Do Russians like Poles?

The topic of Poland and Russians has always aroused emotions, but are the opinions of Poles about Russians as diverse as the Russian view of our country?

Although anti-Russian sentiment in Poland often results from a difficult history, research shows that young Russians are increasingly declaring a positive attitude towards Poles.

And what about Poland's policy towards Russia and its impact on mutual relations? Find out how these complex connections are shaped and what drives them.

First of all, I would like to ask you one thing. Before you judge me as an author, or the article as propaganda, read it first.

And just to be clear, these are not all my thoughts, the vast majority of them are an analysis of publicly available materials on the Internet. In the Polish Internet I indicate...

1. How Do Russians Perceive Poland and Poles? Generational Differences Matter

2. Poland in Russian Literature: A Mirror of Cultural and Historical Relations

3. Russian Literature as a Tool of Propaganda

4. Poland and Russia in the Eyes of the Historian: Catholicism, Smolensk, and NATO – Richard Pipes' Thought Analysis

5. Can Poles and Russians Trust Each Other? CBOS Poll Results and Future Prospects

6. Why Poles Don't Like Russians? - A History Full of Conflicts

7. Why Does the World Hate Russians?

8. Russia in World Perception

9. Belarusians on Poland and Poles: Surprising Sympathy in the Light of OSW Research

10. Why Russians Don't Like Poles? Is It Really That One-Sided?

11. Conclusion: Who Dislikes Who More?

How Do Russians Perceive Poland and Poles? Generational Differences Matter

Relations between Poles and Russians have stirred up a lot of emotions for years and have been a subject of discussion both in Poland and beyond our eastern border. Do Russians like us?

Or maybe they look at Poles through the prism of historical resentments? Contemporary research, including that conducted by the Levada Center on behalf of the Center for Polish-Russian Dialogue and Understanding, helps us better understand how Poles are perceived by our eastern neighbors.

The results show that Russian perception of Poland and Poles is much more complex than it might seem. Interestingly, generational differences play a key role in this assessment.

Poland Through Russian Eyes – A Diverse Image

The image of Poland in Russia is full of contradictions. On the one hand, as many as 35% of Russians see Poland as a modern state, which is a positive sign. On the other hand, as many as 26% consider it an authoritarian country.

And what about wealth? 45% of respondents believe that Poland is somewhere "in between" - neither rich nor poor.

No less interesting are the data on relations between nations. 31% of Russians consider Poland friendly, while 35% describe it as unfriendly. This shows that the topic of Poland and Russians continues to divide the society of our eastern neighbors.

Young Russians and the Older Generation – Extremely Different Opinions

Generational differences play a huge role here. Young Russians aged 18–24 are more open and have a positive attitude towards Poles. They see us as a modern and interesting country worth cooperating with.

The situation is completely different for the older generation who grew up in the Soviet era.

People over 55 often look at Poles through the prism of historical traumas and propaganda stereotypes.

As many as 78% of older respondents believe that Poland has bad intentions towards Russia. This shows that the sympathy of Poles towards Russians is reciprocated to varying degrees, depending on who we talk to.

What do Russians know about Poland?

Although Poland and Russia are neighbors, the knowledge of Russians about our country leaves much to be desired. As many as 72% of respondents could not name any famous Pole. Among those who made the attempt, the most frequently mentioned were: Anna German , Lech Wałęsa and Wojciech Jaruzelski .

The media in Russia also play an important role in shaping Poles' opinions about Russians and vice versa.

Television is the main source of information for 62% of Russians , while the internet (more popular among young people) comes second at 45% .

Unfortunately, narratives in Russian media often focus on Poland's anti-Russian actions, which contributes to building resentment.

Political and Cultural Relations – What Does Cooperation Look Like?

Poland's policy toward Russia is a major flashpoint in relations between the nations. 61% of Russians believe that the Polish government is hostile toward their country, with this opinion dominating the older generation.

However, despite political tensions, it is worth emphasizing that as many as 71% of respondents are in favor of developing cultural cooperation between our countries.

Cultural cooperation is a topic that still inspires hope – especially in the context of young Russians. Their positive attitude towards Poles and openness to dialogue may be the key to building better relations.

How to Break Stereotypes and Build Bridges?

Promoting Polish culture in Russia may be the answer to the current situation. Young Russians are more open to learning about the world, and presenting Poland as a modern, culturally rich and open country may help to overcome the historical resentment of Poles towards Russians.

Although political narratives do not facilitate dialogue, developing cultural cooperation offers real opportunities to improve mutual relations.

Both nations, despite their difficult history, have the potential to become closer to each other on a social and cultural level.

Poland in Russian Literature: A Mirror of Cultural and Historical Relations

Russian literature, considered one of the most important in the world, is not only a source of artistic experiences, but also a powerful tool for shaping the perception of other nations.

How are Poles portrayed in the works of such giants as Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, and Gogol? Often as outsiders, rivals, or even enemies.

Negative stereotypes present in classical Russian literature still influence Poles' opinions about Russians and vice versa, and also reflect historical tensions between nations.

Poles in the Works of Russian Classics – Hostility and Stereotypes

Russian writers, especially classical ones, tended to present Poles in a negative light.

Literature not only reflected the resentment of Poles towards Russians at that time, but also reinforced them, shaping social perception for many generations.

Leo Tolstoy: Marginalization and Silence

In Tolstoy's works, such as War and Peace , Poland and the Poles barely exist as separate entities. When they do appear, it is as traitors or secondary characters.

Tolstoy – a loyal son of imperial Russia – omits the Polish historical narrative, which served to build the image of the Russian empire as morally “innocent.”

As Ewa Thompson notes, such erasure of the Polish perspective from literature helped legitimize Russian domination over Polish lands.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky: Poland as an “Alien”

Dostoyevsky, known for his profound psychological analyses, was at the same time one of the most critical Russian writers of Poles.

In his works, such as The Brothers Karamazov and The Player , Poles are portrayed as false, hypocritical noblemen who despise Russia but at the same time try to benefit from it.

Dostoyevsky's Polish heroes are often pretentious people who only pretend to be honorable.

According to Jerzy Stempowski, this image symbolizes the alleged inability of Poles to achieve authentic spiritual redemption in Russian literature.

Nikolai Gogol: Poland as a Treacherous Neighbor

In the works of Gogol – an ethnic Ukrainian – Poland is presented as a hostile and treacherous country. In the novel Taras Bulba, the Polish nobility is a symbol of an alien civilization that threatens traditional Cossack and Russian values.

The story of Taras' son's love for a Polish noblewoman symbolizes the betrayal of national ideals and the necessity to reject them.

Poland Through Russian Eyes: Between Contempt and Closeness

“Kurica nie ptica, Polsza nie zagranica” – a popular Russian saying reflects the attitude of Russians towards Poland. Poland was not perceived as a full-fledged partner, but rather as an element of the “Russian world” – close but dependent.

In the literature of Tolstoy and Pushkin, Poland appears as a province of the empire whose independence was ignored or even systematically denied.

The Pole as Enemy and Rival

In Russian literature, Poles were often portrayed as proud but pathetic adversaries. Referred to as "Lachs," they appeared as unreliable allies who betrayed Russia too often for it to trust them.

Stereotypes were also perpetuated in Soviet literature, where Polishness was identified with class oppression and the betrayal of the proletariat.

Russian Literature as a Tool of Propaganda

Russian literature, especially classical works, played a key role in shaping Russia's national identity. An example is War and Peace , where Tolstoy glorifies Russian moral superiority over its neighbors, including Poland.

Contemporary References to the Classics

The legacy of Russian literature continues to influence relations between Poles and Russians. An interesting example is Sergei Lavrov's quoting of Pushkin's poem To the Slanderers of Russia in response to criticism of Russian policy.

The use of classical literature in political debates underlines its enduring influence on contemporary discourse.

Challenges and Hopes for the Future

Stereotypes of Poles present in Russian literature have their roots in historical conflicts and civilizational differences.

Although the past has left its mark, it is crucial to look to the future. The sympathy of Poles towards Russians , although not always reciprocated, can become the foundation of a cultural dialogue that will allow us to overcome historical traumas.

Promoting authentic cultural relations and critical reflection on the common literary heritage can help both nations build partnership-based relations.

Will Russians ever see Poland in a new light, going beyond literary patterns? Everything depends on openness to dialogue and cooperation.

Poland and Russia in the Eyes of the Historian: Catholicism, Smolensk, and NATO – Richard Pipes' Thought Analysis

Relations between Poland and Russia have been marked by cultural, religious and political conflicts for centuries. American historian and Sovietologist Richard Pipes , known for his analyses of Russian politics and history, points to key factors influencing the mutual perception of both nations.

In his statements, he emphasizes the role of religion, difficult historical topics such as the Smolensk disaster, and the importance of the NATO alliance for Poland's security. Is cooperation between Poles and Russians possible, or are we divided by barriers that are difficult to overcome?

Catholicism and the Russian Perception of Poland

According to Pipes, Poland's choice of Catholicism at the time of Christianization was of fundamental importance for mutual relations.

By adopting the Western religion, Poland separated itself from the Orthodox tradition of Russia, which Russians perceive as a symbolic rejection of the "Slavic community."

In the Russian historical narrative, such a choice is sometimes interpreted as an act of disloyalty to Slavic roots, which intensified political and cultural rivalry between the nations.

This religious separation not only determined differences in value systems, but also influenced mutual resentment between Poles and Russians and vice versa.

As Pipes notes, these prejudices are still present in Russian historical discourse, especially in the context of conflicts for influence in Central and Eastern Europe.

Smolensk Disaster – Symbol of Tensions in Relations

One of the most painful and unresolved topics in Polish-Russian relations is the Smolensk disaster of 2010.

Pipes has spoken openly about Russia's incomprehensible resistance to returning the wreckage of the presidential plane, which has further deepened the distrust between nations.

“It’s none of their business because they didn’t shoot down the plane,” Pipes notes, drawing attention to Russia’s strange behavior that raises speculation and suspicions about its intentions.

Smolensk has become a symbol of tensions and a deep rift in diplomatic relations, reinforcing the perception of Russian opacity and unwillingness to cooperate.

Strengthening NATO's Eastern Flank

Poland's membership in NATO is, according to Pipes, one of the most important guarantees of its security. The presence of the Alliance's troops on the eastern flank of Europe is a clear signal to Russia that the West takes its aggressive policy seriously.

NATO Permanent Bases – Playing a Delicate Balance

The historian, however, points out a certain risk associated with building permanent NATO bases in Poland. In his opinion, such actions could “worry” Moscow and exacerbate tensions between the Alliance and Russia.

Polish Domestic Policy and Its International Resonances

Pipes also addressed Poland’s current internal political disputes, such as the conflict over the Constitutional Tribunal. He expressed surprise that a country that has long been a symbol of stability in the region is now grappling with serious political problems.

Although the historian emphasizes that these are internal issues, he also notes that these disputes may affect the perception of Poland by its partners, including the United States.

Despite this, Pipes emphasises that the political situation in Poland does not threaten cooperation within NATO, which remains crucial for the country's security.

Is Polish-Russian Cooperation Possible?

According to the historian, improving relations between Poland and Russia requires, above all, a change in Moscow's attitude. The historian emphasizes that Russia should revise its policy towards Poland and Central and Eastern Europe in order to enable the construction of partnership relations.

However, in the current situation, with the dominance of historical traumas and mutual distrust, dialogue seems to be a difficult challenge.

Can Poles and Russians ever overcome their differences? The key may be openness to dialogue and cooperation on the cultural and international levels, although much depends on the political will of both sides.

Here is a re-edited and adjusted text that avoids duplicating earlier conclusions and focuses on the CBOS poll results and possible solutions in Polish-Russian relations:

Can Poles and Russians Trust Each Other? CBOS Poll Results and Future Prospects

Relations between Poland and Russia have always been complicated. Burdened by historical events and current political tensions, they are reflected today in the attitudes of the societies of both nations.

The CBOS poll shows how Poles perceive Russians, but is there room for trust in all of this? Let's take a look at what the survey shows and what opportunities lie ahead for future relations between Poland and Russia.

Poles on Russians: Clear Reluctance

The results of the CBOS poll indicate the dominance of negative feelings among Poles towards Russians . As many as 76% of Poles declare aversion to their eastern neighbor - this is the highest percentage of all the nationalities surveyed.

Only 8% of respondents admit that they like Russians, while 11% remain indifferent towards them.

This cold attitude is not surprising. It stems both from current events, such as the war in Ukraine, and from historical traumas that still run deep in Polish consciousness.

Russian policies, often perceived as aggressive and imperialist, effectively sustain these negative sentiments.

Who Gains the Sympathy of Poles?

In comparison, Poles have the greatest sympathy for Western countries and their closest cultural neighbors. Americans (65%), Italians (63%), and Czechs (61%) occupy the top places in the ranking.

Interestingly, Belarusians and Roma , who are also in low positions, arouse much more sympathy than Russians – 24% and 22%, respectively.

Polish society increasingly identifies with the West, which is reflected in the survey results.

The strong sympathy towards countries such as the USA or Italy results not only from similar cultural values, but also from the sense of support that Poland receives from these countries on the international stage.

Why Poles Don't Like Russians? - A History Full of Conflicts

Mutual relations between Poles and Russians have for centuries been marked by conflicts that have left lasting traces in the collective memory.

From the partitions of Poland by imperial Russia, through bloody uprisings, to the times of the Polish People's Republic – a history full of violence and oppression is still alive in the consciousness of Poles.

The historical narrative in Poland often emphasizes Russian domination and disrespect for Polish sovereignty. Such interpretations not only reinforce resentment towards Russians, but also influence the formation of contemporary social attitudes.

Geopolitics and the War in Ukraine

The Poles' antipathy towards the Russians was further intensified by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The war on the eastern border and the enormous support that Poland gave to the Ukrainians sharpened the divisions between the Poles and the Russians.

In turn, Russian propaganda, which presents Poland as an enemy of the "Russian world", makes it even more difficult to build dialogue and mutual understanding. In such an atmosphere, trust becomes almost impossible.

The CBOS poll results clearly show the deep antipathy of Poles towards Russians, resulting from a combination of difficult history and current geopolitical events. Can we, despite everything, speak of a chance for improving relations?

Here is a re-edited and optimized version of the text, with a new approach to the topic, in accordance with the guidelines:

Why Does the World Hate Russians?

For years, Russia has aroused extreme emotions around the world – from fascination with its culture to deep aversion to the Kremlin's policies.

In the case of Poles, as Pew Research Center and other polls show, skepticism toward Russians is reaching record levels.

But is this reluctance limited to politics? Or is it rooted in a long and difficult history and ingrained stereotypes? Let's take a closer look at why Poland and the world have such an ambivalent attitude towards Russians.

Poles about Russians: Why Does Reluctance Dominate?

According to research by the Pew Research Center, as many as 80% of Poles declare a negative attitude towards Russians – one of the highest rates in the world.

In Poland, the image of Russia and its people is particularly marked by historical experiences and current geopolitical events.

Three Main Sources of Hostility Towards Russians

1. Historical heritage: Poles remember the partitions , the Katyn massacre, the lack of help during the Warsaw Uprising and the decades of Soviet domination in the Polish People's Republic. These events reinforced the image of Russia as an aggressor that acted to the detriment of Polish independence and sovereignty.

2. Kremlin policy: The annexation of Crimea in 2014, the war in Donbas, and Russia's aggression against Ukraine have aroused a sense of threat in Poland. These events have reinforced the belief that Russia is an unpredictable and potentially dangerous neighbor.

3. Cultural stereotypes: Russians in Poland are often perceived as a nation that worships authoritarianism and the cult of force. Such stereotypes – although simplified – are reinforced by the negative image of Russia in the media.

Russia in World Perception

Poland is no exception when it comes to antipathy towards Russia. According to research, 51% of people worldwide have a negative opinion of Russians, while only 30% express sympathy for the Kremlin's policies.

• In Western Europe, more than 70% of people express skepticism towards Russia, with Germany, France and Ukraine leading the way.

• In countries such as Japan (73%) , the USA (67%) and Israel , negative opinions also dominate.

Where Does Russia Find Sympathy?

However, Russia is not met with such critical reception everywhere. In countries such as Vietnam (75%) , Ghana (56%) and China (51%), opinions about Russians are much more positive.

In China, this is influenced by economic cooperation and the common desire to weaken Western dominance.

Kremlin Policy: The Source of Global Antagonisms

The history of Russian politics is a constant pursuit of territorial expansion and influence. The annexation of Crimea and the war in Ukraine have become symbols of this strategy, which has provoked international condemnation. In Poland, these events are perceived as a threat to the stability of the entire region.

Propaganda and Authoritarianism

Russian propaganda, effective domestically, is causing distrust internationally. Even in Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon and Jordan, where Russia supports authoritarian regimes, there is a growing number of people who see Moscow as a destabilizing factor.

Antipathy towards Putin

Antipathy towards Russians often goes hand in hand with criticism of President Vladimir Putin. In Poland, as many as 87% of respondents have a negative opinion of him, which is a result of the Kremlin's authoritarian and militaristic policies. Similar opinions dominate in Western Europe – for example in France (85%) and Spain (92%).

Why Does Poland Especially Criticize Russia?

• Geographical Proximity: Poland, as a neighbor of both Russia and Ukraine, is at the epicenter of the conflict. Its geopolitical location makes Poles feel an exceptionally strong sense of threat.

  
  

• Educational Heritage: The Polish education system places great emphasis on the history of difficult relations with Russia, which – according to experts such as Prof. Henryk Domański – shapes distrust towards the eastern neighbour from an early age.

  
  

• Western Values: As a member of NATO and the European Union, Poland identifies with Western democratic values, which is in contradiction with the authoritarian political system of Russia.

Cultural Cooperation as a Neutral Field

Although political tensions dominate, culture can become a bridge that will bring the two nations closer. As the Levada Center's research shows, as many as 71% of Russians support the development of cultural and social cooperation with Poland.

Artistic projects, youth exchanges or literature are areas that can help break down barriers.

Both in Poland and Russia, educational initiatives are needed to overcome prejudices and understand mutual differences. The involvement of younger generations, who may be more open to change, will be key.

Belarusians on Poland and Poles: Surprising Sympathy in the Light of OSW Research

What will be shocking to many is that despite their difficult history and current political tensions, Poles enjoy an exceptionally positive reception among Belarusians.

Research conducted on behalf of the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) shows that as many as 83% of Belarusians express a favorable attitude towards Poles, which makes us one of the most valued nations in this country.

Where does such a high level of sympathy come from and what conclusions can be drawn from this for future Polish-Belarusian relations?

Why do Belarusians like Poles?

1. Common History and Cultural Proximity: Despite differences in political development, Poland and Belarus share a common historical heritage.

The importance of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL) as an element of historical identity is clearly noticeable in the minds of Belarusians – as many as 40% of respondents in the OSW study indicated the traditions of the GDL as important for their heritage.

This common cultural foundation makes Poland perceived as a close and understandable country, not a foreign or hostile one.

2. Economic Attractiveness: Poland is one of the most important directions of economic emigration for Belarusians. 41% of respondents are considering taking up a job in Poland, which puts us in first place ahead of Russia (30%) and Western Europe (36%).

This is the result not only of our openness policy, but also of economic stagnation in Russia, which is increasingly failing to meet the expectations of young and ambitious Belarusians.

3. The Polish Card as a Tool for Building Relationships: The Polish Card , a document enabling people of Polish origin to function more easily in Poland, enjoys wide support – as many as 62% of Belarusians express a positive attitude towards it.

Despite attempts by the Lukashenko regime to discredit this program, the Polish Card remains an effective soft power tool, strengthening the positive image of Poland in Belarusian society.

How is Poland perceived by Belarusians?

In OSW research, Poland is most often associated with such positive features as "friendship" , "culture" and "job opportunities" .

Negative associations, such as “territorial threat” or “border revisionism”, appeared extremely rarely – only 6.6% of responses indicated such concerns.

Polish Foreign Policy

In the context of the political crisis in Belarus, Poland was one of the few countries whose actions towards Belarus were assessed positively.

52% of Belarusians expressed approval of Polish policies, which is one of the best results in the region.

Supporting Belarusian political refugees and promoting democracy are activities that strengthen Poland's image as a neighbor ready to help.

Belarus Between East and West

The relations of Belarusians with Russia are full of paradoxes. On the one hand, as many as 96% of respondents express a positive attitude towards Russians as a nation.

On the other hand, 42% see Russia as a threat to the territorial integrity of Belarus. This is the highest result in the history of such studies.

Interesting changes can also be seen in the historical identity of Belarusians. Only 28% of respondents consider the Soviet Union to be an important element of their identity, while almost half point to the heritage of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

This is a signal that Belarusian society is slowly moving away from the Soviet narrative and is looking for its own roots in earlier traditions.

Poland and Belarus: Chances to Strengthen Relations

A positive image of Poland in the eyes of Belarusians opens up unique opportunities to deepen relations between our nations.

Poland can become both an economic and cultural partner , especially in the context of the growing number of Belarusian economic migrants who choose our country as a place to work and live.

Initiatives such as educational programmes , youth exchanges and promotion of Polish culture play a key role in building bridges between societies.

At the same time, the development of migration infrastructure can additionally strengthen the positive image of Poland , and active measures in this field help counteract Russian propaganda that tries to weaken Polish-Belarusian cooperation.

OSW research shows that Poland and Poles enjoy exceptional recognition among Belarusians. Given the difficult political situation in Belarus and the tensions in the region, this distinction is a source of pride, but also a great challenge.

Today, Poland has a unique opportunity to use this capital of trust and build even stronger ties with Belarusian society.

The development of cooperation in the areas of culture, economy and social relations can become a solid foundation for future relations, regardless of current political tensions.

At a time when the world is struggling with divisions, such positive relations have a special value. They can not only strengthen the bonds between our nations , but also play a key role in the stabilization and development of the entire region.

Why Russians Don't Like Poles? Is It Really That One-Sided?

Analyzing the data cited in the text and based on our own observations, we can come to a perverse conclusion: currently, Poles express antipathy towards Russians more often than Russians do towards Poles.

Although the topic is controversial, the facts seem to indicate a more complex reality than the title suggests. Here are some arguments that lead to this conclusion:

1. Clearly Negative Attitudes of Poles: Research shows that over 70% of Poles declare antipathy towards Russians.

Polish society largely perceives Russia and its people through the prism of its difficult history – from the partitions, through the occupation, to the times of the Polish People's Republic – as well as current geopolitical tensions, such as the war in Ukraine.

This historical experience, reinforced by current events and negative media and political narrative, results in an almost uniform criticism of Russians, which is difficult to find on the other side of the border on such a coherent and mass scale.

2. Russians' ambivalence towards Poland: Russian society, although not free from prejudices against Poland, shows a more diverse attitude towards Poles.

Research shows that over 30% of Russians see Poland as a modern and friendly country, while a similar percentage (around 35%) see it as unfriendly.

Importantly, this division of opinion is less clear-cut than in Poland, where clearly negative assessments of Russians dominate. There is a difference in the intensity and uniformity of attitudes – Russians have a more ambivalent approach.

3. Generational Differences in Russia: Research shows that in Russia there are significant generational differences in the perception of Poland and Poles.

Younger Russians (18–24 years old) often have a neutral or positive attitude towards Poles, due to their access to a variety of information sources and greater openness to the world.

On the other hand, older generations, raised in the Soviet era and subjected to intensive propaganda, are more likely to express aversion to Poland. However, even in this group, negative opinions are not as widespread and uniform as in the case of Polish attitudes towards Russians.

4. Influence of Media and Politics: Negative media and political narratives influence the mutual image in both countries, but they differ in their strength.

In Poland, the image of Russians as the “enemy” is deeply rooted and reinforced by media coverage and political tensions, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine.

In Russia, although propaganda also plays a key role in shaping opinion, the narrative about Poland is more nuanced.

Although Russian state media criticize the policies of the Polish authorities, they present Poles themselves in a less clearly hostile manner.

It is also worth remembering that Russian society is much more resistant to its own internal propaganda than Polish society.

It sounds a bit perverse, but you only need to ask the average Russian what they think about what they see on TV to see this.

Conclusion: Who Dislikes Who More?

In summary, although there is animosity on both sides, data and observations indicate that Poles have a more uniform and decidedly negative attitude towards Russians than Russians do towards Poles.

Russian society is clearly divided in its assessments, while in Poland critical attitudes towards Russians dominate almost universally.

It is worth noting, however, that the positive attitude of Poles towards Russians , although rare, is not completely absent.

It manifests itself mainly in interpersonal relationships – especially among those who have had the opportunity to meet Russians personally and reject stereotypes in favor of their own experiences.

This difference in perception may be due to different historical experiences, contemporary political realities and media-shaped narratives.

Ultimately, however, I leave the opinions to you, dear Readers – do you agree with this view? Or is the reality even more complex?