The Victim Complex
For a number of years now there has been a growing trend within right-wing Polish politics which is particularly perplexing. Right-wing politics is often equated with patriotic and nationalist sentiments, glorifying past (and present) achievements as well as demonstrating the greatness of one’s nation. However, attitudes within right-wing (and liberal) circles in Poland seem to be advocating a different approach. This approach reached its apex when Law and Justice (PiS) came to power in 2005.
The Christ Nation
Together with the far-right League of Polish Families (LPR) and populist Self-Defence (Samoobrona), this approach became entrenched and particularly visible in Polish foreign policy during the PiS years. Polish politics (heavily influenced by the Catholic church at the time) embraced an almost ‘Christic’ and/or ‘martyrological’ approach to their own history. Poland was seen by these politicians to be both the saviour and martyr of Europe, the ‘Christ’ of European nations.
The German Invasion
When arguing for Poland’s God-given right to have more votes in the EU’s then new system of voting, one of the Kaczyński brothers said that had it not been for World War II, Poland’s population would be greater and so they deserve more votes in the EU. This attitude continued throughout their term in office and continues today. Certain politicians feel Poland ‘deserves’ more because it suffered so much. This attitude of Poland being the ‘eternal victim’ is extremely dangerous for a number of reasons.
The Destruction of Self
Firstly, with it comes a large whiff of misplaced arrogance which, to the outside world, is particularly irritating when the only arguments that can be heard coming from the Polish camp are that Poland deserves more because it had to live though both Nazism and Communism. Secondly, when such a victim complex becomes entrenched its proponents begin to genuinely believe it. So much so that extolling the virtues of being a victim turns into a form of flagellation or even historical and political self-mutilation.
The New History
Recently, there has been much talk about historical revisionism. Russia particularly has been found guilty of practising the re-writing of history. However, is Poland’s victim status also a form of revisionism? Believing that Poland is forever Europe’s martyr is useful as it absolves the nation of crimes previously committed, such as Jedwabne or Operation Wisła. How can the victim have ever been the tormentor?
September 30, 2009 at 8:01 am |
The right always somehow illogically tried to combine self aggrandizement and victimization. We are not only a great nation and Europe owes us, but also we are poor little Poles who constantly get a whipping from big bad bullies. Europe and the world should be in awe and feel pity for us, all at the same time. Now all we need a stab in a back and the circle will be complete.
Oh wait, 17th was not even two weeks ago……..
September 30, 2009 at 8:11 am |
Bizarre, isn’t it?
September 30, 2009 at 10:26 am |
I’ve always wondered how Poland’s political and cultural dominance over Lithuanians, Belarussians and Ukrainians avoids comparisons with Poland’s own domination by other powers.
Kulturkampf in Old Prussia: Bad.
Polonisation in Belarus: OK.
The latest ‘Przegląd’ has an article about how Belarus sees the 17th of September. For them, it marks the unification of Belarus, previously partitioned between Poland and USSR.
September 30, 2009 at 10:29 am |
When it comes to anniversaries the rule seems to be:
Tragic defeat? Yes please.
Uplifting celebration of achievement? No thanks.
To find out about a recent anniversary which was completely ignored, I humbly draw your attention to the latest translation at the Czarny Kot blog.
September 30, 2009 at 1:20 pm |
Thanks a lot both Raf and Czarny Kot for this Polish politics and mood for dummies ! I do appreciate !
September 30, 2009 at 2:56 pm |
Czarny, muchos dziekos for the heads-up (your article) and the comments.
I too find it irritating how Polish politicians seem to avoid talking about the subjugation of the Lithuanians and Ukrainians…
September 30, 2009 at 3:23 pm |
Because we never did, The Polish-Lithuanian Union was a benevolent state that benefited all. We saved those people from themselves. Any and all uprisings were by malcontents and criminals as that great historian Sienkiewicz so vividly has shown in his works.
This is why we are so loved by all our neighbours. Only some of the ungrateful ones fail to see the way they benefited from us. If they could, I am sure, most would want to be re-unified under Poland.