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COMBATING "POLACK" JOKES [460]
I stayed up reading this thread last night because I was curious about other's opinions of these "jokes". It was a wake-up call in many respects. I learned how these conceptions got started and how they've been perpetrated through time by the media. Very interesting. And it also made me realize the extent that manipulation has on all of our concepts, and the damage this can cause.
There seems to me to be two schools of thought here. The "these jokes apply to any race of people, just switch the subject because they're harmless". As opposed to the "these jokes are humiliating and degrading because they reinforce the belief that the Polish are inferior" train of thought. I think both have creedence and some truth behind them, but I also think the jokes are more damaging to the Polish psyche than any other group because the propaganda has been so persistent over time.
What hasn't really been touched on is the psychological damage these beliefs can have on a child. You're made to feel unworthy, meaningless, and stupid. They can't pronounce your name in school, year after year after year. It probably is not true, but a child thinks anyway "why are you excluding me"? You feel like it's ostracism, like you're not part of that world. And that's just one example. These jokes are no joke, especially when it produces wounds and scars that can last a lifetime. Not only that, but no matter how capable you are there are many that want to down you and keep you in your place. I've been hit with the phrase "you can't do this" more times that it would make your head spin. I hate to use trite sayings, but you get the picture.
I tend to agree with MediaWatch and SHT for the most part (although MediaWatch can get a bit too zealous at times). I like them for their passion and pride. I also think there are others on this thread that will instigate and are here to cause a problem and downplay the message. Discussion is a good thing - but there are limits. I try to respect everyone's opinions. However, I did see bratwurstboy take personal swipes at MediaWatch by including him in many Polish jokes. This, to me, is an example of downgrading, which only supports and proves MediaWatch's claims.
I recently went back to visit my old neighborhood church I went to as a boy. I never thought much about it back then. I really hated to be dragged there every week. However now it's different. I was able to see the incredible beauty and workmanship that went into building it. It was built 100 years ago by my ancestors and other Polish people that came to this country at that time. It truly is a magnificient Church. The difference now is that I loved being there. The difference now is that I am proud to be who I am whereas I didn't back then. We all go through life blind to some extent, but God makes you see when you are ready to see.
