Środkowoeuropejskie Studia Polityczne
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Pluralizm w mediach a wolność wyboru jako fundament liberalnej demokracji
Get PDFModern member of the audience in Poland and elsewhere is not a subject of ethics thus he/she does not have a free choice in the philosophical (exclusively liberal and democratic) sense. He/she is surrounded by information smog as nearly identical news is provided by different sources. The journalists the audience trusts first select the important pieces of news before publishing them; secondly they process and comment them thus providing the audience with the description of the facts as well as with its interpretation and assessment. The journalists are significantly dependent on the owner who tends to treat his/her newspaper or station as a profit-oriented enterprise. By this token the owner is directly dependent on the advertisers, who need to be attracted to the same extent as the audience does. As a result, the actual freedom of choice is purely deceptive, which is not to mean it is unattainable. An individual may try to take advantage of it, yet the ultimate result depends on him/herself.Modern member of the audience in Poland and elsewhere is not a subject of ethics thus he/she does not have a free choice in the philosophical (exclusively liberal and democratic) sense. He/she is surrounded by information smog as nearly identical news is provided by different sources. The journalists the audience trusts first select the important pieces of news before publishing them; secondly they process and comment them thus providing the audience with the description of the facts as well as with its interpretation and assessment. The journalists are significantly dependent on the owner who tends to treat his/her newspaper or station as a profit-oriented enterprise. By this token the owner is directly dependent on the advertisers, who need to be attracted to the same extent as the audience does. As a result, the actual freedom of choice is purely deceptive, which is not to mean it is unattainable. An individual may try to take advantage of it, yet the ultimate result depends on him/herself
Ofiara i oczekiwanie. Badania nad pewnym lokalnym doświadczeniem industrializacji
Get PDFThe commune (gmina) of Kleszczów, located at the edge of the „Be³chatów” Brown Coal Mine is among the most affluent and best-organized communes in Poland. It has experienced rapid social and economic advancement since the 1970’s. Yet an anthropological study reveals the bottom economic layer of the local society – a grouping of houses that are falling apart and farms that have so far gone unnoticed. Aconsiderable portion of social images refers to the emergence of the coal mine as a certain catastrophe: the stories of the mine origins reflect a certain sacrifice related to the construction of the enormous structure. The mine is presented as an external, destructive force. Simultaneously, numerous households left at the edges of the strip mine are still hoping that the mine will buy the farms existing at its edges. The memories and texts emerging within these settlements are a peculiar record of the mine’s history, its origins and development. It is a kind of cultural enclosure, an anthropological laboratory. The subject of the research refers to the experience of rapid external modernization – its reception, evidence and rich mythology.The commune (gmina) of Kleszczów, located at the edge of the „Be³chatów” Brown Coal Mine is among the most affluent and best-organized communes in Poland. It has experienced rapid social and economic advancement since the 1970’s. Yet an anthropological study reveals the bottom economic layer of the local society – a grouping of houses that are falling apart and farms that have so far gone unnoticed. Aconsiderable portion of social images refers to the emergence of the coal mine as a certain catastrophe: the stories of the mine origins reflect a certain sacrifice related to the construction of the enormous structure. The mine is presented as an external, destructive force. Simultaneously, numerous households left at the edges of the strip mine are still hoping that the mine will buy the farms existing at its edges. The memories and texts emerging within these settlements are a peculiar record of the mine’s history, its origins and development. It is a kind of cultural enclosure, an anthropological laboratory. The subject of the research refers to the experience of rapid external modernization – its reception, evidence and rich mythology
Wybrane zagadnienia prasy rolniczej na terenie Wielkopolski po 1945 roku i współcześnie
Get PDFThe paper presents social and political conditions affecting the emergence and existence of the agricultural press in Wielkopolska from the end of World War II to the opening of the iron curtain. The press which emerged after 1945 faced numerous problems ranging from technical difficulties related to the shortage of equipment and materials, to censorship. The presence of censorship was a consequence of the political situation of the country as the new governing party was unable to win social support for its activities and had to resort to indoctrination of society. Consequently, for many years the press served the main purpose of disinforming citizens and explaining government decisions. On the other hand, however, correspondence with the readers was a ‘litmus paper’ of the attitudes of rural society which helped to promote the undertaking of appropriate steps at the central level. The paper outlines censoring institutions and the scope of their operations. The opening of the iron curtain contributed to radical changes in the press market. It was no longer up to the state to decide what titles should be established and published, but to the mechanism of the free market. New editors had to adapt both the graphic aspect and content of their magazines to new standards in order to survive in the face of the inflow of attractive titles from the West. It is impossible to analyze the history of all agricultural magazines published in Wielkopolska since 1945, thus the paper focuses on two, significant ones. „Gromada – Rolnik Polski” [community – Polish farmer] was not an original Wielkopolska publication, but it cannot be neglected in the presentation of the post-war agricultural press as it was the most popular magazine reaching practically every rural household. „Poradnik Gospodarski” [farmer’s guidebook], on the other hand, originated from Wielkopolska both geographically and ideologically, as since the very beginning it referred to the positivist ideals that were so popular in this region. Its publication was broken by German occupation, yet it was later resumed to continue until the present day.The paper presents social and political conditions affecting the emergence and existence of the agricultural press in Wielkopolska from the end of World War II to the opening of the iron curtain. The press which emerged after 1945 faced numerous problems ranging from technical difficulties related to the shortage of equipment and materials, to censorship. The presence of censorship was a consequence of the political situation of the country as the new governing party was unable to win social support for its activities and had to resort to indoctrination of society. Consequently, for many years the press served the main purpose of disinforming citizens and explaining government decisions. On the other hand, however, correspondence with the readers was a ‘litmus paper’ of the attitudes of rural society which helped to promote the undertaking of appropriate steps at the central level. The paper outlines censoring institutions and the scope of their operations. The opening of the iron curtain contributed to radical changes in the press market. It was no longer up to the state to decide what titles should be established and published, but to the mechanism of the free market. New editors had to adapt both the graphic aspect and content of their magazines to new standards in order to survive in the face of the inflow of attractive titles from the West. It is impossible to analyze the history of all agricultural magazines published in Wielkopolska since 1945, thus the paper focuses on two, significant ones. „Gromada – Rolnik Polski” [community – Polish farmer] was not an original Wielkopolska publication, but it cannot be neglected in the presentation of the post-war agricultural press as it was the most popular magazine reaching practically every rural household. „Poradnik Gospodarski” [farmer’s guidebook], on the other hand, originated from Wielkopolska both geographically and ideologically, as since the very beginning it referred to the positivist ideals that were so popular in this region. Its publication was broken by German occupation, yet it was later resumed to continue until the present day
Cywilizacyjno-kulturowy kontekst „pomarańczowej rewolucji” na Ukrainie
Get PDFThe paper attempts to explain in civilizational terms the ‘orange revolution’ that has transformed Ukrainian internal and foreign policy. It is also a dispute with the standpoint of the American political scientist, Samuel P. Huntington, and manyWestern politicians who oversimplify the civilizational situation of Ukraine. They assume that Ukraine is divided in terms of civilization and that the main criterion for this division is related to religious denomination. Believers of the Catholic Church are thus supposed to determine the scope of European civilization whereas those of the Orthodox Church determine Byzantine civilization. This theory was falsified during the latest elections when both Catholics and Orthodox Christians from three communities in Ukraine voted for Viktor Yushchenko, a representative of a pro-European option. The noticeable division of the country seems to be a consequence of different levels of civilizational development rather than that of denomination. The pro-Russian option, represented by Viktor Yanukovych, emerged strongly in the industrial east of Ukraine, where nostalgia for the Soviet Union is the strongest and post-Soviet identity is a pre- dominating paradigm of group identity. The agricultural west, free from the Soviet ‘modernization’, and post-industrial Kiev chose the European direction as they voted for the pro-European candidate, Yushchenko. The success of the ‘orange revolution’ and Yushchenko’s victory in the third round significantly changed the geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe and in the former Soviet Union. The position of Russia in this region was somewhat weakened. It has also raised hopes for the democratization of such countries as Byelorussia or the Russian Federation, at present witnessing the rejection of principles and values of liberal democracy.The paper attempts to explain in civilizational terms the ‘orange revolution’ that has transformed Ukrainian internal and foreign policy. It is also a dispute with the standpoint of the American political scientist, Samuel P. Huntington, and manyWestern politicians who oversimplify the civilizational situation of Ukraine. They assume that Ukraine is divided in terms of civilization and that the main criterion for this division is related to religious denomination. Believers of the Catholic Church are thus supposed to determine the scope of European civilization whereas those of the Orthodox Church determine Byzantine civilization. This theory was falsified during the latest elections when both Catholics and Orthodox Christians from three communities in Ukraine voted for Viktor Yushchenko, a representative of a pro-European option. The noticeable division of the country seems to be a consequence of different levels of civilizational development rather than that of denomination. The pro-Russian option, represented by Viktor Yanukovych, emerged strongly in the industrial east of Ukraine, where nostalgia for the Soviet Union is the strongest and post-Soviet identity is a pre- dominating paradigm of group identity. The agricultural west, free from the Soviet ‘modernization’, and post-industrial Kiev chose the European direction as they voted for the pro-European candidate, Yushchenko. The success of the ‘orange revolution’ and Yushchenko’s victory in the third round significantly changed the geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe and in the former Soviet Union. The position of Russia in this region was somewhat weakened. It has also raised hopes for the democratization of such countries as Byelorussia or the Russian Federation, at present witnessing the rejection of principles and values of liberal democracy
Inwestycje zagraniczne w Europie Środkowo-Wschodniej W poszukiwaniu małych barier wejścia
Get PDFThe paper is a case study. Using the example of German company: Axel Springer Verlag, the author describes a certain principle which shows that the area of Central and Eastern Europe attracts the attention of small and medium sized companies as well as huge corporations. These companies are changing their strategies and are engaging in a belated „internationalization” of their activity, which has been suffocated in their national markets and has thus led them to search for new areas of domination. Although they are potentially capable of bearing the cost of efficient entry into the mature markets of Western Europe, they prioritize investments in the developing markets. Axel Springer Verlag is a powerful media corporation that has been deeply rooted in the mature and highly stabilized German mass media market for a very long time. Yet instead of using its full potential to radically enhance its position in France or in Spain, the corporation has decided to commence a global conquest of the highly unpredictable markets of former socialist countries.The paper is a case study. Using the example of German company: Axel Springer Verlag, the author describes a certain principle which shows that the area of Central and Eastern Europe attracts the attention of small and medium sized companies as well as huge corporations. These companies are changing their strategies and are engaging in a belated „internationalization” of their activity, which has been suffocated in their national markets and has thus led them to search for new areas of domination. Although they are potentially capable of bearing the cost of efficient entry into the mature markets of Western Europe, they prioritize investments in the developing markets. Axel Springer Verlag is a powerful media corporation that has been deeply rooted in the mature and highly stabilized German mass media market for a very long time. Yet instead of using its full potential to radically enhance its position in France or in Spain, the corporation has decided to commence a global conquest of the highly unpredictable markets of former socialist countries
Granice społecznej tolerancji
Get PDFThe Internet, a network covering the majority of the world, changes the way we create and exchange information. What is its potential to change the way people interact and express themselves? New media enable those with a particular interest to communicate with each other instantly, whatever the vehicle may be: chat lines, news groups, replies through email, or even browsing on each other’s web sites. Individuals interested in very specific and obscure research can interact with people focusing on the same subject in another part of the world in no time. This provokes fast changes of sociopolitical notions and a greater variety of human endeavors. Can this be regarded as a benefit to mankind? The author discusses the potential of new media to transgress the traditional boundaries. What are the values that will need to be re-evaluated? Are we closer to a multicultural dialogue or rather to intercultural conflicts? Tolerance and censorship seem to be at the center of the controversy.The Internet, a network covering the majority of the world, changes the way we create and exchange information. What is its potential to change the way people interact and express themselves? New media enable those with a particular interest to communicate with each other instantly, whatever the vehicle may be: chat lines, news groups, replies through email, or even browsing on each other’s web sites. Individuals interested in very specific and obscure research can interact with people focusing on the same subject in another part of the world in no time. This provokes fast changes of sociopolitical notions and a greater variety of human endeavors. Can this be regarded as a benefit to mankind? The author discusses the potential of new media to transgress the traditional boundaries. What are the values that will need to be re-evaluated? Are we closer to a multicultural dialogue or rather to intercultural conflicts? Tolerance and censorship seem to be at the center of the controversy
Czy „Polacy są Irlandczykami kontynentu...”?
Get PDFThere are certain similarities between Poland and Ireland, namely the long history of struggling for independence, difficult relationship with their stronger neighbors in the past and certain distrust towards them in the present, attachment to Catholicism (and its relation to the national identity), mass emigration waves and poor economic structure, based on small farms, at the time of joining the EU structures. However, this relative similarity of the history of both countries (which are perceived as referring to their history to an excessive degree) and shared experience cannot provide an answer to the question whether Poland in the EU will follow the successful Irish path. The answer should be sought in bold economic programs, their consistent implementationand in the achievement of the goals set.There are certain similarities between Poland and Ireland, namely the long history of struggling for independence, difficult relationship with their stronger neighbors in the past and certain distrust towards them in the present, attachment to Catholicism (and its relation to the national identity), mass emigration waves and poor economic structure, based on small farms, at the time of joining the EU structures. However, this relative similarity of the history of both countries (which are perceived as referring to their history to an excessive degree) and shared experience cannot provide an answer to the question whether Poland in the EU will follow the successful Irish path. The answer should be sought in bold economic programs, their consistent implementationand in the achievement of the goals set
Problemy wielokulturowości na Ukrainie
Get PDFSince the proclamation of its independence Ukraine has been struggling with numerous serious social problems. They are partly inherited after the Soviet Union, but partly they reflect the processes emerging under the new social and political circumstances. The latter involve the growing social migration and particularly the migration of Crimean Tartars to the Crimea and the issues of appropriate ethnic relations between various ethnic groups in Ukraine. Both issues mainly concern the southern frontier of Ukraine and they are particularly intensive in the Crimea, which constitutes an Autonomous Republic of Ukraine. These processes create a highly complex national situation in the Crimea, which is outlined in the paper.Since the proclamation of its independence Ukraine has been struggling with numerous serious social problems. They are partly inherited after the Soviet Union, but partly they reflect the processes emerging under the new social and political circumstances. The latter involve the growing social migration and particularly the migration of Crimean Tartars to the Crimea and the issues of appropriate ethnic relations between various ethnic groups in Ukraine. Both issues mainly concern the southern frontier of Ukraine and they are particularly intensive in the Crimea, which constitutes an Autonomous Republic of Ukraine. These processes create a highly complex national situation in the Crimea, which is outlined in the paper