America and Poland-Are we friends or enemies?

Quoting: Patrycja19

Quoting: Ser
People in Poland are more aware now of what is going on in the States with our citizens.

like what?

I dont hear Polish jokes like before.. more bush jokes then anything..

I am getting to the point where , who cares what they think, people are going
to form their own opinions, ive been saying over and over on here how we feel
about Poland, but its to late, to many are brainwashed, my only word of advice
to those who have never came here to the USA. like a new fancy dish your about
to taste.. dont knock it till you try it.. in other words, you dont know till you come
here.. I dont take a few peoples word for it till I see for myself.. you could get the
same reactions from people who visited Poland and come back and tell us how
awful and rude people were.. same thing.. see for yourselfs.

Exchange Stu	May 8, 07, 06:50 / #
I'm American and would like to know your opinions about this subject. After reading many statements on this forum i'm not really sure where we stand.

sparrowThreads: 4 Posts: 307 Joined: Apr 24, 07	May 8, 07, 07:06 / #
The Polish govt. is one of the most pro-American in Europe.. as far as the people.. mixed mostly.. You might want to check out this, it's about how Americans are perceived in the world pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=247

Ser	May 8, 07, 07:10 / #
Let me ask you something. Why do you wish to know? According to my experience, Americans know very little or nothing about Poland and they prefer to stay that way. After many mistreatments of polish citizens in USA, even by your government (“polish jokes” included), there comes the time for revision of polish feelings toward “our bigger ally”. It is nowadays more neutral then friendly. But what do you expect after years of atrocities? People in Poland are more aware now of what is going on in the States with our citizens. And let me tell you something. They don’t like this picture.

LodzyThreads: - Posts: 21 Joined: May 5, 07	May 8, 07, 07:11 / #
i think America and Poland are friendly countries think about the past America fought off the Germans in WW2

Exchange Stu	Edited by: Moderator May 8, 07, 07:26 / #
Quoting: Ser mistreatments of polish citizens in USA Can you please back up your point with facts... Quoting: Ser (“polish jokes People in general make jokes about anyone and anything, why put too much importance to it. Quoting: Ser They don’t like this picture. Some facts please, not opinions. If you for example mean something like some people being mad about immigrants (no matter where they're from) stealing their jobs then this is not just typical for America, it happens all over the world. You hear voices from Western Europe complaining about it even more. I personally don't have any problems with your country or people. Quoting: sparrow You might want to check out this, it's about how Americans are perceived in the world Thanks. Very informational. I've been to Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany also scandinavian countries and have to say that some of the statistics don't show the real situation. Except for France, I've never made any negative experiences being an American. Quoting: Lodzy i think America and Poland are friendly countries It's also my opinion.

Ser	May 8, 07, 07:38 / #
Quoting: Exchange Stu Can you please back up your point with facts... Quoting: Exchange Stu Some facts please, not opinions. It will be my pleasure. I`ll be back with more info.

sparrowThreads: 4 Posts: 307 Joined: Apr 24, 07	May 8, 07, 07:45 / #
Quoting: Exchange Stu Thanks. Very informational. I've been to Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany also scandinavian countries and have to say that some of the statistics don't show the real situation. Except for France, I've never made any negative experiences being an American. I live in Belgium myself. Personally, I think the statistics do reflect what we think of Americans (well.. their foreign policy mostly..) but that's not a reason to argue with them about it. They're probably tourists & have nothing to do with it. But I know lots of people who have to be put in a straight jacket if they see an American on the streets.. they just have this urge to go up to them & ask "You like Bush?" :)

Patrycja19Threads: 79 Posts: 3,972 Joined: Oct 31, 06	May 8, 07, 08:14 / #
Quoting: Ser People in Poland are more aware now of what is going on in the States with our citizens. like what? I dont hear Polish jokes like before.. more bush jokes then anything.. I am getting to the point where , who cares what they think, people are going to form their own opinions, ive been saying over and over on here how we feel about Poland, but its to late, to many are brainwashed, my only word of advice to those who have never came here to the USA. like a new fancy dish your about to taste.. dont knock it till you try it.. in other words, you dont know till you come here.. I dont take a few peoples word for it till I see for myself.. you could get the same reactions from people who visited Poland and come back and tell us how awful and rude people were.. same thing.. see for yourselfs.

valmoe1Threads: 12 Posts: 58 Joined: Apr 1, 07	May 8, 07, 09:56 / #
Quoting: Ser Americans know very little or nothing about Poland and they prefer to stay that way. Your in our history books in our schools... how can you say we prefer not to know about Poland? Quoting: Ser ?polish jokes? What about blonde jokes, irish jokes, preist jokes, rabbi jokes...shall I continue? Quoting: Ser After many mistreatments of polish citizens in USA Example please? I am from the US and have delt with many Poles and I have a great respect for them. They are hard working highly respectable people. When I had the chance to move here I knew where it was on the map and already had plans on where I would visit. Your false to say Poland is unknown. I come from a very small town and school, I knew quite well where I was going.

Patrycja19Threads: 79 Posts: 3,972 Joined: Oct 31, 06	May 8, 07, 10:00 / #
Quoting: Ser According to my experience, this says it all, its only one person. some just dont have easy going personality..

LoneStrangerThreads: 3 Posts: 531 Joined: Jan 30, 07	May 8, 07, 13:41 / #
Quoting: Exchange Stu Most of it is about fifty-fifty which is OK in my opinion. Statistics are very bad way these days. They are usually monitored by the gvt. However...in my opinion.... people here are not enemies to USA... neither the best friends. They dont like what USA does these days... its not something so important.... just the misible base, and Iraqi problem helps creat opinions... I never traced any boiling anger...or fragrant love for USA. Ofcourse... there are some who are angry... and there are some who care.... but both are scattered. And... these days however... a growing number are the people who are disappointed ... and those who liked USA (truly) rather remain quiet with no comments. Or ... give up to say... ya... they've been rather disappointing. God bless you... have a nice time!

David_18Threads: 111 Posts: 1,210 Joined: Jan 4, 07	May 8, 07, 17:44 / #
well many poles lives in Usa, so i think we are very close connected. Friends friends and friends.

Exchange Stu	May 9, 07, 04:06 / #
Quoting: dannyboy I should add, as difficult as it is to summarise Poland as a nation, its impossible to summarise the USA. The US has some of the fattest/thinnest, brightest/dummest, tallest/smallest, whitest/blackist ........etc. people on the planet. Very intelligent statement. Thank you.

sparrowThreads: 4 Posts: 307 Joined: Apr 24, 07	Edited by: Moderator May 9, 07, 05:35 / #
Quoting: TheKruk European media loves to show"stupid Americans" who think Australia is Iraq for example, but this is an exaggeration. I think I know what you're refering too, I saw that programme on YouTube, it's not a European show but an Australian show. Was very funny nonetheless, but of course they don't show you the ones that got it right, only those that showed some great ammount of ignorance.. :) What you said about "ask if most Americans like Bush" etc. A large part of the Europeans does not realise that American is more than NYC & L.A. The parts we know best are the liberal parts such as those 2 cities.. Almost everything that's televised is happening either in Orange County or in Hampton's (to put it in a blunt way) But the real American Heartland of "Branson, Missouri" isn't shown as much, except if you watch the "high-brow-channel" at 3am, if you know what I mean (which I do lol) They can 't asses what goes on in "l'Amérique profonde", what the issues are for people over there, which are at least half the population. It's like Dannyboy said, the sheer diversity of life styles, different people, etc is mind boggling, while we only see mostly 1 part of it. And if we see the other side it's mostly an extreme side e.g. those hardliners that spend their whole week-ends picketing on street corners & shouting insults at everybody.

Grzegorz_Threads: 81 Posts: 6,208 Joined: Nov 16, 06	May 8, 07, 10:28 / #
Quoting: sparrow The Polish govt. is one of the most pro-American in Europe.. as far as the people.. mixed mostly.. True.

Exchange Stu	Edited by: Moderator May 8, 07, 12:43 / #
Quoting: sparrow the statistics do reflect what we think of Americans For fact I went on this site and the statistics are not really bad for us. Most of it is about fifty-fifty which is OK in my opinion. Quoting: sparrow I know lots of people who have to be put in a straight jacket if they see an American on the streets.. they just have this urge to go up to them & ask "You like Bush?" :) Funny, how none of you guys gets mad about so many other politicians around the world who are not better than Bush. I hate all politicians no matter where they're from. Quoting: sparrow as far as the people.. mixed mostly.. Isn't it always like that? You'll never achieve 100% satisfaction. Quoting: sparrow the statistics do reflect what we think of Americans For fact I went on this site and the statistics are not really bad for us. Most of it is about fifty-fifty which is OK in my opinion.

Exchange Stu	Edited by: Moderator May 8, 07, 15:01 / #
Quoting: LoneStranger God bless you... have a nice time! u2 ty Quoting: LoneStranger Statistics are very bad way these days As far as the rest of Europe, I haven't made any bad experiences as far as me being an American. In Poland is exactly like I have already mentioned it before fifty-fifty situation.

sparrowThreads: 4 Posts: 307 Joined: Apr 24, 07	Edited by: sparrow May 8, 07, 16:33 / #
Quoting: Exchange Stu Funny, how none of you guys gets mad about so many other politicians around the world who are not better than Bush. I hate all politicians no matter where they're from. We do, we do, but there's only one who makes that much noise & is so.. hmm.. present in our every day lives. The majority doesn't like Kim Il-Jung or Blair or Ahmadenijad or Olmert either, but Bush is the one who made the most impact over the past years. In a way, being president of the USA is a bit like being president of the world. On a small scale. Quoting: LoneStranger Statistics are very bad way these days. They are usually monitored by the gvt. Of course governtments will monitor statistics. Did you mean made by the govt.? The ones I posted are independent btw.

TheKrukThreads: 5 Posts: 389 Joined: Apr 14, 07	May 9, 07, 02:49 / #
Quoting: Ser After many mistreatments of polish citizens in USA I know the Visa process sucks you gotta pay whether you get one or not, but many Poles do stay illegally, so its a two way street. Other abuses? I am waiting for the answer to that one. And rarely do you hear Polish jokes and if you do it is with the same frequency as Italian or german jokes and other european nationalities. But now Arab nations are receiving the brunt of this. I agree Bush has done more damage than anybody ever could have dreamt as far as how America is perceived by Europe. European media loves to show"stupid Americans" who think Australia is Iraq for example, but this is an exaggeration. But I do agree most Americans are not ver good at geography or world history, but this is also the fault of the school system as more importance is placed on U.S. history and very little geography is studied in our schools basically after your 15 your finished with geography. The average American has greater worries than where Lichtenstein is for example. And most Americans inEurope hate Bush(like myself) But the first reaction I get when Poles find out I am from America is a big smile and then the question "what are you doing here? and question number 2 is "why the hell would you want to live here, when you could live in America?" I have been met with nothing but respect from Polish people and never in 2 and a half years of living in Poland has anyone hated or even disliked me (to my face) simply because I am American. Everone realizes I am not my government, but they always ask if most Americans like Bush. Sadly more people vote for american Idol than for the President but a large percentage are kids who cannot vote in normal elections. So in closing Americans are more ignorant than stupid, some are stupid of course but there are idiots in every country its what keeps things from progressing in the world.

Exchange Stu	May 9, 07, 03:36 / #
Quoting: TheKruk So in closing Americans are more ignorant than stupid, some are stupid Watch this statement, for most of people ignorant means stupid. Besides, I speak 7 languages (fluent) and I know history and geography too, :-). You're talking about the very simple uneducated people and they usually don't have much knowledge in any country, no matter where you go, but mostly they do have opinions and sometimes these opinions cause misunderstandings between people.

dannyboyThreads: 24 Posts: 298 Joined: Feb 15, 07	Edited by: dannyboy May 9, 07, 03:53 / #
Quoting: Patrycja19 Quoting: Ser People in Poland are more aware now of what is going on in the States with our citizens. like what? I dont hear Polish jokes like before.. more bush jokes then anything.. I am getting to the point where , who cares what they think, people are going to form their own opinions, ive been saying over and over on here how we feel about Poland, but its to late, to many are brainwashed, my only word of advice to those who have never came here to the USA. like a new fancy dish your about to taste.. dont knock it till you try it.. in other words, you dont know till you come here.. I dont take a few peoples word for it till I see for myself.. you could get the same reactions from people who visited Poland and come back and tell us how awful and rude people were.. same thing.. see for yourselfs. Finally, a bloody sensible reply!! Unless a person has been to a country, then they form their opinions based on what they've seen on Television, and what they've heard from friends. Mental Chewing gum. Why even bother with these people? Until they get off their ass and actually go to Poland, nobody will take them seriously anyway. I should add, as difficult as it is to summarise Poland as a nation, its impossible to summarise the USA. The US has some of the fattest/thinnest, brightest/dummest, tallest/smallest, whitest/blackist ........etc. people on the planet. The US is nearly an entire continent bar Canada. My point is that the US is to diverse to summarise. Personally I really like a lot of Americans, there are some irritating ones too, but I know they feel the same when they come to Ireland.

TheKrukThreads: 5 Posts: 389 Joined: Apr 14, 07	May 9, 07, 06:26 / #
Quoting: Exchange Stu Watch this statement, for most of people ignorant means stupid not the enlightened majority on this forum( I am being sincere here) I beleive it is the best way to describe it. DannyBoy hit it right in his comment. that was the show Sparrow but I have seen others from Europe, god now that I think of it an American Program "Jay Leno" does a segment once a week showing how ignorant Americans are as well. Excahngestu- Yes you undrstand completly what I was saying I know history and geography too but I am not too good at languages and since I've never been to England I never needed to learn English. (Ah Just Speeks Uhmericuhn like Georgie )

BubbaWooThreads: 46 Posts: 4,438 Joined: Sep 26, 06	May 9, 07, 07:36 / #
Quoting: American55 No American would spit in his own nest in my experience, no redneck yeehaa tiddlyboy american would spit in his own nest... but ive met a number of educated and well travelled americans who are only to happy to flob a greenie that general direction...

American55	Edited by: Moderator May 9, 07, 07:39 / #
This is a message to admin. Why did you erase my message?I just made my point seeing what he writes about Americans. He's all over the forum spreading crap about us. Your reaction show's me it's ok to pick on Americans but not on Poles. Is this your Polish democracy? edited by moderator: the fact that your posting as several guest names and agreeing with yourself.

BubbaWooThreads: 46 Posts: 4,438 Joined: Sep 26, 06	Edited by: BubbaWoo May 9, 07, 07:40 / #
chill out dude... we all like americans... they make us laugh... if you want to be taken seriously by anyone here its best to register... otherwise you will be seen as a troll... admin is in american btw

American55	May 9, 07, 07:42 / #
Quoting: BubbaWoo in my experience, no redneck yeehaa tiddlyboy american would spit in his own nest... but ive met a number of educated and well travelled americans who are only to happy to flob a greenie that general direction... You shouldn't even talk about it. The message wasn't directed to you. To your info. i speak 3x as many languages as you do so don't even try to measure yourself.Give up, no chance.

RanjThreads: 27 Posts: 1,286 Joined: Sep 29, 06	May 9, 07, 07:44 / #
Quoting: BubbaWoo we all like americans... they make us laugh... kind of like the British do for us.....;)

American55	May 9, 07, 07:44 / #
Why would i register. As soon as i make a comment that you guys don't like you're going to erase it anyway.

RanjThreads: 27 Posts: 1,286 Joined: Sep 29, 06	Edited by: Ranj May 9, 07, 07:45 / #
Quoting: American55 i speak 3x as many languages as you do so don't even try to measure yourself.Give up, no chance. Ohhhh, I don't think you know who you are dealing with, A55. Do you really speak 15 languages?

MatyjaszThreads: 2 Posts: 1,786 Joined: Jul 20, 06	May 9, 07, 14:53 / #
Quoting: TheKruk European media loves to show"stupid Americans" who think Australia is Iraq for example, but this is an exaggeration. Because the western Europeans generally want to see you that way, especially French and Germans. Europeans can't stand that America replaced the old continent after the WWII in the position of the "cultural"(or maybe pop-culture would be a more appropriate term), economic and political leader of the world. Once Europe will claim it's rightful first place this sentiment will surely change for a more positive one. :)) As for poles attitudes towards America, it’s still positive. Not that hurrah-positive as it was during and just after the commie period, where since you were the enemies of Russia you were automatically our friends, but there’s definitely no hatred towards you.