. Yes, in times of economic crunch liek any community they may cmplain about "immigrants taking our jobs"- typical sign of recession for most countires. Plus now they may complain due to a housing supply crisis getting more visible in some regions since Poland has a constant shortage of houses on offer yet Polish people prefer to own , not to rent a house or a flat. But aside from these two things Poland and Polish culture does not really have any ingrained potential for racism or any hatred towards anyone really. Traditions of Poland over ages have mostly been of peaceful co-existence with other countries.
Where did you take that 30% from ? Any sources or this is just your state of mind infected by propaganda brainwsahing people.
Another thing is that if you speak about racism is good to mention that Poland was brutally colonised by Germans and Russians and yes, they were showing us to their nations as "niggers on Vistula" or "Iroquois".
Last 3 hundred years Germany, Prussia and Russia were destroing our culture and language. Later on, they were burning us in the working camps. That was pure colonistation mixed together by German industralisation.
Stop explaining yourself. You do have the right not to like foreigners and foreigners do not have the right to live in Poland or any other Slavic country. .
@@camouflageartist8897 It's not about explaining ourself, it's about not being thrown into one bucket with colonial nations :)
@@Dephorek Yes, the distinction between the Western and Eastern Europe must be made clear and loud. However, that doesn’t mean you have to accommodate other ethnicities. Stop accommodating foreigners!
@@camouflageartist8897 actually foreigners do have a right to live in any country, whether it’s slavic or not. This guy contributes to the Polish society and is open towards the country therefore he’s more than welcome:)
Thanks ❤️🍀🇵🇱
Thank You for such kind opiniom about my country.
What a refreshing look at the Polish mentality -- perceptive, patient, and generous. As a native Pole living in Canada for over forty years, I often find myself getting irritated by the profane language and short tempers of the Polish people. But I agree with your overall judgment -- there is a core of decency, integrity, and the willingness to stand up for what is right and honorable in the nation.
Gretings from Polish person
❤️🍀🇵🇱
polish mentality is very polished. Street poles are the national symbol of the Poles.
yawn
@@pwalk4160 What happens when a Pole runs his car into a pole ? Is it homicide ?
Bardzo miło się słucha. Pozdrawiam :))
You mentioned that you may have a kind of priviledge being an outsider and that is true. They may treat you differently as you are "exotic" to them in a way. So they may be nicer to you than they are to other polish people in certain situations.
I'm not sure that gentleman could be considered exotic, but it sounds cute. Poland has variety of folks from all over the world. Some are students, and many made Poland their home. Since we have gotten away from Communism, we have been growing. Various opportunities for people that want to expand their horizon.
Counting the change for you is actually common here :-) Cashiers will often do that for you, especially if they can see you have trouble with your coins (eg being a kid, elderly, but not exclusively - not speaking a language is another good case). Saying that - it is rude to expect the cashier do it for you if he or she does not explicitly decide to do you the courtesy.
Thank you, it is very interesting. I am looking forward to experience it. Are you related to a Diane Holman or a Felicity Holman? Some of my relatives, just curious. peace be with you, from China.
Are you studying in Gliwice? I see the localization under the video and I'm studying at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice. There are many foreign students here - that's why I'm asking. btw. great channel! :)
Wow, i used to live and study there up to 2017 as well :D now living in the Uk
I study at the University of Opole. Thanks for the comment. :)
🔥
Thanks for your kind words about my country 🥰
Polish mentality, russian mentality, other slavic mentality are all unique. In russian we call it "being human", human good characteristics, like honesty kindness normality and stoicism.
Very true. Love from Poland. 🙋💕
After what Russia is doing in Ukraine, I have no faith in Russian Normality.
@@galy0 words of an ignorant man who conflicts two different things together.
Wish that was true for all your nation.
@@sarawolf6201 it is true, because mentality of an entire nation doesn't change due to a single war.
Thank you for your honesty. You're not the only darker pigmentation person that ever showed up in Poland. People come on vacation, some refugees, students, also folks fighting along Polish solders during WWII. There's also recognition that has been made for a Nigerian gentleman that worked with Polish people during WWII.
(I'm aware of the misunderstanding that popped up when Ukrainian war broke out. Also students of darker pigmentation shared that there was racism do to standing in line, and that they were placed separately, away from other refugees. #1 women and children were taken first, most students were from different countries, also, since Balrause leader decided to fly in bunch of people from other countries and placing them on Polish/Belarusian border. With that Poland had no clue why all over suddenly there was bunch of darker pigmentation people. Also, none of them spoke Polish. Poland wasn't sure if Balrause send them to the border? Lots of confusion, and investigation took place to find out who they were, also most folks didn't have any ID. (PLEASE note, Human trafficking folks were around from Germany). Poland was accused of racism, which is what everyone jumps to, not realizing that everything isn't always black/white.
Obviously, you appear to enjoy Poland, most folks do. Consider one of the safest countries, people take pride in the upkeep, food is always fresh, and once you make friends, it's for life. You can't even compare Poland to America. Totally different world's. Poland has been selective , concerned about who they will allow citizenship. We've some European countries that opened there borders to any/all refugees. Those folks weren't ready to assimilate to the country they came to, decided to continue living with the same mentality of where they came from. They brought violence, killings, religious practice that is not applicable to European citizens/country, such as honor killings, FGM, fighting and killing each other over religion, failing to seek employment, and becoming a burden to tax payers, etc.
You on the other hand, brought skills with you that you were able to utilize to your advantage. Currently, we have had folks from all over the world that have came for a visit, some have moved to Poland and are totally happy. I have been seeing more Americans moving to Europe, something that is surprising to me, also there options of traveling to other countries, depending on a person's passport.
Wish you the best.
Thank you for your insightful comment and sharing your experience. You are correct, I’m truly enjoying my life here. The topic of racism is one that is difficult to have, but necessary if we wish to have a more fair, and just world. :)
You probably wouldn't find a Polish person who wouldn't be greatly annoyed about some policy or another : ) "Hard law, but law", I was taught in Polish school, it was during the lawlessness in the 90s. Wouldn't want to be there in that time : )
*Zakładam, że pracujesz jako nauczyciel języka angielskiego. Czy mogę zapytać w jakiej części Polski pracujesz?*
See to be honest I like a girl in poland and she is sooo kind and lovely,cute.... You can also say I might love her... And so I wanna learn about poland so I can know about her likes and dislikes ❤ also idc a damn about the world if she is polish so you can count me poland supporter also her word is order for me..... ❤
I don't know yet how to peel back those polish onion layers! Still on the cold emotionless side of the pole. As an American, its very uncomfortable to see so many emotionless people in public. But also its funny and enjoyable! Experiencing a different culture is exciting! The food is 1000/10
Cute and intelligent guy
Thank you ;).
Did you said Zory as in Slask. Katowickie?
Yep Żory, are you in the area? If so hello neighbor!
Not at this time, I live now in Canada.
@@pietusie1891 I see, well hello 👋🏾 in Canada 🇨🇦.
🇵🇱🏆🇵🇱🏆
Thank you :)
Did you say in "Żory"? Are you living in silesia?
Yes, I'm living in silesia, hello neighbor.
@@peterholmanwashington If so, nice to know you do live there but take into account that Silesia as a region of Poland is very specific. It's former miner's mostly, so physical workers but highly priveliged part under previous communist regime region which has also a very unique experience of a structural mass unemployment right after collapse of communism. This is why people have learnt to be more supportive to each other despite hardship there , more than in other regions of Poland. And well, a position of a female or a wife was highly specific. A bit like in Scandic countries since when a miner was at work his wife would be responsible for everything else and would rule over the household keeping a really tight reign over everyone involved and in case of a miner's death full time stay at home mother of usually multiple kids would have to work physically herslef to provide for herself and all her kids. And this is why a position of women in Silesia and their level of independence and social respect they get, especially as mothers or widows is different than in other regions of Poland. To give you an example, a more "masculine rule mostly" and more "old-fashioned Catholic conservative region" is Kaszuby. So Kaszubi, as another very specific ethnic group in Poland which even has it's own dialect which is very difficult for Polish native speakers from other regions of Poland, are a direct opposite of your experience in Silesia and there a position of female may for example remind an American the position of females in Amish communities. It's not that conserative but for example Kaszubi have the lowest divorce rates and are willing to accept almost anyone ruling Poland as long as this person does not challenge the position of Catholic Church in Polish public life or does not undermine traditional Western Catholic values. As for being direct, yes, all Polish people are very blunt, honest and direct. Polish traditional values of public sphere define freedom of speech as everyone's right to speak one's mind freely, even if it's sometimes not pleasant to other's to hear some brutal truths. And all over Poland hospitality and politeness to others and willingness to help them are importnat values. Here Poland is the opposite of Japan for example where for cultural reasons a stranger may get little help from others in random situations since other's do not want to take on more future obligations on themselves from random social contacts. In Poland helping strangers is a social norm. It does not create any future strong obligations. Polish people see it as "being civilized", so well- mannered. And this is not seen as being "nosy" or "too direct". This is how it is seen in Scandic countries like Sweden or Norway or Finland. But not in Poland. In Poland helping random strangers is simply showing good manners. But yes, more personal favours such as inviitng someone to one's house are expected to be returned. So here again, what one may not expect in Sweden for example where a perosn invited to visit someone is not expected to invite them somewhere later on, in Poland it is customary to invite or ask someone out if someone even as a stranger gets inivited to someone's house or gets asked out to a restaurant or a party. Again, it does not mean one has to feel obliged to make friends but it is seen as polite to return an invitation. And this is how Polish people create more extended networks of business contacts for example, through more private channels than Germans or Scandic people who would just prefer to socialize professionally on a neutral ground through some professional networks and associations.
@@agatastaniak7459 SIlesians priviledged under communism? When no manager or director was Silesian? When you'd get scolded for speaking Silesian or god forbid German? Yeah, sure..
@@peterholmanwashington Greetings from Rybnik! I hope You're doing great here. Not everyone is as conservative as you could gather from the media or politics. Most people are chill once they get to know You. Especially in urban places like SIlesia. HPM.
@@peterholmanwashington cool im from Pawłowice. Just next to you. I even worked years ago in McDonald in Żory. Nice to know you like this place
1:38 I know a guy who can help you with the language! He is my friend Grzegorz Brzęczyszczykiewicz, he lives in Chrząszczyżewoszice, powiat Łękołody.
Can you polish a mentality?
You're amazing! 🤣
@Peter Holman-Washington And, did You Experience any Racism in Poland?
Racists are in every society, people like are salad you like some vegetables and some you don't.
@@aleksanderkochelak3586 Majority of People outside of Poland have an Impresion how more then 90% of Poles are Unfriendly to others: Racists to other Ethnic and Racial Groups, that they only like Catholics, and hate others, ect.
So, You don't have Experiences like that?
So hilarious to see people come here for vacation and studies seem to quickly make beautiful remarks about Poland. Am a black person myself who came here for studies and continued to join the workforce. I lived
here for 8 yrs now. People were super friendly when I was a student. Maybe because my polish was not good enough so I didn't understand enough about the culture. But as I started to mingle with people and live in flats ( bloki), I see the other side of the poles. If you have friends and speak the language then you will quite enjoy living in Poland, but otherwise, expect some blows. Some poles hate infiltration in their society. They are good at spitting at non-poles and say spierdalaj to them. I experience these several times even I speak good polish, but I know racism is a normal phenomena of our world today so I kind of never mind. Even if you go to USA or UK you will still experience racism. Maybe it depends on the places in Poland. Foreigners living in cities must have experienced less hatred than in towns and villages. I live in a town now for almost a year after living in a city. But Polish friends are super cool people.
Przepraszam, że tak brzydko piszałem, ale taka jest prawda.
I have only lived in Polish towns, yet even with my minimal experience, coming from the USA where other Americans have degraded my character and have threatened to cause me harm, solely based on my appearance has made racism in Poland a cakewalk. I'm also aware that I'm a Black American, and I have found that in other European countries I'm treated better than Blacks from Africa, Latin America, etc. It is not fair, but this is the reality of our world ( as you have mentioned), and sometimes all the power we have is to challenge ignorance and hatred one person at a time. Thank you for sharing your truth.
@@peterholmanwashington Poles love USA and UK so much so if they realize that you come from these countries they will respect you and treat you well despite your skin color. But other blacks coming from other places, Poland is not quite safe for them. There is no freedom here for them. My experience from three different regions in Poland.
@@markokuk327 Thank you again for sharing your experience. It is my belief that conversations like this will lead to change.
I think we all are racist against as*holes! th (To be perfectly honest, as a immigrant, I also dealt with racism). I was a child, didn't speak the language, kids were cruel.
@@peterholmanwashington Sorry, I can't agree with you, just because you're American. We do treat people well from everywhere. I'm aware of what America is all about. Dangerous for anybody, shootings, murders, stabbings, robberies, human trafficking, things are getting worst! Many Americans are leaving. It's not exactly where people want to raise their children. You're not safe anywhere. No matter who, and what gets elected to any position, no one is able to lower violance in America. Housing is expensive, severe homelessness, folks are trying to move into better neighborhoods. We've had an open borders policy, brought lots of immigrants, but not enough housing.
Polacy są życzliwi i mili dla obcokrajowców, Polak dla Polaka to największa kurwa, każdy Ci to powie :)
Naród ? - Wielki, tylko że ludzie - q..y
Józef Klemens Piłsudski 🤷♂️😏
Ja tam jestem życzliwy rodakom, wszędzie za wyjątkiem kiedy jestem za kierownicą wtedy wyzywam ich od najgorszych przy każdym błędzie
We like to narzekać.
I hate to break to you, but they do not want to help with change, they want you to move faster so they can pay for their stuff and move on :D
Tassaczek, I hate to break it to you, "Why Can't You be Nice. Dzenkuje!
@Peter Holman-Washington I hope you'll enjoy this interview Poland vs. the USA:
czcams.com/video/Z1_MKpohnd0/video.html
We Poles do not smile, dont we?
Yes, we do. We just don't keep smiling and pretending that everything is fine when it's not
Wole, zeby Pani ze sklepu mi nie pokazywala tego - mam swoje problemy
Poorando de hitobito wa futsuu ni seikatsu dekimasen.
huh, czemu why Doushite sonna koto iu no? Hater much? It's only getting better look back 10 years for example? People tend to take piece for granted... btw czemu po japońsku
Because we have still Christian, catholic culture in Poland .
Or pehaps it has something to do with simply being human 🙂
@@angelika6521 ? Humans are everywhere . You are not Catholic probably .....I live in protestant country and there is a huge difference in an atitude to " humans " to that of polish .
*And Jewish and secular... Attributing eveything to religion is more telling about you, than about the cultures that you describe. Cultures differ in many ways and for various reasons.
@@rhalfik REALY ? ? There is no Jewish culture in Poland now and " secular culture " is rather negative , not positive for humanity . Secular culture you could find elsewhere in Europe and it is nothing to be proud of ,
@@rhalfik And also Jewish culture was not a Polish culture .There was no influence because Jews were not mixing with Poles . The only incorporated items from Jews were some dishes, like " karp po żydowsku " .