Chicago Pollock
19 Sep 2010
Genealogy / Polish nationality? Which of the following (if any) determine being Polish. [231]
How long have you been in the states for?
How long have you been in the states for?
Chicago Pollock
17 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Why Polish people decided to move to the UK, and their experiences. [46]
5 zloty = 1 British pound
5 zloty = 1 British pound
Chicago Pollock
16 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Work in any office in England without any degree? [11]
Mara
Oh, you'll get advice alright. When the brits wakeup you'll get plenty of advice.
Mara
I know i shoud alone make research but i though u can give me any advices.
Oh, you'll get advice alright. When the brits wakeup you'll get plenty of advice.
Chicago Pollock
16 Sep 2010
USA, Canada / Can Polish people go to university in the USA (easily) ? [22]
kasiaasia
pani amerykano may be more right than you think. The thing to do is contact the University direct. They do have quotas for International students but it depends on the University. kasiaasia, if you're going to a school in a large city with a large expat community there are probably not many openings and you'll be discouraged from applying but on some rural campuses the case may be different. They may be looking for international students.
kasiaasia
pani amerykano may be more right than you think. The thing to do is contact the University direct. They do have quotas for International students but it depends on the University. kasiaasia, if you're going to a school in a large city with a large expat community there are probably not many openings and you'll be discouraged from applying but on some rural campuses the case may be different. They may be looking for international students.
Chicago Pollock
16 Sep 2010
Life / Passing your Polish language and culture to your kids [74]
Bzibzioh
No stranger than living permanently in another country and still trying to hold onto to your "old" culture. When one assimilates one acquires a sense of belonging. This is important for the kids that they have a sense of belonging. Of course the parents who were raised in Poland probably still think of themselves as Polish but the kids are caught between two very different cultures if they are not raised with an identity of who they are. If you want your kids to be Polish and have a Polish identity, well then move to Poland. If you're going to permanently live in Canada, than raise them as Canadians.
I think F-Stop, according to her posts, raised her son to assimilate and he sounds well adjusted.
Bzibzioh
Why? That is seriously strange statement.
No stranger than living permanently in another country and still trying to hold onto to your "old" culture. When one assimilates one acquires a sense of belonging. This is important for the kids that they have a sense of belonging. Of course the parents who were raised in Poland probably still think of themselves as Polish but the kids are caught between two very different cultures if they are not raised with an identity of who they are. If you want your kids to be Polish and have a Polish identity, well then move to Poland. If you're going to permanently live in Canada, than raise them as Canadians.
I think F-Stop, according to her posts, raised her son to assimilate and he sounds well adjusted.
Chicago Pollock
14 Sep 2010
USA, Canada / PolAms -- do you regard yourselves only as 'white Americans'? [187]
jonni
Except for recent emigres (expat poles) there is no Pol-Am sub-culture in America. Certain ethnic groups assimilate into American society some don't. Swiss-Amish, Chinese (Chinatowns), French Cajuns, Appalachian Scot-Irish maintain a bit of a sub-culture. English, Germans, Japanese, Poles assimilate. Overtime we disappear into the general population.
jonni
Most of them are not Poles; they are PolAms, which is not quite the same thing, and is something to be proud of in its own right.
Except for recent emigres (expat poles) there is no Pol-Am sub-culture in America. Certain ethnic groups assimilate into American society some don't. Swiss-Amish, Chinese (Chinatowns), French Cajuns, Appalachian Scot-Irish maintain a bit of a sub-culture. English, Germans, Japanese, Poles assimilate. Overtime we disappear into the general population.
Chicago Pollock
14 Sep 2010
Study / American Muslim girl thinking to go to Medical school in Poland... [87]
American kids go to medical school overseas because they can't get into med school in the states because it is so competitive. 10 - 20 applicants for every seat.
Babushka, used to be what Polish American women in Chicago would call a head scarf that they used to wear.
American kids go to medical school overseas because they can't get into med school in the states because it is so competitive. 10 - 20 applicants for every seat.
Babushka, used to be what Polish American women in Chicago would call a head scarf that they used to wear.
Chicago Pollock
12 Sep 2010
Work / Can my husband work abroad with his TRC and come back to Poland? [8]
Amathyst
Don't ever underestimate the stupidity of management. Less people working less people buying. They're undercutting their own markets on the altar of the theory of free markets. They won't figure it out until if affects them, and it will affect them.
Amathyst
My company told us on Wednesday that 600 jobs were going and BA Systems told their staff last week that 700 were going..
Don't ever underestimate the stupidity of management. Less people working less people buying. They're undercutting their own markets on the altar of the theory of free markets. They won't figure it out until if affects them, and it will affect them.
Chicago Pollock
12 Sep 2010
History / Poles back to the Elbe (Łaba)? [28]
Poland needs to give up the past and look to the future. If they would have done this after the Polish-Russo war in the early 1920's they may have been better prepared for WWII and just maybe avoided the 1940's Polish holocaust. If Poland doesn't or can't change, they may be facing another holocaust in the future.
Poland needs to give up the past and look to the future. If they would have done this after the Polish-Russo war in the early 1920's they may have been better prepared for WWII and just maybe avoided the 1940's Polish holocaust. If Poland doesn't or can't change, they may be facing another holocaust in the future.
Chicago Pollock
10 Sep 2010
News / Poland hosts lowest proportion of foreigners in the EU [115]
MareGaea
Where in the World do Muslims live in peace with other non-Muslims: Nigeria? the Sudan? the Middle East? India? Philippines? Yeah, I'd say burn the book (it's a freedom of speech issue). They're big boys they can handle it.
Of course religion is a lifestyle that's why we have separation of Church and State.
You can't legislate morality (you can't legislate a lifestyle).
MareGaea
Where in the World do Muslims live in peace with other non-Muslims: Nigeria? the Sudan? the Middle East? India? Philippines? Yeah, I'd say burn the book (it's a freedom of speech issue). They're big boys they can handle it.
If Islam is not a religion but a lifestyle, then Catholicism, Protestantism and Judaism is also a lifestyle and not a religion. How is the situation in Quebec btw, jadis? Many Muslims in Montreal or Quebec City?
Of course religion is a lifestyle that's why we have separation of Church and State.
If you can't apply the principles taught in church in real life, ESPECIALLY in Catholicism where priests and Pope are intermediaries carrying the word of God, what's the sense in teaching them? This separation bollocks is overstated. Inculcate and infuse as is a tenet of Catholicism. Good works is one separating postulate from Protestantism. Try applying that and never mind this secular bull.
You can't legislate morality (you can't legislate a lifestyle).
Chicago Pollock
10 Sep 2010
Life / Poland, maybe the world's last bastion of faith [67]
convex
Yes, we gained economically and politically from WWII but that was not the original intent. All the wars post WWII have been wars for profit. Compliments of the American banking class.
Sunday Catholic is all anyone can be. Anyone who attempts to be a full time Catholic ends up molesting little boys.
convex
Yes, we gained economically and politically from WWII but that was not the original intent. All the wars post WWII have been wars for profit. Compliments of the American banking class.
poles tend to be sunday catholics.. mon-sat is another story..
Sunday Catholic is all anyone can be. Anyone who attempts to be a full time Catholic ends up molesting little boys.
Chicago Pollock
9 Sep 2010
Life / Poland, maybe the world's last bastion of faith [67]
plk123
True, england, russia and poland took the brunt of the war but england was shot by '44, they needed us to make the final push. Montgomery's Eight Army was so exhausted by '44 that they threatened to mutiny before the Normandy Invasion. England entered the Normandy Invasion solely to gain political leverage at the end of the War.
plk123
who is this "we"? americans didn't really need to get involved as the tide had already turned by the time of D-day
True, england, russia and poland took the brunt of the war but england was shot by '44, they needed us to make the final push. Montgomery's Eight Army was so exhausted by '44 that they threatened to mutiny before the Normandy Invasion. England entered the Normandy Invasion solely to gain political leverage at the end of the War.
Chicago Pollock
9 Sep 2010
Life / Poland, maybe the world's last bastion of faith [67]
musicwriter
In World War II we were truly fighting for freedom.
Could you explain why we were fighting a war in Korea in the early '50's?
Why were we fighting in Viet Nam?
Pure FASCISM, the idea that waging war is virtuous or leads to virtue, also it is Anti-Christian.
Where did you learn this? Certainly not in the Christian Bible.
Exactly, no problem. Why should there be? The Christian God looks at your clothes????? We're all equal before the eyes of God.
On the other hand the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes sacrificing and suffering. These are the pagan virtues of Rome and contradict Christianity. The life of Jesus was about faith and charity, not sacrifice and suffering. What follows are very Christian values, read carefully:
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
Coined by none other than T.Jefferson, who also wrote the Bible in no less than 3 languages, Greek, Latin and English. You should read it sometime.
musicwriter
In World War II we were truly fighting for freedom.
Could you explain why we were fighting a war in Korea in the early '50's?
Why were we fighting in Viet Nam?
Thus, it seems that when the American public is concerned about war or the threat of enemy attack, they tend to be more vigilant and keep there moral standards high.
Pure FASCISM, the idea that waging war is virtuous or leads to virtue, also it is Anti-Christian.
Where did you learn this? Certainly not in the Christian Bible.
Want to wear shorts and flip-flops on your feet? No problem.
Exactly, no problem. Why should there be? The Christian God looks at your clothes????? We're all equal before the eyes of God.
Today, there is too much emphasis placed upon money and self-gratification. Because of this, we over-expect.
On the other hand the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes sacrificing and suffering. These are the pagan virtues of Rome and contradict Christianity. The life of Jesus was about faith and charity, not sacrifice and suffering. What follows are very Christian values, read carefully:
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
Coined by none other than T.Jefferson, who also wrote the Bible in no less than 3 languages, Greek, Latin and English. You should read it sometime.
Chicago Pollock
9 Sep 2010
Life / Before 1980 family in Poland was friendly towards immigrants; now they are not [11]
Life moves on. Both parties are not the same people anymore.
Life moves on. Both parties are not the same people anymore.
Chicago Pollock
8 Sep 2010
Genealogy / Mixed-Blood Poles in America (Do we count?) [118]
Eurola
He could have easily taken his mother's last name. Not unheard of in the States. Naming conventions are not as strict in the US as they are in Europa.
Eurola
He could have easily taken his mother's last name. Not unheard of in the States. Naming conventions are not as strict in the US as they are in Europa.
Chicago Pollock
6 Sep 2010
Genealogy / Polish nationality? Which of the following (if any) determine being Polish. [231]
Patrycja19
Why wouldn't being American "be enough"?
Hypocrisy is a double sided coin. Is one hypocritical by living in the States but claiming to be Polish or some other nationality?
Yeah, you can learn who you are by studying your family history but it doesn't mean that I am them. I plan to go to Poland and see the towns where they came from but it will be their town, not mine.
Patrycja19
so, if people are finding that being just American isnt enough, then that still isnt ok
get it straight, people are finding themselfs thru their history of family.
get it straight, people are finding themselfs thru their history of family.
Why wouldn't being American "be enough"?
Hypocrisy is a double sided coin. Is one hypocritical by living in the States but claiming to be Polish or some other nationality?
Yeah, you can learn who you are by studying your family history but it doesn't mean that I am them. I plan to go to Poland and see the towns where they came from but it will be their town, not mine.
Chicago Pollock
6 Sep 2010
Genealogy / Polish nationality? Which of the following (if any) determine being Polish. [231]
PlasticPole
They have their own nation it's called ... Poland.
I was raised in Chicago when ethnicity was much more prominent than it is today. I went away to college (on my own dime btw) and I had to learn to integrate. It was either hold on to the values, culture of my immigrant great grand parents or...accept and integrate into American culture. I don't believe that there are two ways, you're either one or the other. If you try to be both (Polish and American) you end up being neither. You have to be true to yourself. Where is that?
PlasticPole
I think American Poles need our own nation, too.
They have their own nation it's called ... Poland.
I was raised in Chicago when ethnicity was much more prominent than it is today. I went away to college (on my own dime btw) and I had to learn to integrate. It was either hold on to the values, culture of my immigrant great grand parents or...accept and integrate into American culture. I don't believe that there are two ways, you're either one or the other. If you try to be both (Polish and American) you end up being neither. You have to be true to yourself. Where is that?
Chicago Pollock
6 Sep 2010
Genealogy / Polish nationality? Which of the following (if any) determine being Polish. [231]
PlasticPole
The experience of the Native Americans is totally different from Polish immigration. The Polish immigrants were highly successful integrating into American society (Native Americans, unsuccessful). They integrated seamlessly. America continues to have Polish immigration but over time they too will integrate and disappear. The Point being Polish America is America, it's not a separate enclave.
PlasticPole
Yes, it's like native Americans. They identify themselves as Americans but have their own sovereign nation within the US.
The experience of the Native Americans is totally different from Polish immigration. The Polish immigrants were highly successful integrating into American society (Native Americans, unsuccessful). They integrated seamlessly. America continues to have Polish immigration but over time they too will integrate and disappear. The Point being Polish America is America, it's not a separate enclave.
Chicago Pollock
4 Sep 2010
Travel / Hospitality, Scenery, Food, Clean Streets: My POSITIVE experiences in Poland (!) [39]
zetigrek
Greasy buggers!
zetigrek
I love fried carp. Don't like most fish but this one is very fat... and I like fat ;)
Greasy buggers!
Chicago Pollock
4 Sep 2010
Life / Young Poles say: Hurray for decay? [35]
Polonius3
George Washington in his farewell address said that we get our morals from our churches. He didn't say that we got our morals from the legislature or the courts. If the West is immoral it is the responsibility of its churches. You can't legislate morality, if you could what would be the role of the Church???
We all know who this is. You know this is not mainstream America.
jonni
It's got nothing to do with it, a gun is an inanimate object.
Polonius3
George Washington in his farewell address said that we get our morals from our churches. He didn't say that we got our morals from the legislature or the courts. If the West is immoral it is the responsibility of its churches. You can't legislate morality, if you could what would be the role of the Church???
As for extremism, I don't think too many Polish kids bring knives and guns to school, do they? In the Detroit area that is not uncommon.
We all know who this is. You know this is not mainstream America.
jonni
Fortunately private gun ownership is highly restricted in most of Europe
It's got nothing to do with it, a gun is an inanimate object.
Chicago Pollock
3 Sep 2010
USA, Canada / American Polonia. Wisconsin - the most Polish state? [112]
Tymoteusz
Whatever happened to Point Special Beer? Is it still around? It used to be the best.
Tymoteusz
25 years in the Stevens Point area
Whatever happened to Point Special Beer? Is it still around? It used to be the best.
Chicago Pollock
2 Sep 2010
USA, Canada / American Polonia. Wisconsin - the most Polish state? [112]
Tymoteusz
You know what a F.I.B. is? My, my you must be from Wisconsin. And here I thought you were an Ohioan. Boy this is a small world isn't it??
Tymoteusz
Nah, They just dont like you flatlanders and F.I.B's.
You know what a F.I.B. is? My, my you must be from Wisconsin. And here I thought you were an Ohioan. Boy this is a small world isn't it??
Chicago Pollock
31 Aug 2010
History / Kosciuszko Squadron - why don't they bring it back? [45]
convex
One of the main dudes wrote a book about his experiences. I'm sure it would have made a good read but they're out of print I think. Actually he had himself a Polish gf and had a son but ditched her and moved to Hollywood. I think he had all the copies destroyed (due to Polish gf) except for one. but I don't know if it was reprinted.
convex
Can anyone suggest a good read about the Kosciuszko Squadron of American volunteers during the Polish-Soviet war?
Are there any monuments or memorials for the Americans who went over and voluntarily risked their lives to assist Poland?
Are there any monuments or memorials for the Americans who went over and voluntarily risked their lives to assist Poland?
One of the main dudes wrote a book about his experiences. I'm sure it would have made a good read but they're out of print I think. Actually he had himself a Polish gf and had a son but ditched her and moved to Hollywood. I think he had all the copies destroyed (due to Polish gf) except for one. but I don't know if it was reprinted.
Chicago Pollock
31 Aug 2010
Travel / Poland-My 9-day experience [239]
PGH1
The British Grin...you don't say?
Amathyst
From the historical record (posts & links on this forum), after the German occupation a sizable proportion of the Polish population supported communism. It wasn't imposed on them by Russia. If the Poles wanted to, they could have kicked out the Russians like they did in 1920-22. So the Poles are responsible for their lousy economy of the post war years. It was the Poles who cut themselves off from the World.
AussieSheila
The geography books that you're using are 60 years old. Especially since "Solidarity" the whole world knows it's Gdansk.
PGH1
that it might be nice if people in Polish shops smiled a bit more but then you could say you wish that the british stopped being grinning so stupidly for no reason -culture hey )
The British Grin...you don't say?
Amathyst
Poland just had a miserable existence (economically) for a long time due to being cut off from the outside world...Not because of incompetent governments and greedy consumers..
From the historical record (posts & links on this forum), after the German occupation a sizable proportion of the Polish population supported communism. It wasn't imposed on them by Russia. If the Poles wanted to, they could have kicked out the Russians like they did in 1920-22. So the Poles are responsible for their lousy economy of the post war years. It was the Poles who cut themselves off from the World.
AussieSheila
Danzig is the name for anyone educated outside Poland. Most people know Danzig, not Gdansk.
The geography books that you're using are 60 years old. Especially since "Solidarity" the whole world knows it's Gdansk.
Chicago Pollock
30 Aug 2010
USA, Canada / American Polonia. Wisconsin - the most Polish state? [112]
Matt32
yes, it's very beautiful with limestone cliffs. Wisconsin is known for its dairy farms, cheese, beer and sausages. Yes, the capital at night in Madison is all lit up. Quite impressive when seen from the interstate at night. yes, University of Wisconsin is very big, very good, lots of research dollars. But so are University of Illinois and University of Minnesota. World Class.
Matt32
yes, it's very beautiful with limestone cliffs. Wisconsin is known for its dairy farms, cheese, beer and sausages. Yes, the capital at night in Madison is all lit up. Quite impressive when seen from the interstate at night. yes, University of Wisconsin is very big, very good, lots of research dollars. But so are University of Illinois and University of Minnesota. World Class.
Chicago Pollock
30 Aug 2010
USA, Canada / American Polonia. Wisconsin - the most Polish state? [112]
FUZZYWICKETS
Fuzzy, You're invited to go to downtown Chicago and Minneapolis (on your dime of course). In Chicago go to the SE Corner of Wacker and Michigan and go down the stairs to the River and take the boat ride where they explain the architecture of Chicago. By all means take in the night life in Chicago, start at Rush St. and work your way northwest to the Polish joints mentioned in earlier posts. Ya might find some of your ex-students from Polska.
Next drive on I-94 (right through Wisconsin) all the way to Minneapolis. Make a bee line for downtown. Check out the restaurants, night life and the University of Minnesota is nearby. Hey ya know they have a waterfall downtown?? Nice city, Minneapolis. There's more but too much to list right now.
FUZZYWICKETS
does it really matter. we're talking Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin. not desireable places to live, suburbs or not, which is my point.
Fuzzy, You're invited to go to downtown Chicago and Minneapolis (on your dime of course). In Chicago go to the SE Corner of Wacker and Michigan and go down the stairs to the River and take the boat ride where they explain the architecture of Chicago. By all means take in the night life in Chicago, start at Rush St. and work your way northwest to the Polish joints mentioned in earlier posts. Ya might find some of your ex-students from Polska.
Next drive on I-94 (right through Wisconsin) all the way to Minneapolis. Make a bee line for downtown. Check out the restaurants, night life and the University of Minnesota is nearby. Hey ya know they have a waterfall downtown?? Nice city, Minneapolis. There's more but too much to list right now.
Chicago Pollock
28 Aug 2010
USA, Canada / American Polonia. Wisconsin - the most Polish state? [112]
I mentioned moving permanently to another country. Not a temporary work assignment. BTW Iraq and Iran have Christian minorities. I used to work with a couple of 'em.
In a sense your living a lie. You live in a never-never land. If someone has been here or anywhere for that matter for two or three generations what connection does one have with the old country? Culture evolves, it's dynamic. Your traditions are of a Poland of what, 100 years ago? That's not the culture of today.
Exactly, American is a melting pot. They melt into American culture.
For example, what if my husband were transferred to a country like Iran or Iraq, which has a very traditional Islamic culture?
I mentioned moving permanently to another country. Not a temporary work assignment. BTW Iraq and Iran have Christian minorities. I used to work with a couple of 'em.
Also, what is wrong with folks retaining some of their traditions from the "old country" to pass along to their children, and to their children's children, and so on? That is one of the things that makes America so great: she is a melting pot of all different ethnic groups from all over the world! If everyone dropped their celebrations and traditions from the old country, America would become a boring place, indeed.
In a sense your living a lie. You live in a never-never land. If someone has been here or anywhere for that matter for two or three generations what connection does one have with the old country? Culture evolves, it's dynamic. Your traditions are of a Poland of what, 100 years ago? That's not the culture of today.
Exactly, American is a melting pot. They melt into American culture.
Chicago Pollock
28 Aug 2010
USA, Canada / American Polonia. Wisconsin - the most Polish state? [112]
WarsaWasRaw
My great grandparents immigrated to this country between 1880 - 1900. They spoke both German and Polish. My grand parents spoke Polish and English. Our parents spoke a rudimentary Polish and English and only spoke Polish when they didn't want us to know what they were saying. The third/fourth generation only speaks English. We were never encouraged to speak Polish I think because there was no need. We were living in America.
My opinion, but if anyone is going to immigrate to another land one should learn the language and culture of the host country. People who permanently move to Poland should learn the language and absorb the local culture. Why wouldn't you? If you don't you are forever on the outside looking in. How shallow. If a Pole moves to Norway become Norwegian, in Denmark do as the Danes, in France the same and so on. If I moved back to Poland I would learn the language and the culture and contribute to Polish Society. No other way.
WarsaWasRaw
I posit the thesis that the degree to which children of immigrants speak their parents' language is a measure of how superior/inferior the native culture is compared to the host one. Much like a strong currency will displace a weaker one in the mattresses of Polish people, so too a strong culture will suppress a weaker one in the minds of their children.
My great grandparents immigrated to this country between 1880 - 1900. They spoke both German and Polish. My grand parents spoke Polish and English. Our parents spoke a rudimentary Polish and English and only spoke Polish when they didn't want us to know what they were saying. The third/fourth generation only speaks English. We were never encouraged to speak Polish I think because there was no need. We were living in America.
My opinion, but if anyone is going to immigrate to another land one should learn the language and culture of the host country. People who permanently move to Poland should learn the language and absorb the local culture. Why wouldn't you? If you don't you are forever on the outside looking in. How shallow. If a Pole moves to Norway become Norwegian, in Denmark do as the Danes, in France the same and so on. If I moved back to Poland I would learn the language and the culture and contribute to Polish Society. No other way.
Chicago Pollock
27 Aug 2010
Genealogy / Mixed-Blood Poles in America (Do we count?) [118]
josh sklodowski
You're American. Chicago's a pretty segregated place. You want people to look beyond skin color? Move to the Upper Midwest (MN., ND.,WI) or States West of the Missouri.
josh sklodowski
My Mom's from Jefferson Park. My Dad's from West Englewood. I'm Polish and Black. I've always considered myself Polish-American (Half Polish when under pressure.) Do I count? How accepting is the Polish-American community on such issues surrounding mixed race Poles?
You're American. Chicago's a pretty segregated place. You want people to look beyond skin color? Move to the Upper Midwest (MN., ND.,WI) or States West of the Missouri.
Chicago Pollock
27 Aug 2010
Genealogy / Mixed-Blood Poles in America (Do we count?) [118]
delphiandomine
Exactly, good post.
Suppoko
Doesn't mean didly. If you wanna be Polish MOVE TO POLAND.
delphiandomine
move to Poland for a few years and really get a grasp of what it means to be Polish. Calling your grandparents "busha and dza dza" doesn't make you Polish at all, it makes you a Plastic Pole if anything.
Exactly, good post.
Suppoko
and for the record I have spent over 2 years researching my heritage and can go back over 300 years
Doesn't mean didly. If you wanna be Polish MOVE TO POLAND.