Week 6:Homophobia in Poland

Homophobia in Poland:

First of all, pleace watch a recent MinWashingtonNews about the situation of Polish homosexuals:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J31kN1VFTao

Indeed, Poland certainly has a dubious reputation regarding homophobia, although there are some signs that attitudes are slowly changing

Statistics in Poland:

- 80% of Poles opposed same-sex marriage

- 90% opposed adoptions by gay couples.

- 5% of Poles consider homosexuality as a 'normal' thing

- 51% of homosexuals had experienced psychological violence and 17% of them had experienced physical harassment

- 41% of homosexuals hide their sexual orientation from their family

(http://www.kph.org.pl)

(http://www.humanityinaction.org/knowledgebase/164-hate-in-the-headlines-media-reactions-to-homophobic-rhetoric-in-poland)

The Campaign Against Homophobia (KPH) is a nationwide public-benefit nongovernmental organization with non-profit status working for the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It was founded in Warsaw in September 2001 and since it has grown to the biggest NGO of this kind in Poland.

(http://world.kph.org.pl/index.php?lang=en&doc=page&id=1&title=about-us)

KPH aims to contribute to establishing a tolerant society, in which gay, lesbian, transgender and other minorities feel comfortable in. It undertakes numerous of propaganda activities in order to increase tolerance and acceptance while tackling stereotypes and prejudices including:

- social awareness campaigns

- conferences

- workshops

- research and report writing,

- providing legal and psychological counselling

- cooperation with similar organisations from other countries and international bodies

Some of the activities undertaken by KPH have attracted massive publicity, and influenced the Polish public. These include:

- "Niech nas zobaczą" ("Let Them See Us" campaign)

(http://wydarzenia.o.pl/2010/06/ars-homo-erotica/warszawa-muzeum-narodowe-ars-homo-erotica-karolina-bregula-niech-nas-zobacza-2010-06-11/)

- "Rodzicu, odwaz sie mówić" ("Parents, dare to speak out!" campaign)

 (http://www.fakt.pl/Znany-polski-aktor-ma-syna-geja-Wladyslaw-Kowalski-ojciec-geja,galeria-artykulu,201839,1.html)

- "Co się gapisz, pedale/lesbo" (The campaigns teaser posters "What are you staring at, faggot!?" and "What are you staring at, lesbo!?")

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwKle2FPwx-vh-PDwORWlW05DrAYMhqZuVsA6WNWZy_M2XT2m5_KbZbatD2e_PC0FuaN0XuVWSAju7QbPH3N9PJSqxo6IEy1xAAcuOIPYGIiidK4xgDl_-CHeVsnA0e9voEuSUc8tLQ/s1600/Narutowicza+Lesbo)

- The Tolerance March

(http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Warsaw_europride_1.jpg)

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) persons rights in Poland:

- Anti-discrimination laws in employment since 2003

- Gays allowed to serve in the military

- Right to change legal gender

- MSM (Men who have sex with men) allowed to donate blood since 2005

- Access to IVF (In vitro fertilization) for lesbians

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Poland)

What LBGT activist are fighting for now:

- Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services

- Same-sex marriage(s)

- Recognition of same-sex couples

- Adoption by same-sex couples

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Poland)

Overall, the situation of homosexuals in Poland is slowly improving also there is the growing understanding and acceptance of LGBT issues in Poland. Moreover, thanks to the KPH and other LGBT organizations the Polish media has become more sensitive to the rhetoric that they use regarding LGBT issues, and homosexuals are no longer presented as 'freaks', but as normal people with the same problems as the heterosexual majority.

In any case, the homosexual minority in the country has a long way to go before it catches up with the West.

Questions:

1. In your opinion, what are the reasons behind homophobic attitudes in Polish society? Do you think that the Roman Catholic Church influences homophobia in Poland?
2. Have you ever heard about KPH organization before? What do you think about its campaigns and activities?
3. Do you agree with the statement that the homosexual minority in Poland has a long way to go before it catches up with the West?

Week 6: Nollywood

Nollywood

You have heard of Hollywood, you have heard of Bollywood - but have you heard of Nollywood, Nigeria's film industry?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-42NCowBYk&feature=player_embedded

This is Nollywood (movie trailer)

According to a UNESCO report that was published and posted on the website, the most recent UIS survey results released in 2009 showed that India remains the world's leading film producer, but Nigeria is closing the gap after overtaking the United States for second place. According to the UIS survey, Bollywood produced 1,091 feature-length films in 2006 compared to 872 productions (in video format) from Nollywood. In contrast, the United States produced 485 major films. Moreover, Nollywood film industry is increasingly growing and nowadays it produces approximately 1000 movies a year.

Although most of people that live outside of Africa or African culture have never heard about Nollywood,Nigerian film industry is gradually becoming more popular outside its own country. Indeed, Nollywood movies have not only become popular collector's items at homes in Nigeria, but also in other African countries and diasporic African communities in the United States and the U.K.

"We are doing films for the masses, we are not doing films for the elite and the people in their glass houses; they can afford to watch their Robocop and their whatever." (From the documentary This Is Nollywood).

Certainly, Nollywood produces movies for the masses about not just Nigerian issues, but also African issues. This is why Nollywood movies are so popular around the continent, despite the different languages, cultures and history. Africans share similar issues, many of which are unique to our continent. The masses are going to relate to a particular interpretation of an issue in a different way to people from the smaller group of wealthier Africans.

There are many factors that contribute to the increasing popularity of Nollywood films. First of all, Nigerian's movies are produced and marketed in the space of a week: low cost equipment, very basic scripts, actors cast the day of the shooting, "real life" locations. Also, the African continent has a rich tradition of story-telling that has been conveyed through oral and written fiction, or recently through the mass media. Indeed, Nollywood movies tell stories that appeal to and reflect the lives of its viewers: stars are local actors; plots confront the viewer with familiar situations of romance, comedy, witchcraft, bribery, prostitution et cetera. The narrative is tragic, overdramatic, deprived of happy endings; the aesthetic is loud, violent and excessive. All of those features make Nigerian's movies unique, recognisable, and very different from Hollywood or Bollywood ones.

Sources:

http://www.nollywood.com

http://www.thisisnollywood.com

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/nollywood_rivals_bollywood_in_filmvideo_production-3/

Questions:

1. Hollywood movies are arguably the most popular ones in the Western countries. What makes Hollywood movies so popular? Why Nollywood movies are not so popular outside of Africa and diasporic African communities?
2. Have you ever seen any Bollywood or Nollywood movies? If yes, do you like them? Why?
3. Do you know other "ollywood" film industries?

Week 5: No Arms No Legs No Worries

                         sources: http://www.empowernetwork.com/promo13/blog/the-message-of-hope-on-oprah-with-nick-vujicic/

Can you imagine your life without arms and legs? That's how Nick Vujicic lives. I was fascinated by his determination and strength,  which help him achieve great things in his life.

Nick is a happy man. Hard to believe that? See for yourself what  Nick Vujicic’s life without limbs look like . I guarantee that you’ll start to look at yourself and your reality from a different perspective.

  

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F8zK57Wa0A

Have you had weak moments in life? Perhaps you have felt you are worth nothing. If you have ever had those moments in life, meet Nick Vujicic. Perhaps you've seen in your life inspiring people. However, I can assure you that this one is one absolutely unique.

 When Nick was born, no doctor was able to explain why he was born without arms and legs. His parents were devastated. He was not accepted at school, his peers humiliated him and teased him. When Nick Vujicic was 8 years old, he wanted to commit a suicide. Life had no meaning for him.

The most painful for him was the fact that he could not  hold hands. That he will never be able to hold his  wife's hand.  He fought all the time but more with himself than with the world around him. The turning point came when his mother showed him an article about a disabled man who courageously struggled with his limitations. He realized then that he was not alone.

He started to look differently at his condition, which after some time ceased to be an affliction for him and started to be a blessing. It began to be a gift. He questioned everything about himself because he thought "disability" is just a word. Lack of limbs does not necessarily mean fewer opportunities. Disabilities are only in your head.

 The strength of this man inspires thousands of people in the world - Nick founded the organization "Life Without Limbs" . He conducts motivational seminars, helps a lot of people start a new life. His flagship seminar is called "No arms, no legs, no worries." Soon there will be  published his first book of the same title.  He is 27 years old and the whole wonderful life is ahead of him.

How did it happen that a person who had thoughts of suicide is so happy? Nick says that it was an unusual process in which he challenged all beliefs. Nick simply ceased to believe in what people believe and began to prove to himself and others that he can live a normal life,  make money, that his potential is unlimited. He did it.

 Nick says a very important thing: "Even if the whole world tells you discouraging things you do not have to believe it. It's just an opinion. And that is very good advice. You alone choose what you want to believe and what not.

Nick also suggests we should concentrate on what we have , not on what we miss. Build strength, which will allow you to do great things. Consciously choose what you want to believe in. Consciously begin to create a world of your own beliefs, the best for you.

Absolutely everything depends on how you look at your life. Your perspective determines how you're doing, if you have the motivation, it's who you are every day.

For him, the state in which he was born was a gift. As a result he is now a happy man and is highly successful. Nick Vujicic is a very inspiring person. Everyone who sees him immediately changes the way he looks at his life.

Do you think Nick Vujicic is an inspiring person?

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Vujicic

http://www.tolle.pl/pozycja/bez-rak-bez-nog

Week 5: The secret the law of attraction

                                  sources: http://earthenergyreader.wordpress.com/2013/01/

In a nutshell, the film says you attract into your life the things that you think about. The good news is that positive thought is more powerful than a negative thought.

 If you haven’t had an opportunity to watch the movie "The Secret", you should be familiar with it. It lasts about 90 minutes and is available for free on the web.

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6pDdHxARkc

Through the application of the law you can create your own reality attracting happiness, joy, money, people, situations or find desired material things. To achieve all of this, instead of thinking about negative things all your thoughts should be directed towards what you want and truly believe you will receive.

Is your thinking unconsciously blocking a success?

Most people don’t think about what they want, but what they don’t want in life. They don’t want to be ill, don’t want to be poor, they don’t want problems in their life and many other things. The truth is that when you think constantly about the things  you don’t want they  start to appear in your life.

For example, someone can be very jealous of his/her partner. If you are doing so for a long time, it is obvious that in the end he or she will find some "evidence". They may be more or less logical, but as a result of obsessive thinking and seeking the  evidence of guilt, they will find something.

So it is virtually in every area of ​​our lives. If we see ourselves as interesting and attractive people we do not need to confirm it.

Let's say you want to get rich. You should think of yourself as a rich man who now only has to make some money, which belongs to him because he is rich. That is what the law of attraction does.

Finally, think about how many famous athletes fail before they succeed Lost matches, injuries, defeats.

"The Secret"  impressed me. Although the content of the media seemed far-fetched, and the ideas presented in this film far from my version of reality, the film gave me some food for thought. One of the more reasonable explanations of the law of attraction is that positive thinking makes us see only what we think. So our desires can act as a kind of filter that screens information from reality, allowing us to see what we want. If you want to get familiar with the operation of the filters, read an article about mental filters. For now, the law of attraction is categorized as an interesting phenomenon of the mind and this belief has also been subject to doubt.

So open your mind and give yourself a chance to learn new things. Regardless of whether the law of attraction seems like nonsense or the  truth,  experience it  before creating an opinion.

Have you read the book or seen the movie “The Secret”?

What do you think about the law of attraction?

Sources:

http://www.prawoprzyciagania.pl/

http://www.dlasiebie.pl/artykuly/rozwoj-osobisty/sekret-czyli-prawo-przyciagania.html

Week 5:10 things you should stop doing yourself

                                             sources: http://kickstock.com/stockimages/Signs/47-stop_sign.jpg.html

The road to happiness and emotional freedom doesn’t always require new skills. 

Very often the key to solve your problems is to stop certain habits that restrict access to internal energy.

Get rid of what bothers you, get to your true nature. In this article you will learn 10 things you should quit.

1. Stop running from your problems.

And so they come back, if you don’t take care of them properly. Running away from problems isn’t the way to deal with them. Instead, take some time to think about your current life challenges and think about possible solutions. Write a problem on a piece of paper and start to ask yourself what you can do to resolve this issue. In many cases it won’t be easy but the bigger the challenge, the greater the learning that comes out of it. You can’t always resolve problems immediately, but getting use to them makes a huge difference.

2. Stop pretending to be someone you're not.

What's the point in creating artificial personalities, since they are just an illusion? Even if someone "buys" what you're trying to create, it's still his opinion. It won’t affect you. You should  feel good being yourself. In the end, it's no coincidence that those receiving the most attention, respect and love are the ones that are the most authentic and true. 

3. Stop lying.

And so this never fails. Somewhere deep inside, you'll always know what the truth is. Lying to yourself gives you a very short-term relief and an escape from the problems, but in the long run creates mental pathologies and conflicts between personalities. Be true to yourself and don’t be afraid to speak the whole truth. Even if it isn’t convenient. This will build a strong and good relationship with yourself, which is important in building your self-esteem.

4. Stop focusing on what you do not want in life.

You get what you give. Your thoughts and emotions is a form of energy that you are sending. It comes back to you, though usually in some other (seemingly unrelated) life situations. So if you focus your attention on the destructive thoughts and emotions, the same will meet you in life. If, however, you begin to create positive energy in itself, it becomes a reality for you.

 5. Stop putting your needs aside.

If you can’t take care of yourself as you care for other people then .. In your life, YOU are the most important and it's time you got used to the idea. Taking care of yourself first - is another important foundation of self-esteem. Then take care of others. A good relationship with yourself will give you the strength to cope with the problems of others.

 6. Stop wasting your time on things that do not matter.

Do the things that you do every day, both at work and after it, are important to you? If not, remove them. The time that you have on this planet is limited, so truly start to appreciate every minute of your day. If you can’t appreciate it now, why would you assume that in the future it will change itself? Repeat-Your life goes  NOW. Determine what is important to you and do not allow yourself to waste time on unimportant things.

 7. Stop blaming others (and yourself) for your problems.

Shifting the responsibility on the outside is very convenient, but at the same time is a very treacherous trap. When you have no responsibilities, you have no control. And when you don’t control, you'll be helpless and you will expect that others will change or solve your problems. If something is a problem for you, it's because YOU perceive it as a problem. It isn’t anybody's fault, it's not even your fault - accept it as the status quo and take responsibility for what is happening. Take back control and think about what YOU can do to change it.

 8.  Stop proving  your value to others.

Do not waste your energy on the demonstration of behavior, you can direct the same energy to your interior. This will allow you to focus on building internal relationships with yourself and building a strong belief in self-esteem. You do not need to show others that you are fun, outgoing and confident.

 9. Stop spending time with people you don’t want to spend time.

It is possible that you are in close proximity to people who are in some way inhibiting your growth or suppress your positive approach to life. Don’t keep relationship with them just because you fate intertwined with them, you're used to it and you foolishly do not want to give up this relationship. Instead, surround with people who can help you be who you are when you feel best. Establishing new, healthier relationship doesn’t have to be time consuming, and probably will be for you a source of greater joy in life.

 10. Stop talking unpleasant things to yourself .

Listen to your inner dialogue and see what you say to yourself every day. Are these  positive, supportive and motivating words? Or rather critical and unpleasant?. Change your dialogs using several effective techniques. In addition, let your inner critic find your inner friend.

1. What do you think of all these suggestions?

2.  Do they apply to you?

Sources:

http://lifehacking.pl/2011/12/28/30-rzeczy-ktore-nalezy-przestac-sobie-robic/

Week 4: Basketball

3 years ago I started playing basketball again. After a long, long break - since high school - I decided to do some other physical activities than the gym. My choice was obvious as I was very keen on basketball when I was younger.
So I thought that I could bring up to you basic rules of this game as well as I'll try to tell you how our trainings look like. Maybe you'll decide to practice with us? It's on Sundays at 8pm.
But let's begin by analyzing how basketball field looks like:

Source: google images

On a basketball court there are 2 baskets, 2 teams and it is possible to gain one, two or three points during one shot. According to the official rules each team should have 5 players on a field. However, in my case we like to play with 4 players per team. There is much more space and  there is more running involved;) This is the main purpose of our weekly meetings - to get tired and of course to play amateur basketball.
We start with dividing people into two teams. Unfortunately we never know how many attendants will be present on a training. We sign up on a closed Facebook group and usually there is between 8 and 14 people. After splitting  into 2 teams we decide within each team what will be our defense model. Here there are a few options. First one is called one-to- one cover. It means that a selected player from the first team is always close to the selected player from the second team, when the other team has a ball.
Another way to set up the covering system is called "curtain":

Source: google images

Blue players are in a "curtain defence" set up. Each player is defending his own area, not a particular player from the opposing team. And exactly this system we try to practice on our weekly Sunday basketball meetings.
Worth mentioning could be also very basic rules. The list below is taken from the Wikipedia page:

1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands.
3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it, allowance to be made for a man who catches the ball when running at a good speed if he tries to stop.
4. The ball must be held in or between the hands; the arms or body must not be used for holding it.
5. No shouldering, holding, striking, pushing, or tripping in any way of an opponent. The first infringement of this rule by any person shall count as a foul; the second shall disqualify him until the next basket is made or, if there was evident intent to injure the person, for the whole of the game. No substitution shall be allowed.
6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violation of rules three and four and such described in rule five.
7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls, it shall count a goal for the opponents (consecutive means without the opponents in the mean time making a foul).
8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stays there (without falling), providing those defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edges, and the opponent moves the basket, it shall count as a goal.
9. When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field of play and played by the first person touching it. In case of dispute the umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The thrower-in is allowed five seconds. If he holds it longer, it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on that side.
10. The umpire shall be the judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have been made. He shall have power to disqualify people according to Rule 5.
11. The referee shall be judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, to which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made and keep account of the baskets, with any other duties that are usually performed by a scorekeeper.
12. The time shall be two fifteen-minute halves, with five minutes rest between.
13. The side making the most points in that time is declared the winner.

Question:
1. Do you have any hobbies ?
2. Do you practice any sport on regular basis ?
3. Have you ever been "pro" sports player ?

Week 4: Muslims in Europe

I'd like you to watch the video "Muslim Demographics" and then continue reading this post.

.
.
.
Are you in shock?
I was when I first watched this video. I truly was. Suddenly a lot of things made more sense to me, like recent pressure of European governments to increase fertility rate. Before the deeper analysis of Muslims Demographics issue my only explanation of governments pushing into increasing infants born rate was the fact that we (Europeans) will have retirement problems. Additionally as a Polish citizen I must admit that social minorities issues aren't so visible in Poland - yet!
However, as discussed in the presented video reality we know now will not be the reality our grandchildren will live in. And I'm not talking about technical development of our civilization, but the structure of our societies, our culture and religion. Also we could be very much accurate  estimating how social structure will look like in 20-30-40-50 years, because of a few facts:

• we know  exactly how many new citizens are born
• we know  exactly how many citizens we have
• we know an average life span
• we know more or less how many immigrants we have in the country
• we know how many emigrants are leaving our borders
• we can predict trends based on available, public data.

Quite shocking to me were recent political decisions in Belgium, where officially it is forbidden to say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Easter". Instead, politicians, teachers, mass media can use phrases like "Happy Holidays", "Winter Break" or "Spring Break". Now look into countries like France, Great Britain or the capital of the European Union. More and more places in the world are trying to be politically correct. In my opinion it is caused mainly because the so called social minorities aren't minorities any more. What about Muslim districts in European cities where white people / non Muslims aren't allowed ?

I'm definitely not for being always politically correct nor tolerant. I would like to avoid a situation in future that I will be part of white people - Catholic minority. A terrible option.

Questions:
1. What do you think about Muslims in Europe ?
2. What are your limits of  tolerance ?
3. Do you think future presented in the attached video is inevitable ?