As a Polish Catholic American, my culture and background have definitely influenced my identity and sense of self and others. According to Goldman (48), ôPolish people believe in self-reliance, individualism, and a strong work ethic. Children are brought up in a strict family environmentà[and] are taught to accept a large amount of responsibility at an early age.ö
The above depiction of Polish culture is very true in my experience and upbringing. Our father was a strict but loving disciplinarian who remained the most influential member of the family unit. Through his lessons and examples, I was able to forge a character that respected being independent, working hard, and being myself despite pressure to conform to peers or other societal influences. However, at times these qualities put me in the position of being the ôotherö in school and other social environments. Quite often in gym class I was called a ôdumb Pollackö or some other derogatory slur merely because of my culture and background. I am a good student and have good grades from being disciplined and working hard, but I found I was put in this position based on the stereotypes and prejudices of others not due to factual information. This showed me how much we must all work against our own prejudices and stereotypes towards others who are different from us, since these children had to have ôlearnedö these impressions of Polish people from others and not from offering me a chance to inform them more accurately.
Another significant influence in my life and the life of most Poles is my Catholic religion and faith in God. As Goldman (48) reports, ô75 percent of the Polish population consider themselves practicing Catholics.ö I am one who considers herself a member of this group. My faith and religion have helped me to endure difficult times in life, such as being ostracized for who I am or being challenged by peers or other social pressures
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