And in steps Dariusz with one of the most common tactics employed by a Pole, namely deflection!
I don't generally like stereotypes, but there's something in that.
Deflection a most common Polish tactics?
Like the last line in this fine example - polishforums.com/off-topic-lounge-47/openly-anti-semitic-brits-expel-j ew-42885/2/#msg874288 ?
Come on Dariusz, address the thread please. Some are rude and some aren't, right?
That's about right and that's why so many Poles, even those previously staying away from debate, are growing increasingly tired and pi55ed off with idiotic threads like this one.
Are Poles this, do Poles that? WTF is that?
So don't be surprised to be told off for the idiocy that is neither typically British, American nor Polish. The mods of this forum don't give a 5hit because in the admin's mind all that counts is traffic. (which btw. could lead to another topic: are so many Americans obese because they care about quantity instead of quality?). That approach in itself is rude. Shove lots and lots of threads down our throats, regardless of how stupid (like this one) they are.
You seem like a person went here and there around the world. So did I and I have to say that it took me more than just the ability to speak the language to break some barriers which made me look rude here in North America. Looking in the eye was one. Not a result of rudeness but of cultural background. In the US and Canada avoiding eye contact will be a sign of rudeness or falsehood. In Poland, under some circumstances, it is (at least it was when I lived there) rude or even a sign of challenge/aggression.
When paying in a store do you hand the money into the cashier's hand or do you put it on the counter? The latter is considered rude in N.A. but not in Poland.
Why is it that Americans speak to you from a distance of minimum of 3 feet (the so called personal space) and have to be loud and bother others, not interested in the conversation? Or is coming up closer, as they do in Poland or Italy, rude?
And why, when I enter the store minding my own business, is this department store clerk bothering me with his stupid "can I help you"? Do I look like a handicap needing help? If I do I'll ask.
Can you imagine that in N.A. when they invite you to a wedding you're supposed to pay for your own drinks? How rude is that!
When in Japan, I'm sure you came across certain customs that made either you or the Japanese look rude. But hey, the Japanese look different so it must be customs. Poles look similar so it must be rudeness.
We could go on with examples. I can't say Poles are the most polite people, neither can I say that about many others,except, perhaps, Arabs. At least those I know personally were always extremely polite and trying to accommodate their guests to the point of absurd. But I experienced enough rudeness wherever I went, France being a fine example, Bell Canada being another.
I hope this answers your question.