UK, Ireland /
Poles 2nd to Indians in UK [23]
Before moving to Poland, I lived in a part of London which, for the last 100 or so years, had been white, working class. I lived there from 1993 till 2011, so after a few years I saw first an influx of albanians, serbs and such, who seemed to hang around in street corners giving passers by the evil eye. Then the council flats (4 huge blocks) were decanted so they became sink estates, taking the scum the counicil could not or would not place in nice areas or properties. Then I became aware of the Polish influx, but that was spread thinner. I saw a small number of Polski Skleps open; Tesco had 1/4 of an aisle devoted to Polish foodstuffs, but in truth, the Polish population merged in more with the general population than lothers before them. You became aware of "polish builders" because that was a newspaper favourite, but also true - lots of building tradesmen were/are Polish. The building trade seemed to attract a large number of Poles, both skilled and manual labour. I also met a gew Poles when I spent three months in hospital, nurses mostly, or skilled people working to earn their UK equivalent qualifications. I worked with Poles in the office - the firm employed Poles in one particular department, with clients and connections in Poland and Eastern Europe. Elsewhere British was the staff norm, but the firm employed people from all over the world. So, I worked with Polish people, with them in the same street, shopped with Poles and visited the doctor and hospital with (or to be treated by) Poles and I did hire a Polish decorater!
To what a extent are today's Polish newcomers assimilating to British cultural and social norms, customs and values? They fit in for the most part. Like all people, like attracts like, so at work and at leisure they can often be found together or working/spedning free time with other Poles. There were few occasions when you could "spot" polish people, but in eg Tesco you'd see and maybe think "Polish" as two young guys push a trolley around buying beer, Polish foodstuffs etc.
Have the Polish influenced native Brits and their lifestlyes in any way? In the North of Engand, where I came from, there were still Polish guys who'd stayed behind after WW2. Very much a part of the community. I'd say that in London they have fitted in rather than stood out - but E Wedel chocolate became quite popular!
Among the average Brit does the sound of Polish spoken on the streets evoke: curiosity, interest, indifference or resentment? I'd say the average Brit does not recognise Polish when he/she hears it. There are so many languages spoken in London, hearing Polish would invoke no reaction. Hearing shoutingm, running feet, threatening sounds ... that is what British people, especiaslly city-dwellers, are on the lookout for.
In your view, do the majority plan to make a life for themselves in the UK or only want to earn a nest egg before returning home or moving elsehwere? I'm not sure anyone these days has a true long-term plan that they are activiely following in the way the question suggests. The majority of people - Polish, British or other - are surviving, hoping they will still have a job next week, month or next year. Hoping they can afford Xmas ...
