Polonius3: If you talk to people who were adults at that time --- not commies in privileged positions but ordinary Catholic Poles -- you get a wide spread of views. Although economically things were tough and shortages widespread, many people claim there was a friendlier overall ambience. People really enjoyed themselves at nameday parties, told jokes, and raised successive humorous toasts. And the ham you had to queue for for hours really tasted better and was really appreciated by all (probably also because it wasn't the soy-infused fake food you get nowadays). In fact, one company a few years ago put out a ham called "Szynka jak za Gierka" (ham like in the Gierek era -- 1970s). Back then, people were more family-minded, kids showed more respect for their parents and elders in general, and there was a stronger sense of popular solidarity -- we the people v them, the ruling regime. Togetherness was also reflected by drinking habits. Nowadays everybody clutches onto his own, selfish, little drink – cocktail, Tequila, wine, whisky, vodka, beer, but back then everybody drank the same thing in successive down-the-hatch rounds (ladies were permitted to sip[ a sweet cordial like wiśniówka), bitten down with some zagrycha. Wine, mead, beer, brandy and many other assorted tipples were available back then, but it simply wasn’t the style to cradle one’s own, separate drink. Of course, the politically minded stressed the negative aspects: the perpetually ruling PZPR (commie) party, secret police surveillance, official censorship, privileges for the regime's supporters, reprisals against its detractors and opponents, etc. One thing more -- those who were adults back then were 20 years younger and enjoyed life as only the young can and nostalgically recall its fonder moments.
Lovely description Polonius.
My mother, sister (8 yrs old) & I (4) left (Skarzysko) Poland in 1988. My dad had been working in Germany & Iraq for 3 something years to save up. I vouch for the US, Canada or Australia connection as he originally picked New York because we had a family friend living there. My dad went first to check it out & he was completely appalled by NYC, stating there is no way he is bringing his family to that mess. He settled on San Diego & we've lived here every since (Sister finished Masters 2 years ago, married a German & now lives in Berlin). Parents are planning to retire in the next 5 years and also return to Europe. Depending on my post college options, I hope to do the same
ANYWAY. You bring up a great point in your message & one that I still discuss with my parents. As Poland continues to be proclaimed the ''Most improving'' Economy in Europe......the disconnect between citizens & more importantly the gap between the Have's & Have Not's is growing in Poland. (Thank you Capitalism). The ''Rat Race'' society in America has always been difficult for my parents to defend & seeing their motherland head down the same path is disheartening. But as America continues to become more socialist (Government regulation) Europe is also changing towards a more Capitalistic system. Poland has to walk a fine line with continuing to improve economically BUT not too quickly as that is a sign of all the wealth going into the hands of a small percentage of people.
My parents DAILY yearn for that CONNECTION & togetherness that you describe. As the saying goes: Ignorance is bliss & all that Polaks knew at the time was that times were better than the war torn (& Soviet spy filled) Poland their parents grew up in. My dad still speaks of the ''Western radio'' that he listened & dreamed along with. Dreaming of immense chances. In the end....my parents have more options, freedoms, choices than they could have ever imagined but everyday daily life is lacking that special connect. For example in my parents neighborhood their neighbors are an American, a Filipino & something Middle Eastern....i don't even know. How can so many different heritages, cultures & social norms mix together? My parents reminisce & mention all the kids playing together in neighborhoods & simple times spent outside with nature. Americans have EVERYTHING at their disposal but too many choices is also a bad thing. Who cares if you have 50 choices of drinks if 45 of them are crappy soda or sugar filled juice.
I look at the immense sacrifices my parents made & although I will soon have a college degree in a respectable major (Computer Science), I still do not want to raise my children in America. I also prefer the daily human interactions in Europe & mutual respect on the streets. In America you are either driving in your car or texting/surfing the web on your cell phone. This is a very lonesome place at times & in terms of Southern California particularly....a very shallow & superficial culture.
But as my mom says......those days that my dad dreams of & regret he feels for not settling in Canada or Australia instead.....are gone. He made the choice he did & although they now question whether my sister & I even had a better life than our main cousins who stayed in Poland, I try to comfort them by acknowledging the sacrifice they made & maybe more importantly to my dad.....reasons why I understand why he made the decision he did & that if I had a wife as great/supportive/hard working as my mother then I would make the same decision.
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