Patriotism on the Polish curriculum?

Radio Polonia ^ | 07.06.2006 | Gabriel Stille

[lizol]

Patriotism on the Polish curriculum?

07.06.2006

Controversial education minister, Roman Giertych, wants ‘patriotic education’ to be at the heart of teaching a broad range of school subjects.

Report by Gabriel Stille

As an effort to inspire the "patriotic spirit" in Polish pupils, Education Minister Roman Giertych presented his ideas of a new subject, called "patriotic education" t a press conference.

He compared with the United States, "where even immigrants have to learn the national anthem and the American constitution". Giertych also stated that he wanted to consult with teachers and pupils about his plans for the new subject, which would e taught in conjunction with Polish History.

Not only WWII veterans or people who fought communism would be helpful in this, but also for example those who were sent on difficult UN missions.

Roman Giertych is also deputy Prime minister in the government coalition, headed by the Law and Justice party, PiS. From this party, the speaker of the Lower House of the Sejm, Marek Jurek, also concerned about the lack of patriotism in the hearts of young people, voiced ideas about an alternative patriotic curriculum.

First of all, we should add patriotic content to those subjects that naturally teach pupils about national identity, such as the history of literature, civic education, or political history.

The oppositional party Democratic Left Alliance quickly condemned Giertychs ideas as "courses in nationalism". The last week has also seen several large demonstrations, where young people have demanded the rapid demise of the controversial minister.

Doctor of sociology Marek Szopka does not think that these educational ideas of The League of Polish Families are held by a majority of the Polish population, but that it is natural nonetheless that these ideas attracts a certain following in this phase of Polish history:

Unfortunately, in this respect, patriotism has a very strong connection with nationalism, and I'm afraid that that kind of approach in the long run is something that we would not, or should not, welcome.

I think that after what we might call a successful completion of practically everything that one actually only had dreamt about 10 or 15 years ago, it is almost inevitable, in the effect of all the other events, 9/11 and other aspects of things, that you would have, I would say a certain void, as to the future of the project, which is associated with Poland, and usually you go to something that has been around before.

The future of Giertych's plans to reform the Polish educational system remains uncertain, as also the teachers' union has voiced strong objections to his ideas. Any changes in the curriculum are yet to be seen.

[Little Ray]

The Japanese are doing this, too. Why don't we do this here?

I'd love to see the NEA hacks puking over this...

[weegee]

The left wants this book used in every classroom.

[Mrs. Darla Ruth Schwerin]

Don't know a whole lot about Poland, except that it is a poor country. They seem to need something to pull the country together and a patriotic education seems good...

[68skylark]

He compared with the United States, "where even immigrants have to learn the national anthem and the American constitution".

Unfortunately, it may be more correct to say that, "only immigrants have to learn the national anthem and the American constitution." They need this information to pass the citizenship exam.

People who are citizens by birth get only a small amount of this in school. Most patriotism comes from daily living outside of school.

While kids are in school, many teachers want to deliver the opposite of patriotism -- they want to talk about why American is so awful.

[weegee]

The last week has also seen several large demonstrations, where young people have demanded the rapid demise of the controversial minister.

Sounds like PC doublespeak to cover them demanding that he "die now".

[lizol]

Eastern European ping list

---

FRmail me to be added or removed from this Eastern European ping list

[68skylark]

Don't know a whole lot about Poland, except that it is a poor country.

I don't know the exact statistics, but I don't think Poland qualifies as "poor" by most definitions.

The majority of the world struggles on a dollar or two a day per person -- that's in places like India, Africa, most of China, etc, and that's real poverty.

Compared to those places, Poland is wealthy.

[weegee]

Having been invaded by Mongolians, Nazis, and Communists, the Polish should learn about national identity and the threats and oppression they have suffered under from others as well as resistance to that oppression.

[weegee]

While kids are in school, many teachers antiAmerican socialists (dare I call them Communists?) want to deliver the opposite of patriotism -- they want to talk about why American is so awful.

They seek to poison the minds of America's young. It is an act of subversion, not instruction.

[lizol]

Exactly, depends what you mean by "poor".


In comparison to U.S. it's definitely poor, but I bet there are many countries, that are doing much, much worse.

Average monthly salary in Poland is about 1.000 $, but the cost of living is lower than in U.S.

[Mrs. Darla Ruth Schwerin]

Yes. I had initially thought about Poland being such a dumping ground for other creepy things. Just wasn't quite certain about how to say it all. My husband has also commented on how they really need to develop a National identity so as to keep the troublemakers away. All the things the Polish people have endured is really quite sad...

[Mrs. Darla Ruth Schwerin]

Not quite certain why you have gotten so defensive. After all, I, personally have no intention of conducting an aerial attack on Poland. Anyway, I'm not going to tell you what I meant since you are teetering on the brink of, nastiness, for no reason at all other than to cleanse your own soul at my expense...

[lizol]

I think you didn't get my point. I just wanted to explain some things.

I simply don't know you and it's not so difficult to meet on-line a person, that has a very limited knowledge about something.

[lizol]

Sure, but I'm not convinced whether it should be another, separate course.

I think history + Polish language + culture + civic education classes (of course with proper programmes) would be enough.

[MadIvan]

The Polish national anthem is pretty rousing -

POLISH LYRICS

Jeszcze Polska nie zginela,
Kiedy my zyjemy.
Co nam obca przemoc wziela,
Szabla odbierzemy.

CHORUS:
Marsz, marsz, Dabrowski,
Z ziemi wloskiej do Polski,
Za twoim przewodem
Zlaczym sie z narodem.

Przejdziem Wisle, przejdziem Warte,
Bedziem Polakami,
Dal nam przyklad Bonaparte,
Jak zwyciezac mamy.

CHORUS

Jak Czarniecki do Poznania
Po szwedzkim zaborze,
Dla ojczyzny ratowania
Wracal sie przez morze.

CHORUS

Juz tam ojciec do swej Basi
mowi zaplakany:
"Sluchaj jeno, pono nasi
bija w tarabany!"

---
ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Poland has not yet succumbed.
As long as we remain,
What the foe by force has seized,
Sword in hand we'll gain.

CHORUS:
March! March, Dabrowski!
March from Italy to Poland!
Under your command
We shall reach our land.

Cross the Vistula and Warta
And Poles we shall be;
We've been shown by Bonaparte
Ways to victory.

CHORUS

As Czarniecki Poznan town regains,
Fighting with the Swede,
To free our fatherland from chains,
We shall return by sea.

CHORUS

Father, in tears,
says to his Basia:
"Just listen, it seems that our people
are beating the drums."

--

I'd love it if our national anthem was as rousing and martial.

Regards, Ivan

[Bernard]

Compared to the United States, most other countries are poor. Poland is rich in tradition, and a strong work ethic. I wouldn't worry about the person you were responding to.

Thanks again for adding me to your ping list.

[macel]

Is it your translation?