Food / What do non-Poles think about eating the following Polish foods? [1450]

Oh, Poland is a great country for game birds and quality options to complement them. Mushrooms or mushroom sauce are legendary! Even some wild cherries (czereśnie??) are not out of place as garnish and for eating if you want. Poland also excels with its vast range of side salads. You can eat like a king if you so desire.

Food / What do non-Poles think about eating the following Polish foods? [1450]

Mike, whose payroll are you on?

Tripe (flaki) is quite eatable. At least it is edible unlike blowfish (fugu) if not treated. Then again, I was raised on haggis so it's quite easy for me :)

UK, Ireland / Why are Polish people, especially women, so disrespectful toward the English? [442]

It is and it's a crying shame that they are seen as ambassadors of their country. There are enough stroppy and sulky Poles to spoil it for many good folks here. Don't tar with the same brush.

UK, Ireland / Why are Polish people, especially women, so disrespectful toward the English? [442]

It can be the anarchic side of those Poles coming out. Many don't want to work under those who they feel are not worthy. They will naturally rebel and express their dissatisfaction.

Genealogy / What are common Polish character traits? [425]

To get away from generalisations, we could focus on a specific difference in types. Again, it shows a polarity amongst Poles. There is the anarchic type that resents authority, therefore resistant, and another which rigidly adheres to the letter of the law. This is a source of much conflict here. You could say the same about many cultures but it's very evident here.

Genealogy / What are common Polish character traits? [425]

Nationality is not so important in such cases. Perception is :)

I like my wife's approach at times. Like my family in Scotland, she doesn't suffer fools gladly and educated Poles can be this way. They don't like 'wieśniaki' when they exhibit plain ignorance. Some would interpret this as pouring their derision/scorn on others but it's more like they are disappointed with what they see in them. Such Poles can be critical but, in this case, it's a good thing.

Genealogy / What are common Polish character traits? [425]

Fair points, Maaarysia :) Attention is what they crave, yes, and I could also throw in sth about timing. I often feel like I'm on standby, waiting for that moment when my wife is free. You made a great point about offering solutions. I've found that 'no, nie wiem, no' is quite effective when I never thought it would be. A Scottish woman would perhaps feel disappointed with her man for what she perceives as weakness in this situation. For some Polish women, it is a sign that you are listening but don't want to tresspass into their domain as they should be finding solutions when at work, for example. Men have to accept that some Polish women will launch off into a monologue about sth that has been gnawing away at them.

Genealogy / What are common Polish character traits? [425]

On the positive side, Poles show a lot of camaraderie in class. Interacting amongst themselves is quite natural for them. This is a really endearing quality that I like in many of them.

Genealogy / What are common Polish character traits? [425]

I'd like to read parts of that book, Maaarysia. My co-teacher did a class on it. How does it apply to Polish women?

Southern, the relief comes when they stop it and chill out a little :) Being too uptight isn't good for your health ;)

Genealogy / What are common Polish character traits? [425]

Then you are just encouraging them more, Maaarysia. It only puts the brakes on until the next outburst of 'poor me' :(

Genealogy / What are common Polish character traits? [425]

Hmmm...not exactly what I was getting at, southern. I don't like dealing with the needless, emotional baggage of women when it is built on attention seeking and self pity. If sth is really getting them down then that's different. However, all too many just gripe and groan and it really wears thin.

Genealogy / What are common Polish character traits? [425]

Nice post, Maaarysia (182). Your second one? Hold on

Yeah, there are many 'paper Catholics'. No wonder paper and papacy are so close ;) ;) You could even take the number of practising Catholics down to 55-60%.

Loved your point about weak bonds. I remember reading in a guidebook that vodka is the glue that holds Polish society together. If that is in any way true, G-d help you. Poles tend to be distrustful, suspicious and, outwith the realms of their superb hospitable spirit, stingy.

Another one is 'expectant'. I've known different students to show up 15 mins late to a lesson having not called or texted me to let me know. Then comes the audacious part. They want the full hour from their time of arrival. That's wholly disrespectful to my plans and time. My Polish friend, Agata, has the same sentiment about her students that do it to her.

Americans are far more patriotic, that's true. Poles tend to be more pragmatic with their patriotism. What do I mean? Americans get sucked into the nonsense that their country is altruistic, just and completely free. They clearly haven't read the latest script ;) ;) Poles value Polishness more. It's a character thing more than a symbolic thing like it is with America.

Exactly, Maaarysia. Poland is still a powerful entity that has raised its profile in recent years. Credit to Poland for that. I think those Poles who wish for this grandiose and huge Poland would do well to shut up and stop criticising Russia for wanting to be bigger.

Gifts of freedom? LOL. GregK plays space invaders in his head, I think.

What were they taught as kids, Greg? Go on, give us a laugh. Mentally strong? ROTFL. Many Polish women are amongst the weakest people I have ever met and probably will ever meet. They are constantly ill, moaning or lacking in some way. When I think of Scottish girls, I think fighters that get on with things without broadcasting their ailments in whimpering fashion.

Genealogy / What are common Polish character traits? [425]

The guy in the video above showed another Polish trait, namely glorifying Poland from afar. Part of that process involved the instant declaration that all Polish things are the best and others suck. My Polish family, God Bless them, turn(s) that into a comedy. My wife's cousin is a braggart who chooses to boast about anything and everything he has. They are forever laughing at him and how he glorifies Polish things and his possessions. They are quietly proud of Poland and it is such people that I like. They are also receptive to other ideas and opinions which many Poles aren't.

At the other extreme, I don't like Poles whining about their own country too much. As I alluded to above, there is very little middle ground when it comes to making judgements and forming a picture of sth.

So, in summary, Poles tend to lack balance in their commentaries regarding their country and this is surprising as that's a basic skill learned at university.

Genealogy / What are common Polish character traits? [425]

Glad you liked it, Wrocław :) Stubbornly sticking to a position, even if proved wrong, is another trait here. The number of times I've asked for balanced commentary but not received it is incredible. I may sit on the fence with some issues but I still do my best to give a rounded perspective on any given matter. Not much evidence of that here.

Genealogy / What are common Polish character traits? [425]

youtube.com/watch?v=BpJTgUTCGr0&feature=related
being critical. A park is an area set aside for recreation and enjoyment. That London park definitely qualified. Flat is normal, where's the problem?

More evidence of unwarranted criticism? Of the double-decker buses. They are traditional buses but are not the only operational buses around.

Also, flour-based foods and cabbage are hardly hoped cuisine either. It's a matter of preference!

Correct me if I'm wrong but London is probably 20 times more touristic than Warsaw. I wonder what he'd have to say about the huge communist relic in the middle of Warsaw.

It's deluded folk like this that make people dislike certain Poles. He said one good thing and it was right near the end.

News / Poland reveals its new super car. [56]

Nice car, David :)

Nah, you are where you are :)

Poland had to show its prowess as Russia unveiled a new model just 2 months ago, I believe.

News / Poland reveals its new super car. [56]

A what??

Still rooted in the past, I see ;) ;)

News / Poland reveals its new super car. [56]

It does closely resemble the Lamborghini Diablo, right enough. Then again, what could realistically have been expected? Poland's forte has never been cars.

History / Communism fell 20 years ago, Poland led the fight since WW2 [341]

Yeah, a regime is just that but murder is murder. The courts had to stamp it out in order to issue a message to those would-be murderers. Fine, jostle for power and position but live and let live.

History / Communism fell 20 years ago, Poland led the fight since WW2 [341]

Well, that neatly ties in with what I said. At heart, the guy had a conscience but regimes make people do God-awful things. Forgiveness is divine but he should have thought more about the consequences of his actions.

History / Communism fell 20 years ago, Poland led the fight since WW2 [341]

Ah, it was all for the media ;)

History / Communism fell 20 years ago, Poland led the fight since WW2 [341]

Most Poles I meet tend to have solid moral scruples so we can see how a system demonises them. Hiding behind the cloak of 'the right thing' doesn't cut the mustard/doesn't wash here as murder is virtually indefensible.

History / Communism fell 20 years ago, Poland led the fight since WW2 [341]

I'd doubt it, pawian. If there is a clear justification in their eyes, they'll stick with it. Poland spearheaded many campaigns, as they needed to do because America's fight with communism was primarily focussed elsewhere.

History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]

Let's stay on track, Nomad. The ME has been discussed elsewhere.

Have you seen Shoah? It pretty much covers most of what needs to be known.

History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]

Nomad, stop painting a bad picture of Palestine by spreading nonsense.

Bzib, I don't think it did that at all. If it did, I wouldn't be happy but nobody in their right mind would think that. This is garbage spread around by Zionist news publications, not this documentary. I really don't see how you have formed your opinion. Some Poles are like Jews in that they engage in make-believe. If nobody said it, they will say that sb did. That's not an opinion, that's factual observation!

History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]

What agenda, Bzib? Many told it as it no doubt was.

History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]

To be fair, Bzib, I think some drew that conclusion totally unfairly and it wasn't based on this documentary at all. It tends to be extreme Jewish sources that twist it to their own advantage and I find that disgusting. As shown in the documentary, many Poles risked being shot to get them water and felt horrible at their powerlessness. If the Nazis weren't watching over them then the Ukrainians were. They did what they could. I think the documentary does cover this point, Bzib.

I'd have to check back for that scene, Bzib. I think they were Jewish.

History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]

They are subjective accounts for goodness sake!! Now, maybe you were there and they weren't. Is that what you are telling me? They are real and genuine interviews. Can you give me ONE good reason why they'd lie??

They were FAR from being complicit. They had no choice. This isn't aiding and abetting/art and part we are talking about here. Many became aware, Bzib. The Poles are smart people when it comes to finding out 'co się dzieje'.

I have no idea what a conspiracy theory is. I've never been one for labels, just for presenting clear cases that make officials uncomfortable.

BB, ok. Es tut mir leid!! I just like what I see in this documentary.

History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]

BB, no offence but you haven't had the contact with older Poles like I have. They are highly descriptive with what they see and also highly trustworthy as people. They have no axes to grind and I have the strongest inclination that they are telling the truth. Is that what bothers you, BB? I never claim to know when it comes to history and nor should those that weren't there. However, the accuracy of their accounts is not in doubt IMHO.

Sascha, I told Bzibby above why she and BB don't follow so well. They are not historians with real accounts. Doubting what these Poles are saying is just insincere.

History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]

40 years on from the end of WWII and things were unknown? That's rubbish! With age, their accounts likely get blurrier so I'd trust their accounts more in 1985 than now, BB.

Other accounts are predicated on dubious paperwork, agenda serving and profiteering. If they are your favoured sources then your definition of historical accuracy is vastly at odds with mine.

Bzib, you have the audacity to question those Poles who were eye witnesses? Many old Poles may complain like mad but I'd trust them implicitly when giving such accounts. I don't know you, Bzib. Were you there too? Maybe you have an account that you'd like to share with us?? Maybe you can prove them wrong!?

There's no competition here. Try going beyond Fox News and AIPAC conferences, Bzib.