Americans who call themselves Polish - how do you feel about that?

still wont help

o.k, brown pants with a red shirt should help me look the roll!

are you kidding me? if one has polish citizenship then one is Polish no matter where they live.

I came to the states when i was 3yrs old! I have lived in the states for the last 18yrs of my life. I am young and i am very proud of my customes and culture!

I go to a all polish mass on sundays. We eat, drink, speak and live like the polish do. We stay current with polish politics. My mother does her best to keep us updated on our origins.

I am 100% full blooded Polish. But as i did travel i came to find out i was not too welcomed by many poles as i was raised in america.

I have pride for Poland and i have grown to be proud of America. Both have made me what i am today.

I feel that i am not the type that is " half polish and half irish and half german and half english and half this and half that" as many americans say. And then pick out the coolest one and claim to be it all the way and can't even find it on the world map.

I was raised in a polish household with polish family all around with polish rules and shown the polish standerds.

I'd agree with this statement. While my heritage on one side of my family may be Polish I'd never claim I was Polish to imply other than genetics and a bit of a cultural influence because of how closed the community was that my mother came from. In having a good friend who is from Poland, it is interesting how much similarity is between her and my mom on values and family attitude. As a result as I have taken better inventory of my value system, I have seen why I have found conflict between the way I have always been told I should be by the American cultural standard for women and what is at my core value system - which is from my mother's traditional upbringing from "The Old Country".

I think as long as someone isn't trying to claim to be something they are not then as an American it is refreshing to know where your roots are from since America can in itself become so homogeneous and non-descript.

Hence the reason that I look to learn more about the culture of my grandparents and bring that culture back into the future generations rather than forgetting my family's roots. I am inclined to create a marriage and a family with a man of similar heritage rather than continuing to water down an identity to the point where my grandchildren one day look at a family tree and decide that they have no strong tie to any one culture. There is strength in knowing your culture for you then know yourself better and how your choices and values affect your life.

Nursing homes are such sad ways to bring a close to a rich, full life. One reason I work - so that I can make sure my parents won't be subject to such a final stage and that they may live comfortably in my home or my siblings home until their last days. So - there are some Americans out there that don't buy the nursing home routine.

I can't believe we actually have people being offended that someone wants to call themselves polish, I wish half the Asians/Muslims in my country (UK) would be proud enough call themselves British/English, surely it's a compliment if anthing ?, My grandad was Polish so I have polish genes in me, not much, but I'm proud of who I am and my ancestry, I am here today because my grandad came here from Poland, I owe him my life, I owe him my respect for fighting for this country in the secound world war, no I don't call myself Polish but I'm proud to have polish blood in me and why not.

that's the paradox of being born in one country and raised in another. in the u.s. i'm considerd too polish to really be an american and in poland i'm too americanized to really be polish. so where do i belong? it's easy to get down on yourself when both sides reject you. although i've noticed most americans consider me to be 'exotic' since i'm from poland and still speak with an accent and the poles assume i live a spoiled and privileged life because i live in the u.s. they still think money grows on trees...

I am an American but all my ancestors hail from Poland and I take great pride in their tales and because of them I visited, then lived in Poland. I am Polish-American and nobody can tell me I am not, well you can but it won't change my mind I am proud of who I am and where my family came from. I even learned enough polish to have a conversation(I sound like a baby but I can converse). Whats the problem?

i believe that but it also depended on an individuals personal experiences. if you grow up with all the love and support about being polish, of course you will have no problem admitting what you are and even have 'polish pride' on the other hand when all you get is grief about being polish then the last thing you want to do is admit that you are.
the first few years i lived in the u.s. i was unmercifully picked on just because i am polish and i came from poland. it got to the point where i wouldn't admit to anyone that i was polish and did everything i could to try to hide it. i wanted to change my name, take diction lessons to get rid of my accent, anything i could just to avoid the pain and misery. i hated myself and felt i was cursed by being polish. i felt ashamed. it took years for those feelings to subside. i still have my name and my accent, and am working on being comfortable admitting that i am polish. trying to feel proud. i tell myself that this is what makes me unique and special (as cheesy as that sounds) and that there are people out there that consider my nationality an asset and not a curse.
no one should ever be made to feel ashamed of what or who they are. it is almost impossible to get past it. i don't think some people truly realize what effect they have on others, especially children. (sorry for the long rant) :)
;

Are you kidding? Anyone can get a citizenship, Olisadebe has a citizenship and sorry but he's not Polish.

According to Polish law, if you have Polish blood you're Polish. That's just the law. To me, you're truly Polish if you're born in Poland, other wise you're just an American with a Polish background.

Very interesting topic.

I am American born, and only 1 part Polish in my ancestory. However I grew up in a Polish neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio, went to a Polish Elementary and High School and Polish Catholic Church and as an Alter Boy I had to learn the Mass in Polish. I cherish the Polish Koledy that I learned at Midnight Mass all those years. The rest of my ancestory is Slovak and 1 part Hungarian. But my Polish influence growing up, comes out the most. I am very proud to be at least one part Polish.

Spiritchsr1

I am Polish with American citizenship... America is loaded with all cultures

just as those who are british with Polish citizenship.. and those who are
born to british parents who decided to live in Poland ,, their children are only POLISH
by citizenship.. not by blood.. or Irish and living in POland or muslim and living in Poland
and Serbian living in poland.

My daughter was born in the US. We moved to Canada when she was 2. Both her parents are Poles, born in Poland. She speaks perfect Polish. She's active in Polish cultural events, clubs and such. The language at home is Polish. Strangely, by your definition she is American.

To me, a person who feels Polish is Polish.

actually he is. what defines "polish" to you then.

you say that if one has polish blood then one is polish.. how much of this blood has to be polish? there is no such thing as pure polish person. look into it if you don't believe me.

Good question. If someone loves his country so much then why the hell immigrate to another country? Travel YES but why immigrate?

America: Love it or leave it

An old saying passed down through generations of immigrants

Have a nice day:)

OK and the "ski" on my name must be American. In 1951 my family came to the USA. My father being born in Poland is still Polish and has dual citizenship. As his daughter I am also able to hold dual citizenship.



After fighting WW1/WW2 being betrayed and communism taking over Poland, Poland was no longer. 1989 Poland is back. Look up exiled, this was not a choice for military.




I can relate to this 100%. If not for communist takeover my family would not be denied their Polish heritage. I always thought once I contacted Poland and let them know I am here and have missed them, they would feel the same. Silly me as it seems we are a threat to there property and never given a second thought. How many years did I defend my people to have them question me. My Grandfather was their "Hero" at, "Miracle at Wisla" front line. So much for Poland being there for her people.

I am truly shocked at how cold some can be. Maybe the ones deported that went to free country's are in fact more Polish than the ones that stayed under communist brainwashing?

Carol, "Ski" in USA

Well "ski" doesn't mean it's Polish. It's common for people of Slavic descents to have their last names ending with ski.




What does this even mean????

Were your parents communist collaborators... is that why they moved and that's why you don't seem to be welcomed in Poland???



The whole Polish blood law is old and stupid. If you're born in the US, you're an American. If you're born in Angola, you're an Angolan. If your parents happen to have been born in Poland then that would make you an Polish-American...

You're born in the US, Canada or wherever. Why not respect the place of your birth??? why denounce the country of your birth by just acting like you're all Polish but not Polish-Americans??

What a load of rubbish tut tut tut.

I am Polish-American.


No in fact they fought and won your freedom in WW1 and WW2 when Polish army were betrayed, they were exiled to USA . Maybe some remember the Polish hero's that fought "Miracle at Wisla".





Yes, I do respect USA.



Moved or were exiled?

If you were in the service and returned to communist after 1947 chances are you were considered, "'enemies of the state", this was known. This was not a choice issue for top brass, they were marked men.

After German Instrument of Surrender, 1945, Polish troops took part in occupation duties in the Wester Allied Occupation Zones in Germany. They were however not invited to the London Victory Parade of 1946.[6][7][1] The formation was finally disbanded in 1947, with many of its soldiers chosing to remain in exile rather than to return to communist-controlled Poland, were they were often seen by the Polish communists as 'enemies of the state', influenced by the Western ideas, loyal to the Polish government in exile, and met with persecution and imprisonment (and in extreme cases, death). Failure of allied Western governments to keep its promise to Poland, which now fell under the Soviet sphere of influence, became know as the 'Western betrayal.' [6][7] The number of Polish ex-soldiers unwilling to return to communist Poland was so high that a special organization was formed by the British government to assist them in settling in United Kingdom, the Polish Resettlement Corps (Polski Korpus Przysposobienia i Rozmieszczenia);[2][8] 114,000 Polish soldiers went through that organization. Since during the war many Poles were stationed in United Kingdom and served alongside British units, many Poles settled in United Kingdom after the war, becoming part of the Polish minority in United Kingdom.[5]

Carol, American/Polish

I'm still confused about this statement.

It seems as if Poland could care less what happened to the ones that had to leave. Thank God my grandfather did not see this site as I know it would have broke his heart. Look at one of my first questions when I came here. It's asking if the Polish families search for us like we search for them? This may take your confusion away. When I did have a phone # to call I was warned about being taken for a ride by Polish just wanting money. This came from people that had been here, done that. I know that my grandfather lived for his family and I always felt this was a trait passed down from Poland. I came to this site hoping to find my Polish family looking for us and yet so far I don't see the Polish looking.

I may be wrong and if I am wrong that would be fantastic. If I am, than Poland please step forward and tell me I am. I grew up never knowing my grandmother, I always looked for her family and this is where I am coming from. Does anyone else here feel this way or am I alone? Carol, USA

Looking for ones roots is a luxury that can only be afforded by the ones that have reached a certain level of financial independence and generally speaking have some free time to dedicate for that sort of activity. However that’s not a reality for most people. People tend to their daily lives their children constantly looking for new opportunities, they may even go abroad to find a job. All of those things keep them busy. There are other factors as well, like lack of English. If it’s not the immediate family but some distant relatives we usually don’t make the effort. Most of the Polish families have some sort of story about distant relatives that they have lost contact with, but that usually happened during the war or right afterwards and if the family did not have contact they are like strangers now. Anyway you know how frustrating it could be when you constantly have some kind of obstacle in your way or just hit dead end. So kipping this in mind don’t get discouraged by the fact that no one is looking for you. After all someone has to make the effort.
Good luck in your quest.

PS.
Don’t expect the reunion to be rosy. (You might be disappointed)
Its’ the expectation that brings the disappointment, but the fact that we accomplished something gives us Pride.

Thank you and I will continue and pray for the best. Carol, USA

Why would they look? They havent gone anywhere whereas you could be anywhere. From their perspective if you want a reunion it is much easier for you to find them then for them to find you.
Also, if they're from some little village or town they may not be able to hop on the Sony Vaio and surf the net.

they do trust me, ive been contacted several times.. some in Polish and english
and its amazing.



not entirely true.. dont get discouraged.. you run into characters in every forum.



yes some do. no different then our solicitors.. lol just have to be careful. good and
bad in every country ..



maybe they dont know your looking.. it takes time..

well I wouldnt say expect the worst.. ive had not one bad experience with anyone.
Im not saying they do not happen.. but dont label them before knowing them..
everyone is different personality.. some might not be people persons..
if you ask me, I think its more frustration then anything, language barriers pose a
problem with everyone..

I was told to call in the evening as younger family are more apt to be home and more apt to speak english. After so many years of searching I never thought I would be so scared of being rejected. Or calling and having them just hang up. It's just a matter of time before I call because I need to know who they are. In the USA our family is so close, yet out of respect to step mother, no one said anything about my grandmother.

Carol, USA

That's true. Besides It looks like they aren't close relatives (like siblings/parents/children) so It's possible that they don't even know there is someone they should "look for".



Maybe first find some Polish speaker, who could call them and explain the whole situation or send them a letter.

because idiots were ruining PL when i got the hell out of there. you, on the other hand, were stupid enough to put up with it. :)



the main thing that still pisses me off. so much in fact that i considered chucking my PL citizenship for good.


because i am not.. i am 100% polak, 0% yankee. besides.. children of immigrnats, no matter where they were born, are still polish.



nope. out of sight, out of mind.