When we talk about Poland we mean people. What are the main features of the polish nation? Are we outgoing and kind or are we xenophobic? How do we treat people from other countries? This are the main questions when we think about polish nation.
Firstly, there is no doubt that the history has got a great impact on the features which are characteristic for polish people. We are concidered as very religious and hospitable but very distrusful to the strangers. For somebody who comes from another country it is very unusual that almost everybody go to the church. And even if people don't go to the church most of them belive in God and live according to the christian tradition. This is one of very characteristic features of polish nation.
Secondly, we are perceived as very hospitable and kind. People from countries like France or Great Britain say that they like Poland because of people who are very helpful and nice. But we are not like that to all nations. It is very characteristic that we are nice to the people from Western Europe but we are less kind to the people from the East. And we are the least kind for the Gypsys or Jewes. In polish language the word "cygan" which is synonymus to the word "Gypsy" means that you are a liar and a thief.
However, we are kind to other people, Poland may be a difficult country to live in. Frankly speaking, we are very intolerant towards to the other groups of people who has got different point of view. It is perfectly seen on an instant of recent statements about the rights of homosexuality. On the other hand we haven't got a big problem with racism but it is because no other nations live in Poland. Of course there are small gorups of Ukrainians, Belorussians, Jewes, etc., but they are too small to cause problems and they don't exist in politics. However, polish history remembers the examples of racism especially during the interwar period (1918 - 1939).
Like all nations we have got our faults and virtues. But, all in all, we can say that we are hospitable and kind to other. We are open for turists and we welcome them. Maybe we are not very tolerant but if we want to be a part of Europe we will have to change this point of view.
