Why are there so many on here, who do not like Poland

Mike, Admin specifically asked posters to be truthful, rounded and candid in their postings. Part of that means stating the bad aspects as well as the good ones. I love my Polish family, much of the food here, the fact that many people leave you alone, lovely architecture and so much more. However, life is not all about tinted glasses. We are born to experience and share with others. Why paint a wrong picture through just seeing what you want to see? You might be doing people a disservice in so doing. Know where posters are coming from and their likely expectations.

Mods, I'd even suggest a warning for this guy's harsh rhetoric and inflammatory stance. People are free to voice their opinion and Poles, of all people, should know what it's like to have freedoms removed. It is vital that people can speak out through constructive criticism and painting as clear a picture as they can.

It is important to have respect for your host country, esp when some go out of their way to make your stay a fruitful and comfortable one. However, I clearly get the impression that valpomike is having a laugh and I find his style offensive. Lucky for him I'm tolerant but if he persists with his insistence on a one-sided view of Poland, I recommend stern action when the right time comes.

Mike, how about some specifics rather than loose rhetorical garbage? Where do you live in Poland for starters?

Is there a single person in Poland who likes everything about Poland? No.

What the correct way to deal with things about Poland that one does not like:
a) move (to another country where one is certain to not like everything) or
b) try to make those things better?

Don't they have rose-tinted glasses stalls in Warsaw, Harry? ;) ;)

very true Sean US (that's why I said what I did earlier in this thread).

his reality is that he visited, so he doesnt have bad thoughts on poland his experience based on his
true feelings is that he had a great time, he loved the food, he loved the people he loved everything
and wants to go back.. he has not experienced the daily life in poland so hes not wrong in posting
what he feels same as anyone else.. but you can tell who is actually posting something worth reading
vs those who just want to rile people up..

hes part of our older generation people so lets not get idiotic and be dork brains and disrespect those
who lived a lot longer on this earth.

Mike is a really really nice guy thats all i have to say. you dont forget you manners offline so dont
forget them online.

It's OK to be proud of your heritage but it doesn't serve your case at all when Valpomike or anyone else, makes statements like the one below:


Patriotism YES, blind patriotism NO.

Pat19, if that is indeed the case then fine. However, you can't deny people their legitimate opinions which don't trangress the boundaries of decency, can you? Many are not libellous here yet, at the same time, are not favourable towards Poland.

In addition, I always used keigo (respect language) in Japan and still use Pan i Pani to older people here. Nobody that knows me would ever say I'm disrespectful. Quite the opposite!

However, respect is earned and telling people to write only good things or disappear is hardly respectful, IMHO. Is it respectful to you, Pat19? You live in America so do you value freedom of expression within reason? Do you believe constructive criticism has a place?

People form opinions through a multitude of factors ranging from the rational to the downright emotional aspects. If Poland was such a paradise (and in some ways it is), then why do so many Poles leave?

Unfortunately I've been banned in the past for being truthful. Many of my threads have been deleted/locked.

There’s a fine line between being truthful and being an A-hole. You seem to confuse the two.

One half step up above Kentucky.

:-)

I keep stating this phrase when it comes to truth but it seems highly apt here so, 'We both have truths, are mine the same as yours?'. This was Pontius Pilate to Jesus Christ. Be careful what you call truth(s), that's what I say.

I need to sound humble with this but I feel my stance of 'some are, some aren't' or 'some can, some can't' or 'some do and some don't' is right on the money a lot of the time. Our perceptions of Poland are really dependent on what we have in our minds at any one time. I think a large part of the problem lies in the defensiveness of many Poles to see that particular thing we have in mind. I also believe that part of the problem stems from the fact that many PF Poles feel the need to take a clear position, seeing no areas of grey/gray in many things. To do otherwise is seen as sitting on the fence. When you actually sit down with sb and go through an issue calmly and rationally, you will see that part of your position isn't as valid as you first thought it was. People sow the seeds of doubt in others and that is the benefit of experience. Rather than become defensive, we should see where they are coming from and try and learn from that experience. This brings me to my next point. Pat19, valpomike doesn't appear to have anything like the exp that many PF members have of Poland. I'm a firm believer in the notion that teachers can easily be taught by those in a superior position of knowledge. Some students look to me as the ultimate source of authority but I happily acquiesce and bow down to their more detailed knowledge in some areas. I suggest valpomike does the same. Humility is a virtue, as is humbleness :)

Rebirth, you have been branded a troll by many but keep striving for the truth as it sets you free :)

Thank you Seanus. I'm glad not everyone on this site feels the need to silence others. :-)

You sound like a fascist in diplomatic clothing; I'd say you were fond of the time, in Poland, when Social Realism was shoved down peoples necks, if you didn't like the positive way society was going, you could always go on a permanent holiday to Siberia.


No, just ignore the pr1ck from here on, unless, of course,he promises to get counselling on how 'to be human'.

There's malcontents on every forum.

Another relevant dimension to the thread is how some Poles set themselves up for light digs. Yes, there are some things in life which you have to take seriously, esp at certain moments, but humour really takes the edge off of things. Rebirth, I think you see the logic in that stance. However, as I said in the previous post, know who you are dealing with. Quite a few are sensitive and we need to respect that to a certain extent. There is a fine balance between keeping the flow of the forum interesting and insulting others. Sometimes people don't err on the wrong side of caution but that's because some don't take things on the chin well ;) ;)

common sense, nothing to add to it and nothing of what you said is anti Polish whatsoever.

It has nothing to do with Poles setting themselves up and everything to do with malcontented, frustrated, hapless and disgruntled types posting and they pop up on every forum. It's not unusual and certainly not specific to PF. It's part of the internet.

do you deny your grandparents anything? do you argue with them about what they did in life vs what
you learned??

he prob was joking when he said that, because he had a great time. I dont really believe poland will
do you based on what he said??? will it change anything for you? nope.

its funny, you all want things your way, but you not even letting him use his freedom of speech
because he isnt entitled to his opinion now is he,, only yours is correct!


I agree with you on this, however read my statment above as its also his reality so why cant he
express himself without getting the third degree.. soon as someone says something positive you all
flip you lid and start putting them down.. he hasnt experienced anything bad so WTF.. step off!

its not like he has to either.. he can say his piece. he said it someone commmented soon as he
stuck up for himself you all jump in like no, your not supposed to have a good experience, you all
should talk about how you went to the toilet in poland and had to pay a quarter for toilet paper or
my food had a fly in it.. or some polish guy farted on my lap when i was riding the bus!!

I dont get this everything has to be negative attitude.. you all are going to suffer from high blood
pressure if you dont feking stop.. worrying about such things all the time, yeah get it off your chest
but its rare I see anything good on here myself .. .its nice to see it.. to hear that people actually had
fun, and their experience wasnt all bad.

And thank you seanus for at least explaining yourself, its hard for others to understand without
people taking the time to really talk about why/what. I am sure all your experiences are not great
and this would go with any environment we live in.. its much nicer to see people actually talk about
what is bad in their country then for others who come in and start bashing and we all know who
they are.. its like a broken record and seriously I dont know about you, but I get sick of seeing it
all the time over and over and over.. some have no common sense to stfu.

thank you again.. and guesswho I know you mean well, he really is a good man and he is a grandpa
and I dont see very many unpatriotic grandpas.. all the older gents are very patriotic and thats
something they have been feeling since the WWII and so I dont question it, they brought us thru
some fekin hard times and we are lucky to be here now because of them ... thats all.

:) but I appreciate your post and why you asked, so thats why I am explaining this now.

we all know who could be the next superpower. but I dont think our govt will let that happen.
we pulled thru before.

very true, and it should be confronted with logic every time it raises its ugly head,unlike TV and newspapers etc were malecontent is boss and can't be confronted.

Patrycja19
Nice post!

bollshit, the guy was basically, telling foreigners to get out of HIS country, if they don't like everything there(complaing is a luxury permitted only to native Poles). Whats positive about behaving like a pig.

I think Admin summed it up ever so succinctly, 'Poland, the Good, the Bad, the Ugly'. Now who is Admin to argue with Sergio Leone's 2 to 1 focus on negativity? ;) ;)

Il Brutto i Il Cattivo it is for many ;) ;)

Anyone care for the Bueno aspect? Yes, there is much in that regard. The family aspect is one. I am eternally indebted to my father-in-law for renovating our flat, being one of the nicest people I have ever met and being the voice of reason even after quite a few shots of alcohol (he's not much of a drinker but on occasion...). My mother-in-law is a gem too. She has many good things to say about Poland and Scotland, is a superb host and really cares for animals and children. People like that command the utmost respect, esp in my eyes. My wife's bro has also made himself available in different ways. He has repaired my laptop on several occasions, laid on veritable feasts and really made sure that I enjoyed his wedding celebrations. Great great people!! This is a MAJOR plus about many many Poles, that they spare no expense when it comes to meaningful events. They are not people of means either yet their hearts put themselves into a position of sacrifice for the benefit of others.

Pat19, I wasn't having a go at mike for his experiences at all. My maxim is 'we are born to experience'. His input is more than welcome but he doesn't outline specific instances like I or others do (not that he has to btw).

Also, Pat19, I like your views and I can say that my blood pressure has never been lower than in Poland. It was gey high in Scotland and my folks noticed it. I am a calm and respectful guy and I don't get riled easily. I just want mike not to be overly declaratory and dictatorial. Let people say their piece, as you advocate, and don't tell them how to frame it unless they are being unreasonable.

In summary, we shouldn't be untargetted in our outbursts or posts. See an experience for what it is and don't take it as universal truth.

For some reason, the gut reaction for some is to get defensive when others are positive or complacent.

yes, I feel this way as well from personal experience......ok
but do I have to love those maniac drivers on the imaginary third lane, lol,,to keep pigboy happy......

what are you saying Pat? what does it all have to do with patriotism?


his other posts on PF indicate that he definitely meant it. Of course, it doesn't "change" a thing to me what he says here but if we put it that way, then why are we even here on PF? We came here to discuss after all.


our way? I can't talk for anyone else but I'll always react when I read something that is opposing common sense and his statement did just that.


entitled to his opinion? Tell me about his opinion. What is it? That "Poland will be a world leader soon"?
According to what you're saying, we have to accept opinions even if they don't make any sense at all, right?

so tonight are you going to lose any sleep??

he doesnt fully understand everything about the forum and why/who/what is going on.. as alot of
us can misunderstand posts/threads.. he feels strongly about Poland.

he asked a question and of course (MIKE) should understand that there are many things people
will not agree with you on..

but you dont need to be calling someone a pig when you dont even understand why he did it to
begin with.

You're right ;)

he is in his late 60s not a boy.. again can you just try to be a little more respectful


will you stop already.. yes he is entitled, why you want to argue with a old man?

thats pretty lame.

its not going to change the world if you argue your case.. he asked a simple question
and it sounded like he was joking and your arguing for fek sake again.. get over it already.

I said I appreciate your questioning, but he was joking.. anything else you need to know?

You see, milky, it's all a question of what you focus on but, even when on the same topic, you can see positive instances too (unless the blinkers are on).

The key is to see it as 'a Pole I saw did this' or 'a Pole I know, at one moment, said this or that'. Their being Polish is often coincidental. Be like Jesus and try and encourage good behaviour and see commonalities, not differences where those differences hamper folks.

Thanks, Admin :) :) I don't like misquoting people erroneously :(

amen to that