Thrown Stone Era
The 2/2004 issue of Zadra magazine traditionally devotes a lot of space to discussing tolerance. After the latest events in Kraków one is not surprised that the editors have once again concentrated on the problem of intolerance and aggression towards minorities.
The gay and lesbian march took place in May during the Culture for Tolerance festival, a project of the Campaign Against Homophobia. In an article entitled Thrown Stone Era Beata Kozak comments upon the behaviour of the demonstration’s opponents: “Anyway, nobody has been badly injured, these dozen people hurt by stones or sharp objects simply had to wipe the blood off and seek medical assistance. Nothing too spectacular”. Further arguments provide a wider context of these events: “Stones and botlles thrown by extreme-right activists associated with the League of Polish Families assaulted Polish democracy and tolerance (...) Already before its opening, the festival of gay and lesbian culture has become a pretext for another show of hatred, fascism and contempt”. I am startled and shocked by the immense tolerance for intolerance, acceptance for the violation of public gatherings and the tone of many official speeches, which did not condemn neither the assaults nor the threats directed at the participants of the parade (including statements that the 'homos' place is in concentration camps). Even more strangely, these acts have not been criticised by the Church.
It is easy to understand Marta Szostkiewicz and Andrzej Brzezicki: “The criticism for the idea of a gay parade as an event which could provoke violent reactions was not followed by any condemnation of the acts of violence which have taken place. We are afraid that the acts of violence in God's name, the declarations of political parties who allegedly represent Christian values and the indifference of the Church may raise a false impression that Christianity is a religion of stone and fist”. The Cracow events could be seen as incidental if not for the fact that members of the League have reacted similarly on many occasions, for example when the Langenort ship visited Poland.
The section What’s on is fortunately not limited to this gloomy report, but includes news from the Manifa feminist march which took place in several Polish cities. The feminist celebration of Women’s Day, as it turns out, is gradually gaining popularity and is a cheerful attempt to underline the women’s viewpoint. The magazine describes these events in Warsaw, Łódź, Wrocław, Poznań, Cracow and Gdańsk. Magdalena Hamer’s report inspires optimism: “Manifa was an energetic and colorful event in spite of raising uncomfortable questions. It inspired a sensation of strength and a belief that this strength can be used to build a reality we would like to live in”.
Other texts feaured in “Zadra” also refer to the problem of tolerance and illustrate the difficulties accompanying the struggle to retain one’s true identity. Anna Gruszczyńska’s Dead Girls' Society tackles the problem of anorexia and bulimia. The lack of social acceptance results in a wish to acquire an ideal, though sickly, appearance. In another article entitled I, Lesbian Baszka von Hanff declares: “A look at the state of law and democracy in Poland arouses fear. Listening to statements of politicians makes me think: Who would like to stay here? To leave Poland and start functioning in another, more tolerant environment is an option considered by an increasing number of people. That's a bitter realisation. Is this why we have joined the EU?” Agata Żylińska illustrates the ignorance of women’s problems in Give Me Another Myth. Based on examples from popular women’s magazines, the author shows that feminine ideals are usually constructed on unrealistic premises. The 'role models' advertised by the media say little about women's nature, but a lot about men’s expectations. It turns out that the so-called women’s magazines offer women tolerance which is, unfortunately, carefully measured and prescribed.
If not for the seriousness of the problem, one might conclude that the debate is heated just as it perhaps should at this time of the year. It is, however, difficult to retain optimism. The problem has not disappeared only because the media stopped relating the controversy. Questions posed by Zadra require a broad discussion concerning the state of Polish democracy and civil rights. Otherwise – to quote Beata Kozak - we might wake up in the thrown stone era.
Bernadetta Darska
Translated by Marta Malina Moraczewska
Discussed journals: Zadra