Tożsamość Polaków w kontekście jednoczącej się Europy

Abstract

It is the second time in the last twenty-five years of the history of Europe that Poles, like other nations, have felt lost and confused about their identity. The first time was in the 1980s when a political breakthrough led to the liberation of a few European countries from Soviet rule. In Poland this was the time of “Solidarity”, the period of a “peaceful revolution”, the change of political system and dramatic social changes. The second time marked by similar tendencies and results was the beginning of the 21st century, especially when Poland and some other European countries joined the European Union. This political and economic inclusion of Poland in the community of the EU countries intensified the question: “who are we?” as a nation – Poles, as a country – Poland. Understanding one's own culture in historic and national dimension shows its meaning and merits in the context of unification of contemporary Europe. Poles should realize who they are, what past they have and what qualities – virtues – characterize the nation, what our national wealth consists of and what we have to offer to other European nations. Taking into account characteristics of our national culture in the context of other Central and Eastern European countries John Paul II reminded us that: “the most significant contribution, which the countries of this region can offer, is defending their own identity. The nations of Central and Eastern Europe, despite all transformations enforced by Communist dictatorship, have preserved their identity, and, in a way, even strengthened it. The fight for national identity was for them the fight for survival. Today, both parts of Europe – the western and the eastern, are coming close again. The phenomenon is very positive in itself. However, it is not free of risk. It seems that the basic danger for Eastern Europe is blurring its identity.”