In the backdrop of remarkable emigration narratives from before the war, the times of martial law, and the surge of departures after 2004, a fresh generation is emerging. This new wave is characterised by quiet ambition, outstanding education, and a profound lack of complexes. Meet the young Polish diaspora. Who are they, what ideals do they uphold, and why do they continue to choose Poland?
The young Polish diaspora represents a generation that not only speaks Polish at home but is increasingly becoming the voice of Poland on the global stage. They can be found in prestigious university campuses, international organisation conference rooms, start-up offices in Silicon Valley, creative hubs in Berlin and Stockholm, and across social media platforms. Here, descendants of the long-standing Polish diaspora, along with new young emigrants, express their pride in their Polish heritage.
These young ambassadors of Polishness deserve a prominent place in discussions today, particularly within Poland itself. The Polish diaspora is not merely a collection of nostalgic memories of grandmothers in Chicago, parcels of Polish bread from Toronto, or wistful yearnings for the Tatra Mountains from the suburbs of Sydney. The Polish diaspora of the 21st century embodies a strategic vision. It is a future that embraces its roots while simultaneously building something new, fresh, and global. It represents an identity choice for many young individuals who find themselves 'in between’.
Some of these people emigrated as children, while others were born abroad into families where Polish culture transcended mere linguistic obligation. Some have only recently made the move abroad. These families have imparted something far more significant than just recipes for pierogi – they have instilled a sense of belonging, pride in their heritage, and the understanding that ‘being Polish’ is not a fleeting chapter in their lives but a foundational element of their identity.
Today, these young individuals are securing scholarships, launching businesses, establishing foundations, and organising events that capture international attention. Their ‘Polishness’ is not confined to a romantic jar of pickled cucumbers but is dynamic, open to the world, and multidimensional. They are unafraid to speak positively about Poland in foreign languages while also being willing to engage in critical discourse. This represents a conscious, modern, and courageous form of patriotism.
Ambassadors of everyday life
Not every member of this diaspora is a celebrity or influencer. Many are ordinary people with extraordinary stories. Consider the medical student in Rome who shares her insights on Polish culture through a digital channel in her spare time, or the programmer in Dublin who teaches Polish to children every weekend. There’s a young lawyer in Brussels advocating for human rights who proudly embraces her Polish accent, and clergy in Rome organising Polish church services. These everyday ambassadors, rather than PR campaigns or billboards, are the ones who cultivate a genuine image of Poland abroad. They are real individuals, driven by their passions and choices, engaging in conversations about their homeland over an evening beer with friends at the local pub.
Thus, it may be worth pondering what it means to be an ‘ambassador of Polishness’ today. Is it merely a person in traditional garb singing ‘Sto lat’ (Happy Birthday) at a festival? Or does it encompass those who forge connections between languages, cultures, and values, with one pillar anchored in the Vistula River and the other in their country of origin? Increasingly, the young Polish diaspora views itself not as guests but as co-hosts in a world where Poland occupies a significant space – a space filled with Miłosz’s literary works, echoes of Chopin’s melodies, and cherished family memories of summer holidays in the Bieszczady Mountains – and there is nothing wrong with that.
Their aspirations may often be cosmopolitan, yet their roots remain remarkably strong. This resilience partly stems from their rejection of the ‘Polish complex,’ a mindset often portrayed in our culture, as Tadeusz Konwicki once articulated. It is this unique blend of cosmopolitanism and rootedness that renders them invaluable assets – for Poland, for Europe, and for the world.
Keep quiet about this emigration? No, speak up!
Emigration is frequently framed as a loss, yet it should be viewed as an investment. The key lies in fostering connections, maintaining ties, building trust, and showcasing opportunities. Young Poles abroad no longer seek mere support; they yearn for a voice. Not to revisit old issues, but to address contemporary matters – cultural directions, community dimensions, a new national identity unafraid of diversity, and even tax regulations in Poland. They draw on examples from abroad, and often, their insights ring true.
This is why it is crucial not to overlook this generation. They deserve space, a voice, and trust. We must regard young people from the Polish diaspora not as mere spectators but as co-creators of Polish identity. This new-old Polish identity is rooted in the rich histories of the First and Second Republics, celebrated for their multiculturalism and multilingualism, while also reflecting the transformative journey Poland has undertaken over the last three decades: economic success and evolution. This synergy defines the success of Poland – broadly understood, dynamic, and free of complexes.
The language of the heart, the language of the future
There is something remarkable about the fact that, despite the passage of time, shifting borders, and digital globalization, language, culture, and memories continue to connect people. The young ambassadors of Polishness, the young Polish diaspora, illustrate that Polishness transcends geographical boundaries. It is a narrative, a legacy, and an identity choice. In a world often inclined to homogenization, it is the young Poles scattered across the globe who remind us that diversity is valuable, that being ‘from Poland’ can be an asset rather than merely a footnote on a resume; that ‘Poland’ signifies success, a perspective we often fail to recognize from our vantage point.
Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of this evolution is that Polishness, in this modern context, is no longer perceived as a burden or obligation. It has transformed into a gift and a conscious choice. That is why it embodies the future.
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