Every time I drive trough Helensburgh I see the sign at the city limits saying „Welcome to Helensburgh – Birthplace of John Logie Baird, inventor of television”. I wonder how it is, that the world follows Anglo-American version of events. Yes, the British once ruled half of the world and their version was taught in […]
history
Once upon the time there was an Empire…
Once upon the time, there was an Empire. An Empire that over the years was increasing its sphere of influence – not only conquering the lands of neighboring countries but also by building a network of dependant territories all over the word. This Empire has committed many sins – for example it allowed the population […]
You shall pay for that it is not as it could be
This text was originally published in Polish in 2013, I’ve decided to translate it as it is obviously still very hot topic. Yet again, this time in the open letter to President Komorowski, Jewish organizations demand return of the properties raked by Nazis (The Jerusalem Post). I don’t blame them for seeking justice, the problem […]
Why there are demonstrations in today’s Poland
On Polish Facebook one internet meme became very popular in recent days. In the background we can see a picture of recent riots, small crying kid is comforted by his mom. „Don’t be afraid, son, they are just patriots”. That’s true, recent events in Warsaw scared many Poles. But when asked by a foreigner what […]
Čapek and Vančura – is their writing really so different?
„War with the Newts” by Karel Čapek and „Kosmas” by Vladislav Vančura are at the first sight very different works. The first one is a classic Science-Fiction book, written in very modern language and using original narrative modes, while the second one is a tale of old times, told in strongly archaized language. However, both […]
On the fall of communism in Poland
When Lech Wałęsa, shouted “Pomożemya” together with other workers during the meetings with the Party First Secretary Edward Gierek in 1971, he really hoped that the Party would use his help and try to learn from its mistakes. “And what did Gierek do with our help?” he would ask later.1 Mistakes made by the government […]
Lithuania’s challenges in it’s transition from a Soviet Republic to a free European state.
Although the three Baltic States are often treated as they follow the same path, in fact differences between them are very significant. Especially Lithuania deserves some closer look as, unlike the other two, Lithuanians have long history of being recognized as a distinct ethnic group and separate state – first time this nation is mentioned in chronicles in 10091 […]
Looking at bande dessinée through Lacan’s and De Certeau’s eyes
Comics, often underestimated in Anglo-American culture, is certainly not seen as a “low” art in most of Europe. It has significantly strong role in the culture of francophone countries. One of the most known comics character is Tintin – the young reporter of Le Petit Vingtième. Although comics about Tintin are not too sophisticated on […]
Role of Russian settlers communities in the consolidation of Soviet Union and it’s impact upon national identity development
For centuries, Russian settlement expanded the Russian empire. Settlers assimilated nations on the frontiers of the Empire. Huge areas of unpopulated land in Central Asia provided space for everyone to live beside each other, but the influence of Russian modern culture on their neighbours was overwhelmingly strong. Colonisation of Western borderlands was much more difficult […]
Account for the successes and failures of centre-right political parties in Poland between 1993 and 2007
Since the fall of the communism Poland is facing a substantial challenges. From Balcerowicz’s plan, throughout reformation of fundamental pillars of the state, accession to NATO and European community to oncoming EU presidency, the centre-right political parties are playing a significant role in the history. Although till 2007 on every consecutive elections power was shifted […]