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Old 04-21-2011, 10:59 AM
 
5,981 posts, read 13,121,497 times
Reputation: 4920

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aerio View Post
Having gone to Polish school for a number of years and being brought up in a more-Polish-than-American household, I have mixed feelings. This is also a suburban perspective as well, but I guess it helps that I was born in Poland.

I do not like that I see more Indians and Asians at the library than Poles. This is disheartening and I would like to see more of "my people" there.

I do not like being associated with the contractor business. Many of them are aggressive and provincial people.

I do not like the whole club rat image of the younger people. I like clubs, music, and dancing, but my generation takes it to a ridiculous level. Most of them are quite elitist as well about it.

I like the good food, and the fairly prodigious amount of alcohol served at a gathering, whether wedding, family reunion, or outing.

I like the "connection" one gets when you say you're from Poland. It's like meeting an American in a foreign country -- it's just nice.

I like our history and enduring culture. I also like how Poland is becoming prosperous under the capitalist system (to a degree).
That is a perfect analysis. Thank you! It reflects my own personal mixed feelings about "my people." I was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, but both sides of the family are all Polish, with my moms side being much stronger - as they have only been here since the 50s,with others moving here in the 80s (Dads side moved here in the early 20th century just before WWI), My brother married a Polish girl who moved to the states in the 90s.

Your analysis is right on, and reflects exaclty what I feel.
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Old 04-21-2011, 02:06 PM
 
Location: River North, Chicago, Illinois
4,619 posts, read 8,169,405 times
Reputation: 6321
I can't see any Polish people from where I'm currently sitting, so I guess you could say I don't have a view of Polish people ...
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Old 04-21-2011, 02:29 PM
 
Location: Not where you ever lived
11,535 posts, read 30,262,628 times
Reputation: 6426
I can't either . but my son-in-law is Polish thru and thru and so is my boss.
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Old 04-21-2011, 07:46 PM
 
Location: Chicago, IL SouthWest Suburbs
3,522 posts, read 6,102,489 times
Reputation: 6130
The Polish are good people , the old shcools Polish are very hard workers and value a dollar.
Have had a few good polish friends over the years and they are loyal to boot.

Very Industrious.
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Old 04-21-2011, 09:26 PM
 
Location: Logan Square
312 posts, read 712,985 times
Reputation: 129
The one in the mirror just winked at me and I don't know how I should take it.
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Old 04-22-2011, 09:54 PM
 
98 posts, read 111,299 times
Reputation: 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by 5Lakes View Post
There is actually one Polish bar left over there that is legit - Zakopane on Division Street. You will find Poles drinking there and a Polish bartender. It seems pretty out of place on that stretch of bars and restaurants these days.
Now it is destined to disappear after announcing it.
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Old 04-23-2011, 04:36 AM
 
Location: Chicago, IL SouthWest Suburbs
3,522 posts, read 6,102,489 times
Reputation: 6130
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmythegreek View Post
Now it is destined to disappear after announcing it.
Yeah dont jinx a place like that
Anyway I looked up info on this mill, looks like a pretty unique bar with character. This will be on my list to see when I am up in that area.

Thanks
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Old 05-25-2011, 06:29 PM
 
Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan
29,823 posts, read 24,902,718 times
Reputation: 28518
I work with a few Poles at a machine shop, and find them to be quite friendly, and dedicated workers. Always willing to help out, yet enjoy a good laugh throughout the day.

I myself am 3rd generation Polish, and proud. On my toolbox at work I have a beautiful decal of the Polish flag. It was actually my great uncles old toolbox, which was passed down to my uncle, and finally to me. All of us have worked in the trades as machinists. Never forget where you've come from, and look forward to where your going...
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Old 05-25-2011, 11:14 PM
 
1,739 posts, read 2,568,054 times
Reputation: 3678
I'm fourth generation Polish on my mom's side so I kind of/sort of identify with the culture. Very Catholic, very hardworking, and industrious would all be good ways to describe most Polish people I know. Not really a big fan of the food except maybe a good pierogi with applesauce and sour cream!
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Old 05-26-2011, 11:27 AM
 
5 posts, read 9,248 times
Reputation: 21
As a minority, I just want to point out that it is deconstructive to stereotype and pre-judge people based on their nationality or ethnicity. Having an opinion on "polish people" means categorizing many different individuals into a single group and then attributing characteristics to those individuals based on the behavior of the group. People constantly have pre-judgments about me because I'm Asian before they even get to know me. It's not the worst thing in the world, but it's just not a helpful way of relating to others.

Sorry, rant over. Soap box abdicated.
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