It’s important for Americans to understand that we, too, have a right to self-determination ~ Lidka

Lidka, age 54, is a mid-career Polish professional who earned a Master’s Degree at the Jagiellonian University.  She is a librarian and parent of an adult daughter. Lidka lives near Krakow and loves to garden and read, particularly science fiction and fantasy.  She identifies as a non practicing Roman Catholic.  Lidka agreed to share her perspective on recent events in and near her homeland.

Talk about the COVID-19 Pandemic:  I remember speaking with a neighbor about feeling apprehensive when the pandemic started; it felt a little like a war.  My employer was supportive.  We continued to receive our salaries when sheltering in place from March to July (2020).  We returned to work in a hybrid capacity; some colleagues continue working from home offices.  As for me, I love my home and my garden and would be happy to work from home on a permanent basis!

What is positive about Poland today?  We are surrounded by beautiful nature which is very accessible; there are lots of beautiful green spaces in Poland.  Additionally, there are plenty of employment opportunities.  I am able to work in my profession.  

What could be better in Poland today?  I wish our government (PiS political party) was more oriented to the European Union (EU); our current government is right wing.  Our government’s actions have prevented Poland from receiving its full funding due from the EU, for general and pandemic relief purposes. You must understand that, during Poland’s transformation to a market economy after the fall of communism, “we were like preschoolers playing in a sandbox with teenagers.”  We were less skilled in business.  I also wish Poland’s social safety net was stronger.  It is difficult to count on family when one needs assistance and there are fewer government resources to help.  We do not have the infrastructure of wealthier countries (e.g., Germany).  I wish Poland had better (i.e., higher) pensions and a more expanded system of care for the elderly.

What are your hopes for Poland?  I hope Poland’s government will change in the 2023 parliamentary elections.  I hope a more centrist and/or left leaning government wins, one that is more open to the rights of minorities (e.g., LGBTQ, etc.) and the rights of women.  I am more introverted and do not participate in street protests; I do, however, support the protestors.  I do not believe women should be required to just stay home, cook, clean, care for children and be unquestioningly obedient to their husbands.

What do you feel Americans should know about Poland and the Polish people?  Americans should know that most of us do not support the current right wing government.  During the last election, many young people did not vote.  It was as if they did not understand the importance of voting.  PiS gives a lot of money to older people and, therefore, can count on a high voter turnout from them.  Some Americans wonder why there are so many “small, independent countries” in Europe.  It’s important for Americans to understand that we, too, have a right to self-determination.

This is a very difficult time for us.

I invite you to follow my blog, Present Time, at https://presenttime.blog.

This Time, This Place interviews capture perspectives from Poles and non-Poles, living in Poland today.  Views expressed are those of the interviewees and not necessarily those of the interviewer.