[VIDEO] Life in Warsaw Vlogcast Episode 1 - Smiling on the Street
Hello Steemians!
I have to confess, I'm new to this community. I don't know what type of content is the most desired, or the most-read. But hopefully, you girls and guys enjoy travel, culture, and discussions!
The idea with this video series is to share my experiences and observations regarding life abroad. In addition to discussing aspects of culture and detailing observations, this video-blog-podcast - or “Vlogcast” - aims to ask honest questions and illuminate the subtleties of our ever-shrinking global society.
In Episode 1 of "Life in Warsaw", Mahan Charmshir and I discuss culture in Poland, multiculturalism in Warsaw as compared to other European cities, and why some Poles don't seem to smile as they walk on the street.
Do Poles smile enough?
Upon my arrival in Warsaw, I was confused by what I deemed was a scarcity of smiles on the street. Initially, I interpreted this to mean that Varsovians were withdrawn, perhaps closed-off. However, a visitor from a different country, such as Iran, might have the opposite reaction. It comes down to our personal perceptions as well as each country’s cultural norms and expectations.
In speaking of cultural norms, I still believe that there is a historical justification for the difference which I have noticed. During the Soviet Union’s presence in Poland during the Cold War, both out of necessity and from an oppressive atmosphere, friendliness and trusting strangers were not encouraged. This attitude, mainly in reaction to a broken system, has prevailed until today. However, with the fall of the socialist system, the values have changed. Already the post-’89 generation acts differently, showing that the environment has an influence.
It must be noted that my interpretation in this matter - and in all matters - is biased. Cultural norms in the United States dictate that a person needs a reason not to smile. If someone is not smiling, we tend to think “Is something bothering them?”, “They must be having a bad day.” or even “What a jerk!”
Are you treated like a guest or a local?
In cities such as Berlin and Paris, which have histories of immigration and experience with people of various backgrounds, it is relatively easy to integrate with a due amount of effort. Cities like Warsaw, which only recently have begun to see an influx of foreigners, have yet to fully acclimate to the changes and challenges with which this process is linked.
While learning the language and becoming involved in the community are great ways to get closer to the culture and people in any country, in Warsaw one’s appearance and way of life still takes precedence at the early stages.
We see this in the use of language. When crossing paths with someone who does not look Polish or who does not sound like a native speaker of Polish, Varsovians easily communicate in English. The often-correct assumption is that a non-Pole does not know how to speak Polish. The Polish language is still intrinsically linked with Polish ethnicity and national identity. This has the consequence of limiting the definition of what is considered “Polish.”
At the same time, the eagerness to speak English shows the intention of Poles to join the world stage of international affairs. Warsaw has already begun to become a business destination for international firms, a popular study abroad location for students from around the world, and an important partner of the European Union just 27 years after becoming an autonomous state.