E European History

» dantilles - Discrimination in Poland

Poland is not necessarily part of Eastern Europe, depending on your definition, but as a resident of Krakow for the last 18 months I can certainly agree with your blog and say that discrimination against minority groups is alive and kicking here.

Two weeks ago a gay rights protest in the city was attacked by nationalists throwing rocks and shouting slogans, while last week (during the Pope's visit to the country) Poland's Chief Rabbi was assaulted by some youths in the street after confronting them over racist chanting.

If you are visibly different here (e.g. Black or Asian) then at best you get a few strange/curious looks in the street, and at worst are in danger of being abused or attacked.

Things are gradually improving, especially in big cities where foreign students and business and gay bars and clubs are becoming more common, but, for whatever reason, discrimination is still a big problem here (and certainly won't be helped by the current nationalist-leaning government).

Dan Tilles

http://britishaffairs.suite101.com/

-- posted by dantilles

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» Kerry Kubilius - Discrimination in Poland

In response to Discrimination in Poland posted by dantilles:

The intolerance in Eastern Europe is discouraging. I've witnessed it first-hand, and it is not pretty. The anti-gay protests in Poland and Russia, the archaic anti-Semetic sentiments, and the ethnic discrimination is somewhat disheartening. But hopefully, as Eastern European countries find themselves global players and confronted with diversity, this will improve.

There are some interesting exceptions, though. Lithuanians are gradually embracing the cultural influences from their African immigrants. This is just one example, and I'm sure we will see more.

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