strong mind. Where does it come form?
it simply comes from hardhsip in life, wars, communism, strugling economy -women had to be strong in order to survive, so did Polish men. It's a result of socio-economic situation. All women in my family are strong and I wouldn't think twice about questiong it (my gradma survived 2 wars, one immigration and rised 8 children - if I had to ask her why she is so strong headed - she would look at me in a strange way). It's a survival and there is nothing to be ahamed of. Since when strengh is seen as a negative characteristic?
People "inherit" behaviour from their parents and in Canada Irish men are percveived as strong headed. If there weren't they would not advance in anti-Irish, pro- British early Canada or USA. In the 19 and 20 th century Irish and other Europen immigrants were treated as the second category. Nowdays it's very different. It it weren't for the pride , hard work and dedication - Irish people would not achieve what they have now. A strong community and self respect.