ARE LATVIANS AND OTHER 'BALTICS' HOSTILE TOWARDS POLES?

Sophia:

I was chatting to a Latvian woman at work the other day. She's very nice and we get on well. I told her I was probably going to Poland in August for a holiday and her entire demeanor changed. I'd go as far as to say she was quite annoyed.

She stopped smiling and asked in a stiff way 'why Poland?' I was telling her it is a kind of family trip. That my brother has been in a few European countries but not Poland so I pushed the idea of it being there we go. She said, "I don't like Poland. When are you going to Latvia?" I tried to laugh it off and said maybe next year. Then I told her I'd seen photos of Kraków, where we have booked our flights to, and how I thought the place looked wonderful. She was very dismissive and feigned surprise that I could find it so, and only answered "Latvia is very beautiful. You should go there. It is better in the summer," then said again how she did not like Poland. I was getting slightly irked by then as I had only expected an 'oh, that sounds nice,' so I just said "Well I've always wanted to go to Poland so my brother and I are paying to take my mum there for her birthday," then changed the subject.

She has never sounded so cold before! Anyway..just felt like mentioning that. When I have been I will make sure to show her photos of us having, what I expect inevitably to have been, a good time :P

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Edited by: Puzzy Jun 25, 08, 05:17 / #
For some, unknown to me, reason an interesting post - very pertinent to this forum - has been relegated to off-topic lounge. I am taking the liberty of posting it back here, along with my reply. Sophia: I was chatting to a Latvian woman at work the other day. She's very nice and we get on well. I told her I was probably going to Poland in August for a holiday and her entire demeanor changed. I'd go as far as to say she was quite annoyed. She stopped smiling and asked in a stiff way 'why Poland?' I was telling her it is a kind of family trip. That my brother has been in a few European countries but not Poland so I pushed the idea of it being there we go. She said, "I don't like Poland. When are you going to Latvia?" I tried to laugh it off and said maybe next year. Then I told her I'd seen photos of Kraków, where we have booked our flights to, and how I thought the place looked wonderful. She was very dismissive and feigned surprise that I could find it so, and only answered "Latvia is very beautiful. You should go there. It is better in the summer," then said again how she did not like Poland. I was getting slightly irked by then as I had only expected an 'oh, that sounds nice,' so I just said "Well I've always wanted to go to Poland so my brother and I are paying to take my mum there for her birthday," then changed the subject. She has never sounded so cold before! Anyway..just felt like mentioning that. When I have been I will make sure to show her photos of us having, what I expect inevitably to have been, a good time :P - I find Latvians and other similar little former Soviet Block nations around Poland to be quite Polonophobic. The reasons for this appear to be numerous, including the deep-rooted Cold War stigma of 'Eastern Europe,' present politics within EU (these nations are usually very pro-German and favoured by Germans in EU institutions, whereas we aren't), the attacks against Poles by the media in UK (so Latvians and other former Soviet-Block workers in UK try to 'prove' they're not Poles), etc. The so-called Baltic peoples like to demonstrate their alleged superiority to, among others, Poles by believing they are Scandinavians, such as Swedes and Danes, and acting as though they were. As for Latvians, they were on the German side during WWII and as members of the Waffen SS committed many atrocities in Poland. Thank you for sharing your experience, Sophia. Would you allow me to keep it in my personal archive and use in my future book on Poles in UK? Have a good time in Poland, you and your family. :)

VaFunkooloThreads: 7 Posts: 823 Joined: Mar 24, 08	Edited by: VaFunkoolo Jun 25, 08, 05:23 / #
Puzzy: I also find Latvians and other similar little nations around Poland to be quite Polonophobic Piddly. In your mind, everyone is Polonophobic, in many instances even your fellow Poles. We have tried to explain to you that when you encounter what you feel is Polonophobia it is actually a dislike for you as an individual rather than for the nation that is unfortunate to be represented by you. Are you able to understand this? A simple 'yes' or 'no' answer will suffice PS We dont hate you Piddly but we are concerned for the mental stability of you and those you come into contact with.

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Edited by: Puzzy Jun 25, 08, 05:28 / #
VaFunkoolo: VaFunkoolo - Bubba the Polonophobe as usual denying that Polonophobia exists and, as usual, leveling insults at and branding moi impotently, as usual in a bad English? :)

SophiaThreads: 1 Posts: 145 Joined: Apr 8, 08	Edited by: Sophia Jun 25, 08, 05:36 / #
Puzzy: has been relegated to off-topic lounge Sorry, Puzzler it was actually I who posted it in Random chat as it was only random that I remembered it. I'll repost my response here instead? Puzzy: Would you allow me to keep it in my personal archive and use in my future book on Poles in UK? You may, Puzzler. I was very surprised, myself, as I had no hint from her before of such feeling but I think what you say does apply to her. I know there is a man at work my friend met whilst in town. They went for a drink together. He is Estonian and my friend said he drunkenly rambled on about his dislike of Polish people and repeatedly made signs of throat-cutting when he spoke of them. I have to say for both though, that they do speak to the Polish people at work - so this feeling seems hidden generally. On the other hand, I was speaking to another Latvian woman about going and she was completely different and thought I'd have a wonderful time. Puzzy: these nations are usually very pro-German That is interesting to hear. I wonder if this influenced another Latvian woman in her drawings on a surface at work. She was quite taken with the Swastika symbol, it seemed. I hope it was a simple, mindless doodle. Puzzy: Have a good time in Poland, you and your family. Thank you :) Nothing underhand to report in moving of posts, all is well :)

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Jun 25, 08, 05:40 / #
Thank you for reposting, Sophia. :)

VaFunkooloThreads: 7 Posts: 823 Joined: Mar 24, 08	Jun 25, 08, 05:42 / #
Puzzy: Polonophobe as usual denying that Polonophobia exists and, Not sure about this Bubba fellow but I have never denied that Polonophobia exists What I have said however.. ..is dont confuse peoples' dislike for you with dislike for Poland

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Jun 25, 08, 05:44 / #
VaFunkoolo: is dont confuse peoples' dislike for you with dislike for Poland - You mean the Latvian woman and Estonian guy from Sophie's story had dislike for me? :)

VaFunkooloThreads: 7 Posts: 823 Joined: Mar 24, 08	Jun 25, 08, 05:51 / #
It's entirely possible Piddly, you seem to annoy most people

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Jun 25, 08, 06:05 / #
VaFunkoolo: It's entirely possible - And then again maybe it ain't? VaFunkoolo: you seem to annoy most people - I like it when Polonophobes like yourself dislike me. :)

VaFunkooloThreads: 7 Posts: 823 Joined: Mar 24, 08	Jun 25, 08, 06:23 / #
Puzzy: I like it when Polonophobes like yourself dislike me. We've already been through this, Piddly. See posts #2 & #6 for proof

Bratwurst BoyThreads: 11 Posts: 14,563 Joined: Apr 2, 07	Jun 25, 08, 09:26 / #
Look..there are polonophobes and germanophobes (Puzzy) and other 'phobes...so what!

SeanusThreads: 22 Posts: 30,158 Joined: Dec 25, 07	Jun 25, 08, 09:38 / #
I think lesser is spot on. Even Lithuanians are hardly the most informed about Poland. Poland now has more cultural exchange with EU and Scandinavian countries.

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Edited by: Puzzy Jun 25, 08, 09:39 / #
Bratwurst Boy: germanophobes (Puzzy) - Bull$hit. Yes, I'm scared but only of German Polonophobia of which there are copious examples. But I would like very very much us Poles and Germans to overcome the old mutual dislike and love and respect each other, and work together on the great task of unification of Europe. Are the Germans able to do it? I wonder. Many of them are very prejudiced and full of hate and contempt towards Poles. Anyhow, I'm going to devote myself to making peace between them and us. This doesn't mean I'm going to keep quiet and not going to be honest - brutally honest if need be. Got it, dull neo-Nazi creep? :) Seanus: Even Lithuanians are hardly the most informed about Poland. Poland now has more cultural exchange with EU and Scandinavian countries. - Right on the money, Seanusek. You know something about Poland after all. Good for you, mate. By the way, Poland is actually part of EU now, and happy and proud of it.

SeanusThreads: 22 Posts: 30,158 Joined: Dec 25, 07	Jun 25, 08, 09:45 / #
Poland joined the EU in May 2004, I'm fully aware of that. I am an EU Law major after all.

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Jun 25, 08, 06:26 / #
VaFunkoolo: We've already been through this, Piddly - Been through what specifically? VaFunkoolo: See posts #2 & #6 for proof - What specifically 'proof' in those posts do you mean?

VaFunkooloThreads: 7 Posts: 823 Joined: Mar 24, 08	Jun 25, 08, 06:46 / #
Do keep up Piddly. At least try to be aware of what's going on around you

ShelleySThreads: 18 Posts: 3,647 Joined: Jun 26, 07	Edited by: ShelleyS Jun 25, 08, 07:41 / #
VaFunkoolo: PS We dont hate you Piddly Speak for yourself! CrazyHorsePissy: Puzzy Are you really this stupid in real life?

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Jun 25, 08, 09:19 / #
ShelleyS: Speak for yourself! - You do hate me, sugar? How come? :) ShelleyS: Are you really this stupid in real life? - Please give proof of this alleged by you stupidity of mine. Are you smart enough to do that? VaFunkoolo: Do keep up Piddly. At least try to be aware of what's going on around you - 'Do keep up' what? So according to you I'm not aware of what's going on around me? Are you aware what would I be unaware of for instance? :)

lesserThreads: 7 Posts: 2,014 Joined: Oct 19, 07	Edited by: lesser Jun 25, 08, 09:37 / #
Because one strange Latvian girl badly wanted somebody visit her country you try to suggest that Balts are polonophobic? Please, better think about you way of reasoning. I think that except Lithuanians they have little idea about Poland. I have talked with bunch of Estonians and they did not seems to know much about our country. Neither they have any affection. Most of them were rather concentrated on Russia.

VaFunkooloThreads: 7 Posts: 823 Joined: Mar 24, 08	Edited by: VaFunkoolo Jun 25, 08, 09:47 / #
Seanus: Even Lithuanians are hardly the most informed about Poland Which proves conslusively that Piddly is an ingratiating plonker :)

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Jun 25, 08, 09:48 / #
Seanus: I am an EU Law major after all. - So a real and rare treasure for this forum. I'd love to learn from you, mate. :)

ShelleySThreads: 18 Posts: 3,647 Joined: Jun 26, 07	Jun 25, 08, 09:49 / #
Puzzy: - You do hate me, sugar? How come? :) Simply put Pissy, you are an irritating turd :)

SeanusThreads: 22 Posts: 30,158 Joined: Dec 25, 07	Jun 25, 08, 09:51 / #
I'm on quite often so u r welcome. I graduated 'back in the day' so I'm rusty but I still use topics for my teaching.

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Edited by: Puzzy Jun 25, 08, 09:54 / #
VaFunkoolo: Piddly is an ingratiating plonker - Hehehe. If I were you and the likes of you would sing differently about moi, don't you think? :) Seanus: I'm on quite often so u r welcome. - I'll be asking you questions whenever in doubt, without fail, brother. :)

lesserThreads: 7 Posts: 2,014 Joined: Oct 19, 07	Jun 25, 08, 10:04 / #
Puzzy: By the way, Poland is actually part of EU now, and happy and proud of it. Speak for yourself.

SeanusThreads: 22 Posts: 30,158 Joined: Dec 25, 07	Jun 25, 08, 10:07 / #
How can u deny that the EU hasn't assisted Poland? I'll put u in touch with one of my students who heads up the dept for EU grant allocation and he'll keep u straight. Don't let ur anti-bureaucracy stance get in the way of reality lesser

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Jun 25, 08, 10:09 / #
lesser: Speak for yourself. - I'm speaking for myself. Incidentally, it agrees with what the vast majority of Poles think. And yes, I'm not speaking for Europhobes. Are you one of those?

lesserThreads: 7 Posts: 2,014 Joined: Oct 19, 07	Edited by: lesser Jun 25, 08, 10:32 / #
Puzzy: By the way, Poland is actually part of EU now, and happy and proud of it. Puzzy: - I'm speaking for myself Are you Poland? Puzzy: it agrees with what the vast majority of Poles think Actually few of them "think", like this girl who dislike unknown country, they support organization that activity is unknown for them. Puzzy: And yes, I'm not speaking for Europhobes. Are you one of those? Look at the headline of topic that you started, you are a specialist from "-phobias". I would describe myself to be EU-hater with a reason. I really understand your position, for a PiS supporter this is not much of effort to switch from Polish bureaucracy to this based in Brussels.

PuzzyThreads: 1 Posts: 180 Joined: May 1, 08	Edited by: Puzzy Jun 25, 08, 10:51 / #
lesser: Are you Poland? - Why are you asking this question? Do you mean that when I say I think for myself I actually say I am Poland? If yes, then why would you think so? How about you, are you Poland? lesser: Actually few of them "think", like this girl who dislike unknown country, they support organization that activity is unknown for them. - You mean that the majority of Poles don't really think - only you're the one who really thinks? Very respectful towards your countrymen. lesser: they support organization that activity is unknown for them. - What 'organization' would that be? Does it follow the actvity of the organization in question is known to you only? lesser: Look at the headline of topic that you started, you are a specialist from "-phobias". - Do you mean the topic is evidence I'm 'specialist from "phobias"' (sic)? Why? And what do you specifically mean by my being 'a specialist from "phobias"' (sic)? lesser: I really understand your position - Do you? What is my positon then? lesser: for a PiS supporter - Actually, I shall support PiS if I think they care about Poland and Poles above all, as I shall care for any other party, group or individual who in my opinion does the same. lesser: this is not much of effort to switch from Polish bureaucracy to this based in Brussels. - And what specifically do you mean in the above sentence? The EU is a vast bureaucracy; it cannot be otherwise. Some of the aspects of the bureaucracy are positive, others negative. We can change the negative aspects. The view that the EU is like the Soviet Union is incorrect and actually amusing. Unlike the Soviet bureaucracy, the EU bureaucracy is fully reformable.

CrowThreads: 367 Posts: 7,316 Joined: Feb 14, 07 [Suspended]	Edited by: Crow Jun 25, 08, 11:48 / #
Serbians aren`t hostile to Poles. Serbs even love Poles. But, what Serbians have from that? Polish inteligentsia faild to do anything for Catholic Serbs, who were violantly croatinized. Official Poland now batrayed Orthodox Serbs, recognizing false Albanian state on Serbian Kosovo-Metohija. Poles think that Germany would love them because that trechery of Serbians mentioned above? No, Germany smile and just wait. Poles, Poles... Racowie were best what happened to Poland in her tragic history. Racowie (Orthodox Serbs) were ready to died for Poland just over Slavic solidarity. Nothing else wasn`t important to them. They were pure love given to Poland. That love is betrayed now. So, why Latvians and other `Baltics` won`t be hostile on Poland. Why would they love Poland... when Poland abandened even Racowie?