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Young Poles' manners?


Polonius3 993 | 12,357
19 Feb 2011 #1
I know there is no glaring difference between the manners of teens and 20s in different countries if they all watch MTV (Mannerless Toxic Vision) and idolise the same celebs. But are there any subtle nuances of difference between younger Poles and their peers in other countries you know. I would say younger Poles are perhaps a tad more polite, have slightly better manners and show a bit more respect than their American opposite numbers. But I'd like to hear what those who have to do with young people on a daily basis (teachers, coaches, disco owners, etc.) have to say on the subject.
Tomek_P - | 1
20 Feb 2011 #2
It's very simile. Coming from some one who grow up in Canada but with polish parents. We get hit if we are idiots therefore we are taught not to be rude. but part of it is theirs a unwritten code of ethnics. Of course it depends on the people too this is just a generalization.
Teffle 22 | 1,319
20 Feb 2011 #3
Someone mentioned (Sascha?) that individualism is less encouraged in Poland than in western Europe for example. I tend to agree. The positive is probably more of a sense of etiquette/manners etc, the negative, a bit of a parochial attitude.
Cardno85 31 | 973
20 Feb 2011 #4
I think politeness is all in what you see to be polite. I thought young people in Poland were more polite than young british kids because they would get up without question to offer seats on trams and such. But the missus thought people over here were more polite because they were happy to make conversation and and smile at you.

Different strokes for different folks methinks.
Des Essientes 7 | 1,288
20 Feb 2011 #5
It's very simile. Coming from some one who grow up in Canada but with polish parents. We get hit if we are idiots therefore we are taught not to be rude. but part of it is theirs a unwritten code of ethnics.

They may have hit you too hard Tomek but at least they left you shiney.
puella 4 | 172
20 Feb 2011 #6
Someone mentioned (Sascha?) that individualism is less encouraged in Poland than in western Europe for example.

I don't agree at all.

idolise the same celebs

haha. Are you kidding?

This question is stupid because everyone is different. It's like asking does every Pole like cabbage. I know kids who are very unmannered and those who are really mannered. I know teens who like classical or jazz music and I know teens who like pop. I know those who are excited about celebs lives and those who are more excited about high culture events (the second group is much bigger though). Everyone has it's own interests and asking such questions as if we were talking about homogenius group is just ridiculous.

MTV (Mannerless Toxic Vision)

Most people watch MTV just to poke fun on people who takes part in MTV shows. It's like discovering unknown world were everyone is shallow... ;)

young people on a daily basis (teachers, coaches, disco owners, etc.) have to say on the subject.

There are two Poland. First Poland is Poland of middle class were kids are sometimes a little bit spoilt but they try to behave. They have their own hobbies and the future.

Second Poland is the Poland of "chavs". Chavs are neglicted. No one brings them up because their parents are pretty often addicted to alcohol or works too many hours to give their kids proper upbringing. Those kids stay on streets whole day and involves in risky behaviour. They have problems in school, many of them them become football hooligans, they have no future or really hazy future.

The obligation of society is to take care of the second group and bring them up if their parents can't do that. Unfotunately in Poland no one (including schools) feels obliged to do that.
Teffle 22 | 1,319
21 Feb 2011 #7
This question is stupid because everyone is different. It's like asking does every Pole like cabbage.

Not really. He is just asking that on average are Polish teens etc a bit more polite?

I don't think it's a stupid question. Obviously there are rude spoilt kids everywhere and you mention chavs but I think chavs from all nations can be excluded from a politeness indicator : )

For example, I think that e.g. Spanish and French kids in particular are certainly more polite and well behaved that their Irish & British counterparts.
puella 4 | 172
21 Feb 2011 #8
Not really. He is just asking that on average are Polish teens etc a bit more polite?

Hard to say. Anyone would had to be a statistic clark to answer that question objectively. Maybe they are more respectful to elders... But how can one know that if didn't have much in common with teens in other countries?

British counterparts

Well there is a tv series in Polish tv broadcasted right now "World's Strictest Parents" and there is American and British version. Kids in American version behave much better IMHO, while British kids are more cheeky and like to raise voice.
isthatu2 4 | 2,694
21 Feb 2011 #9
Told this story before,but,when I was about 20 I met a Polish lad about my age in the middle of Arnhem bridge,when he introduced himself he heel clicked,nodded his head and thrust out his hand for a handshake........I was gobbsmacked,I had presumed this was pre war behaviour as no one is that formal with contempories in britain.

Of course not all Polish kids are that OTT well mannered but I did still come across a few like that in Warsaw a couple of years ago,but,they were Scouts,maybe just the sort of kids who no matter their nationality are more likely to be a little more polite anyway.
puella 4 | 172
21 Feb 2011 #10
Yes, very true.


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