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StereotypesA stereotype – a simplified, schematic picture of people or social groups, that arise on the basis of incomplete or false knowledge, consolidated however by generations and difficult to eliminate.
These are the first thoughts that come to your minds when thinking about Poles. But most of these statements are just stereotypes, which can be totally misleading. When you look at them closely, they are all negative features. Do you know anything positive about Poles (except the fact that Polish girls are beautiful)? Have you heard about their (not necessarily girls’) achievements in the fields of science, sports or culture? You probably have, but you either just don’t remember or you didn’t pay greater attention to it. Well I think it’s time we got you a bit informed about what polish people are like and what they can do… Poland is one of the biggest countries in central Europe, and by Central Europe, I mean central. Even though Poland is seen as a small country somewhere in Eastern Europe. The truth is quite different. Geographically speaking, the center of Europe goes right through the heart of Poland. It’s settled not far from Poland’s capital – Warsaw. But even though Poland is placed in Central Europe most people don’t know much about the people that come from here. I’d like to introduce you to them. [ R E L I G I O N ] I’d like to present to you one of the worlds biggest authorities – Pope John Paul II. Karol Józef Wojtyla was born in Wadowice, a small town not far from Cracow, on May 18, 1920. In 1978, at the age of 58, the College of Cardinals elected him to lead the Roman Catholic Church. He was the first non-Italian Pope in 456 years and the youngest one chosen in this century. There hasn’t been another Pope that has met with so many people like John Paul II: - Over 16 million pilgrims have taken part in the General Audiences on Wednesdays, - 95 pastoral visits outside of Italy and 141 within Italy - 38 official visits of government personalities - 650 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State - 212 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers
Suming up, the Holy Father is the most traveled Pope in the 2,000 year history of the Church and speaks eight languages. He’s our pride. We look up to him. So does the world… [ M U S I C ] In our long history, we had one globally known composer – Fryderyk Chopin. This fantastic musician was born in Zelazowa Wola near Warsaw in 1810. He began composing music when he was only seven, and at the age of eight, he was giving public recitals. This genius-child has left us a vast and astonishing amount of wonderful music pieces. He composed:
- 58 mazurkas,
Fryderyk Chopin has left us, what no other Pole has given to his nation. A legacy of music. [ M O R E ] As you can see, we’ve made history, but this is not where it ends. Another famous Pole whose name has greatly changed the fields of science and astronomy is Nicolas Copernicus. Yes, that’s the one who “stopped the sun and moved the Earth”. Polish people, like all other inhabitants of this planet like to create, explore and discover new things. This has resulted in many Nobel Prizes. Here’s a shortened list of them: - Lech Wałęsa, Winner of the 1983 Nobel Prize in Peace, - Ronald Hoffmann, Winner of the 1981 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, - Henryk Sienkiewicz, Winner of the 1905 Nobel Prize in Literature, - Maria Skłodowska-Curie, Winner of the 1911 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, - Wisława Szymborska, Winner of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Literature, - Czesław Miłosz, Winner of the 1980 Nobel Prize in Literature. As you can see, Poles dominate in many fields of scientific and cultural life. But that definitely does not make them different. They want to laugh and have fun. They do the same things as any other human being does. By looking at the Guinness World Records beaten by Poles, you can get the idea of what Poles are good at: :) - Most
Individual Olympic Bobsled Medals - Smallest
Bicycle - Longest
Lesson Learned We hope that now you will be able to say something more about Poland than “O! That’s were they have beautiful girls”. As you can see, Poles are not only inventive, but they’re also very active. But what else can I tell you? Come and see for yourself! Author: David Bawiec
"I will never again hear the word Poland without immediately seeing the people and places, events and occasions that will forever color my life. From the unrestrained joy of singing and dancing with our Polish friends around a bonfire to the breath-crushing immediacy of being in Auschwitz to seeing the look of accomplishment on the faces of the kids as they learned - it was a 'mountain-top' experience!" ~ Alice Lyon, Billings, Mont. Based
upon articles found on these internet sites: |
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Although the artist died at a young age of 39, his artwork did not. His
masterpieces are still played all around the world. The Frederick Chopin
International Piano Competition, held in his memory, is one of the oldest events
of this type in the world, and enjoys great prestige and universal renown. In
the seventy years of its existence, the competition has evolved and transformed
itself, altered and improved its form, and created its own extensive tradition.
It is held every 5 five years and musicians from all around the world travel all
the way to Warsaw to take part in it.