tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post1118190754402865725..comments2024-03-11T08:31:04.022-04:00Comments on Bieganski the Blog: Jan Tomasz Gross. As Polish as Pierogi.D Goskahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-45642196713514490762016-04-14T10:48:30.128-04:002016-04-14T10:48:30.128-04:00When reading the discussion here I get the impress...When reading the discussion here I get the impression that Poles are the devils impersonated. As I already have seen the expression Polish concentration camps in the Swedish media, I wouldn't be surprised if Poles were declared to be responsible for the Holocaust any time soon. Annacatherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16156969564710806344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-34835661779294000742016-01-28T00:20:35.767-05:002016-01-28T00:20:35.767-05:00Gosha/Malgorzata. Thanks 4 posting int€rr€sting op...Gosha/Malgorzata. Thanks 4 posting int€rr€sting opinions. T. Gross hat€s Pol€s,I C it. H€ must b€ a bitt€r man, I f€€l sorry for him Gr€€tings 2 both of U, AshaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-57954086877951446722012-08-24T20:26:03.133-04:002012-08-24T20:26:03.133-04:00Lars, your post appears at the link, below. there ...Lars, your post appears at the link, below. there are responses which I hope you will read:<br /><br />http://bieganski-the-blog.blogspot.com/2012/08/from-lars-poles-need-to-shape-up.htmlD Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-10258003935719264342012-08-23T17:15:14.718-04:002012-08-23T17:15:14.718-04:00Off topic or maybe not.. I have been travelling al...Off topic or maybe not.. I have been travelling all over Central Europe on bike. 5 month/9000 Km. Also mountaineering/climbing/skiing/ice climbing. Lived and worked as craftsman in East Germany. My impression is there are huge differences between Central Europeans. The most kindly people was in Slovenia and Czech Republic. The most brutal in everydaylife situations was Croatian and then people in Poland. (like it or not..) In my home country Denmark we have a lot of workers from Poland. They have no good reputation. I have the impression they like to see them self as some sort of innocent victims and being as aggressive as many second generation immigrants from the Middle East. On a Mountain Chalet in Slovak Tatra i was hit very hard in my back. (I've trained boxing & martial art, making me familiar with sudden pain..) I turned around very upset and ready for anything, until I realised the one hitting me so stupidly was a man with whom I had spoken friendly and openminded up in the mountains! Now smiling and showing how satisfying it was to meet up again! -Guess which nationality..?! He's teenager daughter looked quite embarrassed. Another situation in a Polish chalet; a schoolteacher simply kicked his student in the back while being unsatisfied with a minor issue. <br />You have personal and on a larger scale issues to deal with in Poland. Start working with your own responsibility and stop blaming others for your hard time and tough history. <br />I still do travel a lot (sailor) and to be honest I still don't find much in Polish everyday character to be impressed of. <br />You should talk about and accept these issues from WWII. Lots of Jews were killed while they weren't accepted and had a great(..er) sense of making business. (Greed and envy are strong feelings..) An honest shipsofficer and an established merchant (both from Poland) separately told me about this topic.<br />Czech people have an admirable attitude with lots of humour. Generally stoic and relaxed working their way through hard times. I wish Poland could learn of them .. <br /><br />Larsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-8597222069784606662012-03-25T15:00:33.150-04:002012-03-25T15:00:33.150-04:00Pierogi may not be Polish. Ukrainians claim it as ...Pierogi may not be Polish. Ukrainians claim it as their own, and that we took it from them.<br /><br />In any case, Gross' ancestry is irrelevant. This half-Pole/half-Jew thinks entirely like an anti-Polish Jew. He is not simply wrong on some facts: He shows a reckless disregard for facts. <br /><br />Jan T. Gross is, at best, a divisive factor in Polish-Jewish relations. There is nothing courageous about attacking Poles. Poles have no means of fighting back.<br /><br />I have just reviewed Gross' most recent Pole-bashing work, GOLDEN HARVEST. To read my review, please click on my name in this posting.Mr. Jan Peczkishttp://www.amazon.com/review/RWQDZ3TYGS8UI/ref=cm_cr_dp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0199731675&nodeID=283155&tag&linkCodenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-4546914568417222092012-01-16T19:48:39.887-05:002012-01-16T19:48:39.887-05:00meny of polish people death because they wont save...meny of polish people death because they wont save jews...<br />about 50% treE in Yad Vashem The Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority is Sacrifice polish people who deat help jews...thousands of polish cooperate with german who kills jews... but more then 2000000 lost live becouse they fight with nazi... I DONT KNOW WHAY Jan Tomasz Gross... HATE POLISH PEOPLE SO MUCH... HI IS ANTIPOLISH NAZI OR SOMETHING LIKE THIS...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-20896093971514624222011-01-26T07:39:07.393-05:002011-01-26T07:39:07.393-05:00Hi, Malgorzata. Thank you for offering your though...Hi, Malgorzata. Thank you for offering your thoughts again. I will email you about the Pier 21 show.D Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-27647285060379393142011-01-25T12:52:22.308-05:002011-01-25T12:52:22.308-05:00I think it is good idea to invite Mr. Gross to rea...I think it is good idea to invite Mr. Gross to read Biegansky and review it. I am glad I inspired you, but I think there is no need for a reason to ask him (extract from my post or “rectifying damages”). Why not just a favor between teachers, authors, Poles (by birth or heart) that share the same passion, job, interests?<br />Mr. Gross has already answered many questions related to “possible damages” in Poland. He does not think it is the case. In fact, he cannot be responsible for who reads his books. Also Polish court rejected (as I remember) some charges against him. As you noticed, my post refers to emotions (and subconsciousness?) that cannot be measured, but this is how stereotypes are built-in in the society and stay long, isn’t it? <br />I was thinking if I would like Mr. Gross to stop writing... And I think I do not. I only wish he put a bit more objectivity and double checks in his publications. Or maybe – add some deeper background of the stories he described, which would help to balance out Anti-Polish meanings. <br />Some Poles (in Poland) react very aggressively but do nothing. Some do not care at all. And some do care and act. Currently there are some “spam actions” against this publisher in Poland, but I do not think it is the effective way to protest. I think, if the book has been already published anywhere in the world (I am talking about Golden Harvest), it is good, it will be published in Poland. It will give Poles a chance to read it in Polish and build own opinion.<br />You also inspired me. As soon as I have read Bieganski, I will send e-mail with my review to Polish Publisher of Mr. Gross’s books – Wydawnictwo Znak. Maybe they would also like to “rectify damages” ;-)<br /><br />What refers to Poles as brave victims… I am a person that will never stop being grateful to all these people who served my country. I will never forget. I am the one that has Polish flag spread on the wall in my German apartment. I am the one that buys books, movies and albums about Poland as gifts for all my foreign friends. They might be tired of it ;-) but I will continue as long as such books, movies etc. are available (also thanks to people like you!). I am a person that has tears in eyes when hears Polish anthem and also thinks Poles are “special”. I just do not want to take “this uniqueness” as granted. There is work to be done.<br />Is it pathetic? I hope not. <br /><br />Please let me know by e-mail if you are interested in Pier 21 show. They have finished yearly inventory count, so I could order it and make it delivered to you first. <br />Thank you and best regards,<br />M.Malgorzatanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-59440114761722139692011-01-24T19:48:24.165-05:002011-01-24T19:48:24.165-05:00Okay, here's the blog post about the email to ...Okay, here's the blog post about the email to Prof. Gross: http://bieganski-the-blog.blogspot.com/2011/01/open-letter-to-jan-tomasz-gross.htmlD Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-82415384015181406532011-01-24T18:49:03.151-05:002011-01-24T18:49:03.151-05:00"Now I would like to say why his work is bad ..."Now I would like to say why his work is bad thing. It is one thing to make us, Poles, reviewing our knowledge about history, but another thing it is blaming all Poles in front of the world, to others that do not know much about our history. His books give the strong impression that Poland generally supported Holocaust, Poles are Anti-Semites and you cannot expect anything good from Poles. I do not say we should keep truth hidden in Poland, but let’s think who reads his books in America and Poland. I would estimate that max 10 % of readers are historians, and other highly educated people interested in the topic. These people will resist the hatred towards Polish as their overall knowledge about Polish history is good enough. Another part of readers will be those that already have negative opinion about Poles, built in the past, so they will read the books to support their view. They will follow the overall impressions created in the books; they will never read any articles that disclose some discrepancies or clarify the possible reasons of these acts (but not justify). There are plenty tensions between Jews and Poles. We have to work it through, not bringing new ones… In my opinion his books enhance the stereotype of Pole as Anti-Semite. When I read or hear statements that Poles have to finally confront their deep Anti-Semitism, I know the author of this comment has never been to Poland and probably does not even know any Poles. I have no idea where they currently see Anti-Semitism in Poland. But I can assume they drew the conclusions from Mr. Gross’s books. This is why I think they bring more harm than good. Especially, when we are trying to work out our relations with the world again."<br /><br />My friend, I think you are exactly correct. <br /><br />You've given me an idea.<br /><br />I'm going to e-mail Prof. Gross, whom I've never met, and invite him to read and do what he can to promote my book. I'll post that e-mail here. <br /><br />jtgross@princeton.eduD Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-11297528748607614072011-01-24T18:48:36.631-05:002011-01-24T18:48:36.631-05:00Dear Malgorzata,
Thank you so much for ordering m...Dear Malgorzata,<br /><br />Thank you so much for ordering my book. I am touched and honored. I look forward to learning your opinion. <br /><br />I admire the intelligence and passion in your posts. I hope you will continue to read and contribute to this blog. I wish I knew more about you. <br /><br />Of course one should disregard any mistakes you make in English. After all, you do me the honor of speaking to me in English. My Polish is very weak. <br /><br />You ask why Prof. Gross' approach has changed. I wonder if you have directed this question to him? He might respond. <br /><br />I ask: has his approach really changed? He has continued to write scholarly books about important events. <br /><br />You say that there are factual errors in Gross' writings. Yes, there are discrepancies between what Gross reported in his books and what was later discovered. I hope that changes will be incorporated into revisions of his work. <br /><br />You ask if comments on Gross' work are known in the US. No, they are not. In the US, the Brute Polak image dominates. We, Poles, have done nothing to counter that. I have worked very hard, for the most part, without support from my fellow Poles or Polonians. John Guzlowski stands out as a very supportive person. <br /><br />Otherwise, though, there is no organization, no lobbying, no effective thrust to change what is taught in schools and universities, little to no funding for people like me working on these matters. <br /><br />We've got to change that. Until we do, the Brute Polak stereotype will dominate. <br /><br />You talk about the image of Poles as brave victims who have a mission. <br /><br />There is much truth to that image. I've lived internationally and studied the histories of many countries, and Poles really ARE exceptional. Americans are exceptional, too, as are the English, and the Jews. Many nations have special histories and special gifts for mankind. The Dalai Lama is Tibetan Buddhism's gift to the world. Mahatma Gandhi made India's gifts available to the world. Etc. <br /><br />Poles should never forget figures like Irena Sendler and Jan Karski. <br /><br />Poles as brave victims with a mission for the world? The fact is, many Poles were just that. Not all, of course, but many. We don't do anyone any good by forgetting our best. <br /><br />Malgorzata, what you wrote, below, really gave me pause:D Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-16380647190179786672011-01-24T06:47:54.674-05:002011-01-24T06:47:54.674-05:00Malgorzata, great, thank you. I look forward to re...Malgorzata, great, thank you. I look forward to reading and responding, hopefully later today.D Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-37333152647147462812011-01-24T06:29:43.392-05:002011-01-24T06:29:43.392-05:00here you are - part 2
Now I would like to say why...here you are - part 2<br /><br />Now I would like to say why his work is not a good thing. <br />It is one issue to make us, Poles, reviewing our knowledge about history, but the other thing it is blaming all Poles in front of the world, to others that often do not know much about our history. His books give the strong impression that Poland generally supported Holocaust, Poles are Anti-Semites and you cannot expect anything good from Poles. I do not say we should keep truth hidden in Poland, but let’s think who reads his books in America and Poland. I would estimate that max 10 % of readers are historians, and other highly educated people interested in the topic. These people will resist the hatred towards Polish as their overall knowledge about Polish history is good enough. Another part of readers will be those that already have negative opinion about Poles, built in the past, so they will read the books to support their view. They will follow the overall impressions created in the books; they will never read any articles that disclose some discrepancies or clarify the possible reasons of these acts (but not justify). There are plenty tensions between Jews and Poles. We have to work it through, not bringing new ones. <br /><br />The last group of readers will be Poles who are angry that someone is blaming Poland again. And here I would like to talk a bit more about “the guilt”. Poles are generally “oversensitive” about themselves. We are easily offended people, especially when it relates to our history. We think we “got cheated” by Western World a few times so they have no right to judge us. Plus - we have inferiority complex. But on the other hand, we are humble people and are often willing to apologize to avoid conflicts, but it does not mean we admit to be guilty. <br />BUT we DO care what the world says about us. We DO feel bad about Kielce and Jedwabne. But we DO NOT want to take any collective responsibility imposed on us. <br />I watched yesterday (via internet) the TVP show “Tomasz Lisa na żywo“ dated on January 3, which was dedicated to JT Gross’s and his last book Golden Harvest. Tomasz Lis interviewed JT Gross and Mrs. Grudzinska-Gross. The authors claim their publications are useful, because they open the possibility to discuss the issue and “work out” this history. They said that the discussion about Jewish-Polish relations was very much appreciated in the Jewish communities in the USA and, in fact, Poland is the only country that currently takes the effort to discuss it. They also attempt “to soften” the books’ anti-Polish context saying that acts of aggressions against neighbors are human weakness and happened in many war or post-war local societies (post- Yugoslavia, Ruanda) or that Poles did not behaved worse than other nations. I appreciate it. They also believe the books do not create anti-polish opinions and that since the discussion began, the NY Jewish communities’ opinion about Poles has even improved. I personally cannot believe this could be the case, but I agree the open and honest discussion is always useful. But are his books sufficiently objective to give the impulse for such a discussion??<br /><br />In my opinion his books enhance the stereotype of Pole as Anti-Semite. When I read or hear statements that Poles have to finally confront their deep Anti-Semitism, I know the author of this comment has never been to Poland and probably does not even know any Poles. I have no idea where they currently see Anti-Semitism in Poland. But I can assume they drew the conclusions from Mr. Gross’s books. This is why I think they bring more harm than good. Especially, when we are trying to work out our relations with the world again.Malgorzatanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-44687318838848987012011-01-24T06:23:59.679-05:002011-01-24T06:23:59.679-05:00Hi, Malgorzata, I just looked under the comments t...Hi, Malgorzata, I just looked under the comments tab and I see no comments awaiting, so part two is, indeed, missing. <br /><br />Can you please resend it and I will post it? <br /><br />Thank you.D Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-1512537946765253352011-01-24T06:15:05.727-05:002011-01-24T06:15:05.727-05:00Malgorzata, I'm sorry. If you like you can pos...Malgorzata, I'm sorry. If you like you can post it again, or I can look for it. <br /><br />I also apologize for a delayed response. Busy weekend! <br /><br />Thank you.D Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-45001880973991701852011-01-24T05:50:10.667-05:002011-01-24T05:50:10.667-05:00HI,
Part 2 of my comment is missing.
Should I po...HI, <br />Part 2 of my comment is missing. <br />Should I post it again?<br />M.Malgorzatanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-75672530658148577842011-01-23T16:09:57.710-05:002011-01-23T16:09:57.710-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Malgorzatanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-24539716465600942782011-01-23T16:07:06.229-05:002011-01-23T16:07:06.229-05:00Hello Danusha,
I would also like to wish you happy...Hello Danusha,<br />I would also like to wish you happy New Year! <br />As promised I have ordered Bieganski. Money spent on books is always spent well, so I am not worried about these expenses.<br />I would like to apologize in advance for my lengthy response (2 or 3 parts) and possible language mistakes. Please give me credits as I am not the native English speaker. Additionally, please treat my comments as my personal opinion, even if I use sometimes “we” and “us” (=Poles) instead of “I”. I am neither a historian, nor an emigration or social study specialist. I am a Pole who cares and would like to share opinion.<br /><br />I was thinking about JT Gross and his books. I was also trying to follow the discussion that takes place in Poland now. You also made me to re-think again the issue and partly review my opinion. <br /><br />I have never diminished Mr. Gross service to Poland. I know little about the life (only what is publicly accessible). He was one of these courageous people that fought against communism in my country, but emigrated from Poland shortly after he was released from jail. For years he has supplied America with Polish history and helped to expand knowledge about Poland there. He was awarded one of the highest civil orders of Poland for his role in the improvement of relations between Poland and USA. And we, Poles, are grateful for it. <br />This is one of the reasons why I cannot understand why he changed his approach? We would rather expect him to feel responsibility and continue being “ambassador” of Poland. Is it really only because his professional interests have changed? Or is there something else behind? There have been few theories developed which sound more or less believable, but I do not know the true answer.<br /><br />I do not deny the Kielce Pogrom or Jedwabne took place. They did happen, but not everything Mr. Gross wrote seems to be pure truth. His interpretations and conclusions are biased and there are some historical mistruths there. There were at least a few historians that critically referred to Mr. Gross books. Their articles or books are available in Poland. I do not know how many of them have been ever published in the USA. In fact, some of these publications are quite biased too… <br /><br />But I agree with you - his work is heroic. I was thinking about it last two weeks and I got to the conclusion that he, in fact, IS heroic. First, writing about the things that most would like to forget, or call not existing, is brave, especially when it brings hate of fellow countrymen. It is heroic to be “messenger of bad news”. Secondly, I also found something else positive in his books. He makes us (Poles) thinking. He revises the overall myth of being the bravest nation in the world ( and the most “in trouble”) and to our romantic believe that we have “mission” between the nations that makes us special and only good (even if we really are ;-)) This is the way Poles in Poland are brought up. We have learnt in the school only that part of history that makes as heroes, never being taught about negative parts (e.g. relations with Ukraine, Czech Republic). We were always victims, never aggressors. This view was supported by movies, historical literature, teachers, historians, politicians and fiction books too. I agree, we should also learn about the adverse part of our history. I only wish Mr. Gross had avoided oversimplification and blaming the whole nation for these terrible acts he described. The controversy around his books makes them easy saleable. It may look like “it does not matter what people say, it is good they talk”. <br /><br />to be continued...Malgorzatanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-39727545703310836072011-01-16T08:41:17.195-05:002011-01-16T08:41:17.195-05:00Hello, anonymous, and thank you for posting. I rea...Hello, anonymous, and thank you for posting. I really do wish people would not post anonymously. I prefer posts with names. <br /><br />In any case, you may be right.<br /><br />If you are right, what is the best thing for Poles and those concerned about the truth to do?<br /><br />We have at least two options. We can obsess on Jan Tomasz Gross, and post negative posts about him on the internet.<br /><br />Or, we can unite, support each other, and advance our own story. <br /><br />Buy Polish books and DVDs, including mine, John Guzlowski's, Mishael Porembski's, and those published by Aquila Polonica. <br /><br />Read them. Post reviews on Amazon. Form committees and present your case in school districts, on university campuses, and in the press. <br /><br />It is much better that we light our own lamps than try to blow out others', including JT Gross'.D Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-65285639819071909152011-01-15T15:45:53.690-05:002011-01-15T15:45:53.690-05:00Hi,I am of opinion that J.T.Gross's writing no...Hi,I am of opinion that J.T.Gross's writing now is not the same as it was when he came as an immigrant to the USA.His book about terrible fate of Polish children on ex-Polish territory (kresy)under Soviet power seems to be evidently more traditional in relation both to the language and methods.In spite of their scientific values such books are seldom bestsellers nowdays.It may happened that some American editors have suggested Mr.Gross to change his style in order to get publicity.To use more emotional words, to choose the most drastic and extreme facts from very diverse social life in post-war Poland.<br />And J.T.Gross became a famous writer, his books about Polish - Jewish relations are widely known<br />and are printed in thousands copies both in USA and Poland.He and his publishers must be now very satisfied. I would be not surprised, if they have already ordered a sequel to his last book "Golden Harvest".Critical opinions expressed in scientific circles are less and less important; commercial success is decisive.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-9825974913298432982011-01-07T12:44:41.006-05:002011-01-07T12:44:41.006-05:00Hello, Malgorzata. Thank you for writing.
I'...Hello, Malgorzata. Thank you for writing. <br /><br />I'm glad you will get a hold of my book and read it. I know it's expensive, but if you may be able to find a copy at a library, or through interlibrary loan. <br /><br />Regarding Prof. Gross -- I wonder what you think of the fact that he resisted the Soviet regime, and served time in jail for that. To me, that is heroic.<br /><br />Also, I wonder if you have thought about his earlier work, "Revolution from Abroad," that brought to light the horrible Soviet invasion and occupation. Again, I find his work heroic.<br /><br />Also, the Kielce pogrom really did happen. We have to come to terms with it, do we not? <br /><br />I see Gross' work of publishing on important matters as heroic, not as a bad thing, but as a good thing.<br /><br />No? Please tell me what I'm getting wrong. I will listen to your reply and take it seriously. <br /><br />Now you have me very curious about the mulitmedia display on Polish immigration. I travel very little, so I will try to learn something about this display from the web.<br /><br />Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!D Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-33550556790282755072011-01-07T05:26:02.461-05:002011-01-07T05:26:02.461-05:00Hello again,
I would like to respond shortly to yo...Hello again,<br />I would like to respond shortly to your comment. <br />I have not read your book, but I can promise you I will get and read one. I agree that lack of integrity of Polish emigration in many countries may be one of the problems. I do not know what exactly Polish Americans do (or do not do) for (against) the stereotypes of Pole that upsets you so much, but I believe I will learn about it in your book. However, not buying, reading or reviewing your book does not mean they do not care! <br /><br />I see negative stereotypes of Pole growing around and Mr Gross's books do not help to change this stereotype into positive one. And unfortunately his books are read in the USA and Poland. <br />I have shared my opinion and I think my energy has been allocated well because my comment means that the topic matters to me, even if opinion is different than yours. <br /><br />If you go one day to Halifax, NS in Canada, please visit PIER 21 museum and attend the 30 min multimedia presentation about emigrants displayed there. I am very curious about your opinion on Polish emigrant presented there. I am not an expert on emigration or history, so I will be glad to hear what you say about it. <br /><br />Kind regards and do not give up!<br />MalgorzataAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-66589432151864217902011-01-05T10:32:00.733-05:002011-01-05T10:32:00.733-05:00Anonymous, I wish you had signed your post. I pers...Anonymous, I wish you had signed your post. I personally dislike anonymous internet posts, and appreciate the courage and integrity required to post signed posts. <br /><br />In any case, I disagree with you. Jan Tomasz Gross is not the problem. <br /><br />The problem is Poles and Polonia.<br /><br />Poles and Polish Americans (Polish-British, Polish-Australians, etc) do not significantly unite and act significantly. <br /><br />I've been working on these issues for years. I have one Polish ally -- John Guzlowski. He is the only one who answers my emails, supports my work, talks about the issues at hand. As far as I know, he is the only one who cares. <br /><br />Others? What are Poles and Polish Americans doing? <br /><br />Have *any* Polish Americans bought, read, reviewed, shared, AND promoted "Bieganski," the only scholarly book devoted to negative stereotyping of Poles? I'm unaware of any.<br /><br />Your blaming Jan Tomasz Gross is just plain silly, and you should stop it immediately and put your energy into working for worthy causes.D Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-16873510888081255732011-01-05T09:48:17.525-05:002011-01-05T09:48:17.525-05:00Hi,
I do believe Polish did wrong things during th...Hi,<br />I do believe Polish did wrong things during the war but they did much more good to help Jewish to survive (despite of death penalty imposed by Nazis). The pity is that Americans know little about the war in Europe. They think that "concentration camps were Polish" as the American press uses this expression (despite a lot of protests against it). <br />I am Polish, but I have been living in Germany for 4 years. Germans do not feel any guilt of what happened during the war. They say: they were Nazis not Germans... I understand it and I do not think they should feel any "common responsibility". <br />But the effect of Mr Gross's books can be that within few years Polish will need to apologise for Holocaust! <br />Mr Gross's books hurt me, my country and my family. This topic must bring him money or fame as he continues writing the same stories that can only partly be supported by history. He states strong opinions against Polish nation and is creating the Anti-Polish atmosphere in the USA, Canada and Europe. Germans are very happy to hear it.<br />Kind regardsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471082069031980581.post-20210977433667538212010-11-08T15:27:33.456-05:002010-11-08T15:27:33.456-05:00Hi, anonymous. Thank you for your comment.
I appr...Hi, anonymous. Thank you for your comment.<br /><br />I appreciate your concern for goodwill for Poles.<br /><br />Here's my approach, fwiw:<br /><br />One can act from hate or fear, and strive to damage or destroy. <br /><br />One can act from love, and strive to support and encourage and cultivate.<br /><br />If you take the first approach, you may choose to hate and fear Jan Tomasz Gross, or any other person you identify as an enemy.<br /><br />If you take the second approach and act from love, you will strive to support and encourage that which you love and value.<br /><br />I prefer the second approach.<br /><br />Rather than trying to damage or destroy Gross or anyone else, I prefer to support that which I value.<br /><br />I'll give you an example.<br /><br />When I was chronically ill, with no income of any kind, I bought a newly published book about Polish American matters, by a Polish American author, and I told as many people as possible about the book, and I gave the book a very positive online review.<br /><br />That's a true story. <br /><br />I used what little power I had to support a Pole.<br /><br />I regularly receive emails from people who are angry at this or that critic of Poland.<br /><br />I ask them if they have bought "Bieganski," or told other people to buy it. No, they say, they don't like buying new books. Too expensive.<br /><br />I think that that approach has not helped us.D Goskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353495585591945881noreply@blogger.com