Genealogy /
Polish nationality? Which of the following (if any) determine being Polish. [231]
Bzibby made a good point that trener zolwia agreed with. Incidental births are not the deciding factor at all. For example, a pregnant wife could have gone on holiday with her husband and given birth in that country. They have no meaningful connection with that country at all. The child then cannot really be considered as a child of that country unless they establish a settled intention to stay there. Otherwise, no firm grounding is set.
Now, let me have a look at that list.
1) Blood - Blood is so mixed these days given upward mobility. However, it is a crucial determining factor and one which Poles cling to rigidly. Given its internal nature, the logic is sound unless complicating factors come along.
2) Birth/Habitation - These should be dealt with separately. Birth could be merely incidental as stated above. Habitual residence is a matter of debate amongst PIFL laywers and academics. The critical wording is what I used above, 'a settled intention' to lay down roots. Also, ordinarily resident and residential status are different things too. I've been ordinarily resident in Poland for 6 years now but they only count 3 as I didn't register as I wasn't told to. I could easily show a contract but there we go. Anyway, no digressions. It matters that one is habitually resident but one can break that continuity for considerable time and still be Polish. Let me tie this in with the school of thought which says that those abroad for 3-5 years shouldn't be allowed to vote due to being deemed out of touch. Poles can still maintain an active interest in Polish issues abroad and Poles here may not care a jot for such matters yet those people still posit that the Pole abroad should be disenfranchised. Odd!
3) Culture - Religion and language form part of what culture is. Religion? Well, it's not only Poles that are Catholics for starters. Also, sticker culture is useless unless you know what the sticker stands for. I don't think Catholicism, as understood, defines Polishness. Traits may be influenced by religious teachings, of course, but they are not defining beyond reasonable doubt. Language? Again, not defining but it does allow you to tap more into the Polish psyche. Those on Europa da się lubić are not Polish, don't feel Polish yet they speak Polish fluently. They can see where Poles are coming from and glean clear insights but they are still ambassadors for their country and not Poland.
4) Personal preference/declaration - Anyone can claim anything, plausible or implausible. I could really identify with aspects of many cultures I came into contact with but that doesn't mean I belong to that culture. Had I stayed in Japan for 10 years, I might have come to see myself more through their eyes. The same goes for Poland. I will always be a Scot and deep understanding/knowledge of others should not be confused with essence.
5) Sth else? Hmm....maybe a meaningful attachment to norms (inextricably linked to culture, I know). For example, Poles often say 'My Polacy' (us Poles). If you fit many of the things they say, which tend to be highly accurate btw, then there is a high likelihood that you belong if combined with other material factors. Those who Americanise themselves, though still technically Polish, may have gotten out of the 'our way of life' approach taken by many Poles. Thus, their status as Polish diminishes, rightly or wrongly. I can attribute this to the homogeneity in Polish culture. Time spent abroad will test the water further in time.
If one feels Polish, one is not necessarily Polish, Mr G. That's hogwash, sorry! I could feel Polish as Scottish history is much the same. The Scots, like the Poles, are rugged fighters but there are differences. Nonetheless, I have Polish family and a small part of me feels Polish. It doesn't make me Polish, though.
