Life / Is the word "Polack"rascist? [185]

Thread attached on merging:
Does being called a Polack/Pollak offend you?

Obviously Poles understand that the term Polack is an actual Polish word meaning a male Pole but many times the term is used to demean Poles. For example in the United States the term POLE is just starting to be used but many people whether it's ignorance, not caring or usually just not being aware, do not know that in English a person of Polish decent should be called Pole and not a Polack. I don't really have a problem with being called a Polack but for whatever reason the term has a negative feel to it in the United States.

Just like the Irish, Italians in the past and basically every other culture/nationality in the past has faced being the butt of jokes, it seems that Poles are just starting to get past it and it's fallen onto Hispanics now. How many Polack jokes did you hear growing up? I still to this day will over hear someone saying a Polack joke in the background before they find out I am actually Polish and then they did the whole "oh yeah you know I wasn't trying to offend you it's just how the joke goes it could be a Irish, Mexican or blah blah person instead"

Anyone else have this similar experience? Basically the 'Dumb Polack' ******** that i'm sure we've all experienced at some point in our lives.

Life / Is the word "Polack"rascist? [185]


For the most part I agree, but then again i've definitely been asked how do you say, I'm AN "American" but if your Polish?

You wouldn't say i'm a Polish. Most people still don't know your supposed to say Pole. They either ask me or just say Polack and figure Polack jokes are just like Mexican jokes. Obviously the joke is on them since they are using a Polish word to try and insult an actual Pole.

It would be like me saying someone is a dumb latino instead of mexican. Either way it's stupid and for the most part I do believe we get a raw deal. I dunno where all the Polack jokes originated from or why but I just figure it was our turn to face the same crap every other nation did when they immigrated to the U.S.

On the other hand, me being from San Diego, you don't see/run into many Poles which sucks on one hand but then again you don't interact with the scum/lower denominators of a large population. I've heard stories from my family and seen news clips on Polish channels of Poles in Chicago. Big population = more poor/uneducated Poles which give the rest of us a bad name.

Something odd is that I rarely am asked if I'm Polish. I have a 12 letter last name but usually i'll get asked if i'm Czech, or from Ukraine and sometimes Russian which is really odd to me. I do believe that for the most part Poles get a raw deal and deserve better.

Life / Is the word "Polack"rascist? [185]


For whatever/many reasons Poles are very quick to "drop" their Polish heritage or atleast put it in the back seat and completely become involved in the United States, especially in places where Poles aren't too common like Southern California. Change their last name, or start supporting everything the U.S tries to do involving Poland like the Iraq war for example.

While it's obviously the easy road to take, to simply become yet another immigrant turned American, I for one am not like that. It's funny at times because when I'm in Poland everyone considers me American - 20 years in U.S and 4 years old when I moved here. Counting the 5 summer trips I've made I've probably spent a total of 5,6 years in Poland but yet when I'm in the U.S i get the common "wait so your a Pollak" question.

Like I stated before, usually it's just out of ignorance not knowing the word Pole is the right term to use but at times it's definitely used to demean me. The oh so common 'Dumb Pollak' jokes and such. Honestly though I would be lieing if I didn't admit it bothered me. I have shared these feelings to my family recently wondering why Poles have such a 'dumb' reputation. I will do whatever I can to try and change that so my children do not have to grow up in the same 'Dumb Pollak' world especially since I PROBABLY won't marry a Polka just based on the percentage of Polish women I meet here in San Diego. I would love to marry one but it probably won't happen so It's my job to make sure my kids stay close to their Polish heritage and are most importantly proud to be a European and Pole.

Life / Is the word "Polack"rascist? [185]


Great post brother !!!

Genealogy / Being ashamed of Polish ancestry? [156]

I am a 28 year old Pole who has lived in America for the past 24 years. I visit Europe every few years & keep close contact with my direct & extended family.

Here's the thing. There are a few points you have to realize when it comes to Poles & America

- In terms of America, Poles are recent immigrants. Post WW2 or even like my family: Cold War. So there aren't many Polish communities and only Chicago in terms of major population. Where I live: San Diego, there are not many Poles at all. A strong community will lead to more financial prospering as individual communities hire their own etc: Italians hiring their own, China Towns, Jews hiring their own and so on. Poles not only do not have the opportunity to help each other but I felt the small community in San Diego was more fixated on competition ''We both immigrated to this country 20 years ago and look at what I drive/where I live etc'', not in those exact words but you understand. Going a step further, because they are recent immigrants....they are mostly middle class. Ticket to Poland & back costs $3,000, then you need spending money. So many Poles either never/rarely return to Poland or like many Polish-Americans....never been. So not only is there a disconnect with Poland but Poles as well.

- Being recent immigrants: They are the butt of immigrant jokes. Italian jokes turned into Irish jokes which then were Poles jokes and are now Mexican. That just how things are

- Hollywood & Government do not have a positive or more precisely respectable view of Poles. For some reason there was an influx of ''Pollak jokes'' after WW2. IMO, there are 2 main reasons for that

A) Large German population in American & Nazi propaganda labeled Poles as mentally weaker
B) Large Jewish-American population that does not correctly understand the Holocaust. You have to realize that many Americans do not know that NON-Jewish Poles were taken to concentration camps and/or killed. Americans, with the help of historically flawed Hollywood have re written history books across the globe. For example Asians & South Americans are more likely to watch a Hollywood film on the Holocaust than European. Many Jews-Americans do not understand how/why concentration camps are in Poland & that over half of all the Jews that died in the Holocaust were Polish. For someone living in Poland it may be difficult to comprehand the power that Hollywood & the media in general have over people in this country. Most Americans watch 4-6 hours of television A DAY. So that is a lot of commercials & brainwashing.

- Americans are very globally & historically ignorant. Many Americans don't possess Passports so they only know what is inside American borders. In grade school, history books begin with Cowboys & Indians and the only mention of Poland is that they had concentration camps. Americans perspective of Poland: Poland is the Mexico of Europe. But honestly, if you're entire opinion of Poland was 1939-present day, you never visited Europe & what you see in Hollywood...it's understandable why they are so ignorant.

- Poles have not broken into Sports.....which is a HUGE financial but also commercial tool in America. Czech has many famous athletes in America so that is the only connection to that country for many Americans. Except for Marcin Gortat in the NBA...there is no one for Poland

So all in all I hope this gives you a little perspective into how & why Polish-Americans might feel the way they do. I grew up being embarrassed as well but that wasn't specifically because I was Polish but because I was just different. In Middle School is when I started to become irritated with all the Polish/Pollak jokes. At this point in my life I don't care what others think because if they are educated & traveled then they will have a positive opinion of Poland, Poles & what it means to be Polish.

I've lived almost 25 years in this country & I am ready to seek work in Europe as the European Union member I am. My sister finished her masters & moved to Berlin. These days I find America to be a very secluded & watered down culture. I do not know how much longer I can live amongst people that care about nothing more than gossip, sports & entertainment.


My father would agree 100% with you.

He said the West would air propaganda on Independent radio in Poland at the time (Early-Mid 80's). He admits he was naive & believed it. There have been many reports that the West purposely kept supplies & food from making it to the East so that it would encourage immigration. America wanted more cheap labor & unlike the Asians & South Americans who immigrate to America now......Eastern Europeans were highly educated & morally rich. Europeans don't really immigrate to America anymore.

My father worked for General Dynamics & the Postal Service as an engineer & the Americans marveled at how educated, organized & skillful he was. As my father said....all I finished was Polish trade school

Genealogy / Being ashamed of Polish ancestry? [156]

Let me be more specific:

A) Not nearly as many Europeans immigrate to America as in the past. The number has continually decreased since 1990.
B) Ones that move to America end up returning after making money
C) Why move to America & travel states if you can work in Europe & travel countries
D) Non-educated & poverty stricken Asians & South Americans immigrate to America now

Genealogy / Being ashamed of Polish ancestry? [156]

Yeah, I mean being an exchange student is the best. An American college education still holds water (unlike K-12) and obviously is more appealing to European companies, as is a European education here.

The creation of the European Union was the final nail in the coffin. I'm sure many Poles also prefer to work in England vs America, which is basically a brown mans country. I'm not saying I agree with that reasoning or calling Poles racist but I do believe that plays in the minds of some.

Love / African girl from USA dating a polish guy needs advice [38]

Quick differences between Polish & American guys would be

- Chivalry is still alive in Poland
- Women are expected and encouraged to work in America. In Poland the guy feels extra pressure knowing he is expected to care for the family, possibly by himself. In Poland and most of Europe: the women is expected to take care of the home & kids. Family come first. Family over Money

History / Which countries are Polands friends, which are Polands enemies? [75]

Watched that video for a few minutes & the woman's anger should be directed at Britain's imperialistic ways. My dad taught me: You can't go fighting the globe & convincing others to help you fight wars WITHOUT permitting them to then later call your home their own.

I live in America so maybe this is ignorant to say.....but possibly there weren't be so many Poles trying to make a living in Britain if the British hadn't handed Poland to the Russians on a golden plate & allowed Polish living standards to remain the same for 50 years

Life / Poland needs more immigrants and their children - which nationalities are the best? [518]

I live in San Diego..... there are asian, hispanic, european, african ALL KINDS of girls & cultures here. Which is amazing in terms of food & entertainment but there are MANY problems that come with a Melting Pot

I constantly tell my friends about all the pretty white..... blue, green & hazel eyed girls in Poland.

I am not for closed borders at all BUT don't make the same mistake America did & sell out of your culture for $$$. Because ultimately, those that profit from the $$$ won't be dealing with the headaches that come with a overheated Melting Pot

Life / Poland needs more immigrants and their children - which nationalities are the best? [518]

Different patches dependent on the immigrants there

Puritans (North) + Cowboys (West), which were a spin off of Mexican vaquero & then Rednecks (South) mix of Cajuns & Africans

Life / Poland needs more immigrants and their children - which nationalities are the best? [518]

Haha not quite. I mean the melting pot has so many ingredients it's unrecognizable. Each state in America is very different & have their own rights. So comparing a state like California & Arkansas would be like comparing different countries in Europe: Spain & Finland. I find life here (San Diego) to be very superficial & shallow so people are very two-faced. Capitalistic/Rat Race culture creates people always competing with each other. This is difficult enough in a society where everyone is the same skin color...but also religion....upbringing.....education.....social norms.

These are flaws that I feel only BIG cities in Poland suffer with. There is no question Poland needs to accept more immigrants, but I think it isn't an issue of Poland denying people but rather it isn't a marque job destination at the moment for middle-lower class immigrants.

History / Which countries are Polands friends, which are Polands enemies? [75]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_betrayal

- According to the Franco-Polish military convention, the French Army was to start preparations for the major offensive three days after the mobilisation started.[18] On 4 September, during a Franco-British meeting in France, it was decided that no major land or air operations against Germany would take place. After this meeting Gamelin issued orders banning Polish military envoys lieutenant Wojciech Fyda and general Stanisław Burhardt-Bukacki from contacting him

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoney_War

The Phoney War was a phase early in World War II-in the months following Britain and France's declaration of war on Germany (shortly after the German invasion of Poland) in September 1939 and preceding the Battle of France in May 1940-that was marked by a lack of major military operations by the Western Allies against the German Reich. War was declared by each side, but no Western power had committed to launching a significant land offensive, notwithstanding the terms of the Anglo-Polish military alliance and the Franco-Polish military alliance, which obliged the United Kingdom and France to assist Poland.

History / Which countries are Polands friends, which are Polands enemies? [75]

I was researching some stories from the past concerning Churchill and his legacy. And I felt these 3 comments covered each spectrum of this specific issue we are discussing

news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8234000/8234106.stm

Under the heading Cons is
· At the Yalta conference in 1945, Churchill acquiesced to Stalin's demand for control over eastern Europe in return for a guarantee that Greece would not fall into the Soviet sphere of influence. This, critics say, effectively sealed the fate of countries including Poland, Hungary and Romania, which only regained their independence in the late 80s and early 90s

But here are some comments that concerned Poland specifically that caught my eye

- Of course Churchill had to concede to Stalin over Eastern Europe - Roosevelt refused to back him up, so he had no alternative. By the time the Americans realised that Stalin wasn't everybody's favourite "Uncle Joe", it was too late. The fate of Poland was Churchill's bitterest regret.

- What I feel is Churchill's lowest hour is giving Poland to the Russians at Yalta when he was promising them throughout the war we were fighting for their liberation. How can we as a nation declare war on a common enemy because they invade a Country only to then give that Country to another invader - Russia?

Let's be honest, ultimately what could Churchill have done considering England was in post war shambles & the Soviets had just destroyed the Nazi Eastern Front. The Roosevelt angle, something I will look more into, is an interesting one & I agree with that individual......had Teddy backed up Churchill then maybe things turn out different...better/worse we do not know. Churchill does end up looking extremely poor because he met with Stalin separately so he must have known he would take the bulk of responsibility.

Here is something else I came across:

"At the Tehran Conference in late 1943 Harriman was tasked with placating a suspicious Churchill while Roosevelt attempted to gain the confidence of Stalin. This conference made the divisions between the US and Britain about the postwar world clearer. Churchill was intent on carving the postwar world into spheres of influence while the US upheld the principles of self-determination laid out in the Atlantic Charter. Harriman delivered the news that the spheres approach was unsatisfactory to the US for this reason. Furthermore, if this was the driving concept behind the peace, it would give Stalin a free hand in eastern Europe"

In these times ''more stable'' in terms of less World Wide warfare (haha), this sort of thinking by Churchill seems so out of touch. Then again, technically one could argue the United States has it's own sphere by default given it's enormous size & neighbors: Peaceful Canada & financially ruined Mexico.

As someone living in the United States for the past 25 years (Born in Poland) it is easy for me to forget why Poland is so in broadest terms Pro-USA. My family & I remain puzzled very often at why Poland sides with a nation half way across the globe versus her Western Allies. There were obviously many factors but we can all agree Poland & US had the same interest during this era.

History / What Was Poland like in the year 1988? [50]

Lovely description Polonius.

My mother, sister (8 yrs old) & I (4) left (Skarzysko) Poland in 1988. My dad had been working in Germany & Iraq for 3 something years to save up. I vouch for the US, Canada or Australia connection as he originally picked New York because we had a family friend living there. My dad went first to check it out & he was completely appalled by NYC, stating there is no way he is bringing his family to that mess. He settled on San Diego & we've lived here every since (Sister finished Masters 2 years ago, married a German & now lives in Berlin). Parents are planning to retire in the next 5 years and also return to Europe. Depending on my post college options, I hope to do the same

ANYWAY. You bring up a great point in your message & one that I still discuss with my parents. As Poland continues to be proclaimed the ''Most improving'' Economy in Europe......the disconnect between citizens & more importantly the gap between the Have's & Have Not's is growing in Poland. (Thank you Capitalism). The ''Rat Race'' society in America has always been difficult for my parents to defend & seeing their motherland head down the same path is disheartening. But as America continues to become more socialist (Government regulation) Europe is also changing towards a more Capitalistic system. Poland has to walk a fine line with continuing to improve economically BUT not too quickly as that is a sign of all the wealth going into the hands of a small percentage of people.

My parents DAILY yearn for that CONNECTION & togetherness that you describe. As the saying goes: Ignorance is bliss & all that Polaks knew at the time was that times were better than the war torn (& Soviet spy filled) Poland their parents grew up in. My dad still speaks of the ''Western radio'' that he listened & dreamed along with. Dreaming of immense chances. In the end....my parents have more options, freedoms, choices than they could have ever imagined but everyday daily life is lacking that special connect. For example in my parents neighborhood their neighbors are an American, a Filipino & something Middle Eastern....i don't even know. How can so many different heritages, cultures & social norms mix together? My parents reminisce & mention all the kids playing together in neighborhoods & simple times spent outside with nature. Americans have EVERYTHING at their disposal but too many choices is also a bad thing. Who cares if you have 50 choices of drinks if 45 of them are crappy soda or sugar filled juice.

I look at the immense sacrifices my parents made & although I will soon have a college degree in a respectable major (Computer Science), I still do not want to raise my children in America. I also prefer the daily human interactions in Europe & mutual respect on the streets. In America you are either driving in your car or texting/surfing the web on your cell phone. This is a very lonesome place at times & in terms of Southern California particularly....a very shallow & superficial culture.

But as my mom says......those days that my dad dreams of & regret he feels for not settling in Canada or Australia instead.....are gone. He made the choice he did & although they now question whether my sister & I even had a better life than our main cousins who stayed in Poland, I try to comfort them by acknowledging the sacrifice they made & maybe more importantly to my dad.....reasons why I understand why he made the decision he did & that if I had a wife as great/supportive/hard working as my mother then I would make the same decision.

News / US-POLAND special relationship [20]


Why would a Polak want to move to the US these days? The liveable areas for NON wealthy continues to shrink, college degree is the minimum for a worthwhile middle class life & ghetto Hip Hop is rotting American culture from the inside.

Unless you are wealthy or involved specifically in Entertainment industry......why would a European want to move to America these days? The only people I see immigrating here permanently are poor/non educated Asians or South Americans.

Life / A recent visit to Poland. First time after 12 years. [19]

In terms of mass changes, there was a lot from 90's - 2000's. In the past 10 years I haven't seen as many overall changes but Poland has without question become more commercial....for better & worse.

Littering is DEFINITELY something that sticks out to me when I compare my experience in US, Germany & Poland. Overall Poland just seems to be taking on more traits of Western Life.......for better & worse.

- Car/Home status symbols
- Weary of strangers trying to take advantage
- The TV programming

Not sure where you call home but the ''rude/cold local Polaks'' is the normal treatment between people here in California. While we were crossing the Polish border (from Germany) & stopping for food with my cousin from Wroclaw......she commented on how rude the locals on the typical tourist stopping areas were. To me it was the usual American treatment but for her it was unacceptable. Comparing Polaks to Germans.... I think you would be naive to not notice a subtle difference in SOME city areas. There are ''proste" or in English ''simple'' Polaks which we would label village people. Ignorant to the world around them (Usually shaven head). There is a reason that I've gotten in fist fights in Poland & not other European nations. But ultimately it depends where you visit IMO. The more suburban the place.....the more proste Polaks you will encounter. And considering the smallest city I spent extended time in Germany has been Hannover....how can I compare? My father had the same depressed outlook when he visited his hometown for the first time in 8 something years. He said the people were still doing the same crap & complaining about the same problems but I think this is the norm for most ''little suburban/village people''.

When I was in Poland last year I remarked to my family & friends about how each street corner has a Pharmacy & Liquor store (irony)

My experience & what I'm being told from family members still living in Poland is that the talk of ''Poland being the most improving Economy in Europe'' is a two sided sword. Yes Poland is becoming more wealthy BUT who is benefiting from the wealth..... as poverty levels in Poland are out of wack. Poland would probably be wiser to slowly rebuild in a more North European way vs Western Europe.

The EURO CUP coming up in a month will be huge. I really hope Poland comes out looking well as a whole.

On the subject of Polaks pretending to not be Polish. The 2nd post made a great point that Polaks make much better immigrants than other cultures but that in some ways means you have to leave your past culture behind. In terms of the Polaks in San Diego.....this is very apparent. My questioning of American policies & Capitalism (Rat Race) puts me in the minority within this group. On the other hand, I recognize that Muslims & Jews are connected through religion but you can't compare the immigrant social circles. Polaks are constantly competing against each other (Well I immigrated this year & look at my car outside). This is especially obvious in the only Polish Church (community) in San Diego. The competition between families was rather sickening. On the flip side you have Muslims & Jews who have trouble assimilating but yet help each other out.

History / Which countries are Polands friends, which are Polands enemies? [75]


EVERYONE was looking into their own self interest at the time. Ultimately there is a wikipedia page on ''Western Betrayal'' NOT ''American Betrayal''. What was America supposed to do half-way across the globe? We got screwed by England/France during the war & by England during the post war negotiations.

I meant the same interest in terms of ''vs USSR''. What were England & France doing at the time......nothing.

Churchill (along with Stalin) wanted to set up spheres of power before America stepped in & said....WTF, you are crazy. Meaning they would each control a piece of each country & Russia would have been HANDED the entire East. You can argue, Hey the Soviets took it anyway BUT it came at the expense of broken promises & a negative label in everyones history books.

Ultimately Churchill cared far less for Poland than United States did. He basically handed Poland to Russia before even speaking to America & Poland about it. His knowledge flawed arguments in favor of why Poland shouldn't be given German land was ludicrous. You almost have to question what the hell was this guys motives.....I'm going to guess increasing the British Empire & influence on his way out of office.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say America loved Poland or did things specifically to help Poland.....BUT sometimes your enemies enemy is your best friend & that basically illustrates the relationship America & Poland had.

Life / A recent visit to Poland. First time after 12 years. [19]

Sebastian makes a GREAT point about the younger generation. In terms of Europe, I am not sure you will find a more contrasting group of older & younger generations than Poland. One example is the distinct drop in religion when it comes to the younger generation. Another being that people are FINALLY learning English in schools versus obviously Russian during Communist rule but also French as of recently. Hey I love France but comparing the benefit of learning French & English is not comparable.

I'm not saying the older generation are lesser people just that they grew up in COMPLETELY different times & that made them hardened, bitter & cautious people.

News / Marion Barry insults Polish people calling them "Polacks" [33]

I have tried to make a concentrated effort to call myself a Polack when asked. I don't think we should go the route of Blacks in this country & start calling ourselves a different term (Pole/Poles).

Love / Dating in Poland not able to speak Polish [24]


Give & Take

If you aren't willing to give the effort to learn a foreign language, people aren't going to give the effort to converse with you.

You will be hard pressed to find a nation more wiling to spread it's story & culture than Poles. Show them you want to get to know Poland & they will treat you like their own

Bringing America into this discussion is a waste of time because Americans only speak 1 language & some Spanglish.

I speak
- Polish
- English
- Learning Deutsch
- Learning Computer language

While I understand the American schooling system is very much to blame, Americans for the most part want to live in their little North American bubble & judge the world based on what they see on television. ''We already have everything here. Why would I need to travel''

Love / Very disappointed in Polish women. They prefer Spanish men. [24]

Personal experience, Polish girls were much easier to sleep with than German. Compared to American girls, about the same

Yes Polish girls are known as being ******

Love / Very disappointed in Polish women. They prefer Spanish men. [24]


If you've ever partied in Germany then the difference is obvious & clear.

As a Pole living in America, the German partying was for the most part rather boring to me. Everyone sitting around drinking beer. No movement in the bar, no one buying shots of alcohol. This was my general bar experience in Germany. The German girls don't allow you to buy them a free drink.

German girls are too shy & conservative for my taste.

There is nothing wrong with having slutty women....just means us Polish men have made them dick crazy!

Love / Very disappointed in Polish women. They prefer Spanish men. [24]

Well we are talking about a 30 year difference

I made sure to ask my brother in law (older) & his friends (Germans) if my experience was accurate & they agreed.

The German girls have a wall up from the start. You have to put in time for them to lower their guard. I was even told by a German girl that the reason they don't accept drinks is because then they feel they owe the guy. They prefer the relationship to remain equal. I respect that

My experience was the German girls were well educated & had high values for themselves. But like I stated, too conservative for my tastes. I think German guys aren't very good lovers: give me my beer & hot dog and Im a happy boy.

Love / Very disappointed in Polish women. They prefer Spanish men. [24]

I'll take your guys word on the subject of who has ''thicker sausage''. Doing a scientific study in the locker room was never my thing. :D

Love / ARE POLISH GIRLS GOLD-DIGGERS? [359]

I would assume that generous title probably goes to Russian brides for sale

Women & lying...... you don't say

You realize just how difficult it is to pin point a specific culture or even nation of girls a certain way? Now if you were to ask are girls from (Specific city) aged X & from this kind of family background money grabbers: You would get a accurate answer.

I've personally never encountered bigger money grabbers than Southern California but your question pertains to Europe so

Law / Poles think that Germans are the hardest working in Europe... [30]

Hard work =/= Efficient work or more precisely, Hours Worked < Work Done

It probably takes 3 Greeks to do the job of 1 German

Law / Poles think that Germans are the hardest working in Europe... [30]


Here's the thing

When they are working, their output is at an impressive level. So you rather hire two individuals (allow one to vacation but work hard when ''on the clock'') versus hire one person but have them slug around/waste hours. By doing so you eliminate job turnover (cost of benefits, job training, work atmosphere moral) & unemployment.

It doesn't matter how long you work but the amount of production you output at the end of the day.