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Why do so many Polish strive to be accepted by the West? [78]
Go West? How about go East? Why not?
You're mixing here few issues.
Firstly, Poland is a post-colonial country with all the problems and issues that a post-colonial syndrome pertain.
Secondly Poland is basically an integral part of the western European civilization/culture. Hence is naturally attracted to it and this 'striving' you talk about is a tad naïve longing of a cousin from some branch of a family that is down on luck to be recognized as a part of the family.
Although I must say that this attitude is less common nowadays as western Europe is becoming less and less European and which turns its back to the basic European values. (this include of course USA)
Well on the east you have Russia - which is a separate civilization on its own - a one which is truly allies to Poles regardless of the fact that on individual basis many Poles seems to be getting along with Russian just fine. On a social or state level however that is entirely different story.
Does it answer your question? Maybe we should go a one step further as there is an implied question in your thread - why not buddy with Russia instead.
Russia doesn't have buddies, it has business partners like Germany and China or pawns and lackeys. They do not understand term a junior partner or alliance. It is a one sided arrangement and unstable because depends on the whim of Russian czar.
Czar (could be called the first secretary or a president - makes little difference) in Russia is only limited by the power of bureaucracy.
Which is unlike in any other country. It has been the main power in Russian since Peter the Great (what great about him I don't know).
