Life / Do you think that Polish people are rude? [951]


But, what's so bad about touching people? (Not including pushing and shoving, obviously.) I grew up there and don't get it. Seems like people are afraid of getting sued, molested, infected, beat up, or some crazy ****. I think it would be so much nicer if people could trust each other's intentions more.

We could use a few more "excuse me"s here in Denmark. However In England it feels like people are constantly saying "i'm sorry", for everything. In Poland, I found the balance to be just about right.

Life / Do you think that Polish people are rude? [951]


In Danish, there isn't even have a word for "please". It's just a matter of how you ask.

Politeness just takes different forms here... not putting the divider down for the person behind you at the cashier is really rude; whereas cutting someone off to board a train or bus is not a big deal as long as you don't push them. We simply don't queue, only when it's enforced by a ticketing system. We do say thank you an awful lot though. And if you lose your bus card or wallet you might actually get it back in the post.

There isn't a lot of 'superficial' friendliness here either. If people are friendly and nice to you, it's sincere. When I first moved here from they states, it felt like people were cold, but now it just seems genuine; and now when I go to the states I feel almost creeped out by cashiers calling me "honey" or "sweetie" and annoyed at having to answer so many questions from strangers. It's very interesting to see the other side of the coin.

Personally, I've found Poles to be polite in general. But they also usually laugh when I say that. So, I'm not sure what to think. :( Older people seem to be extremely polite!

Life / Why Do You Love Poland? [907]

Patrycja... :) I will cry soon too!

I love poland because she survives... and thrives.

For polish arts and culture.

And because polish people have been very good to me.

:)

Genealogy / Do Polish people have big noses? [450]

Thanks. I kinda thought so.

Just had to ask. I like having somewhere to ask my silly poland questions. :)

Genealogy / Do Polish people have big noses? [450]


Oddly, I noticed a lot of red shoes and red clothes in general when I was there.

Patriotism, fashion or a faulty observation?

Polonia / Polish workers in Denmark [41]


It's true that some poles do have a tough time of it here, and non-professionals aren't presented with a whole lot of options. The language barrier can be a challenge for poles that don't speak english, as the majority of language classes and translation are in english. One thing to consider about apartments is that they are very expensive for everyone here, also that rentals are uncommon and reasonably priced ones are next to impossible to find. Even so, Many poles are able to build a very good life here.

None of my comments are meant justify unfair and poor treatment of workers, rather to add another perspective. We are very privledged here in scandinavia, natives are used to a high standard of living, and can be naive in understanding what it's like not to have that, or even how it is to have to work very hard to survive. Sometimes what happens with illegal work is that poles looking for jobs don't know the value of their services and agree or offer to work for too low a wage. One that may seem like a lot compared to how much they earn in poland. It's easy for anyone to underestimate how expensive it is to live here. Or how hard cultural integration can be, people are usually pleasant and friendly on the surface, but it can take years to build close relationships with danes and to get a good grasp on danish culture and social interactions.

Since poland joined the EU, there are a growing number of legal jobs and legitiamate polish businesses here in denmark. I hope it contines and that denmark attracts more polish people. :-)