A long time ago, in eastern Europe to the time of the per-partition society of Poland-Lithuania, one could observe a multi-cultural climate existing quite well. The cultural variety of Old Polish society encouraged a number of specific attitudes. It prepared the ground for universal tolerance, at least for practical toleration and cross fertilization (Davis N. 1984: 316-17) . It was not happening among the elite land owners, landlords but in and among common people, poor people.
Hence, this multiculturalism was not orchestrated from the top down but rather from the grass roots up by local people living themselves living locally as in the same place. But, as nations began to develop in the mind of elites and intelligentsia, who in positions or given positions to order 'national' view of society, stricter control over borders became the norm not only geographically but culturally and economically. Even so, up until the late 1700s at the local level diversity existed, what unified this diversity among local people was simple...they were all in the same boat- poor peasants. In saying that, many popular scholars have stated that nationalism in a sense is a means to control any natural exchanges of diversity. Why control? Because, largely those who have power and prestige don't want to lose it.
Looking at what is happening today, we can say the same. Many countries are faced with waves of immigrants and elites are scrambling to consider how to make the most of it. Poland as well. What about the concept of diversity? Good question. Poland is a sovereign country. Its history written by its heroes many fought for Christendom. Poland today is a Christian country. Though already mentioned as having a multicultural heritage, Poland's elites controlled by the organized church in Rome were encouraged to build a sovereign Christian nation through intermarriage with the rest of Christian Europe.
Though it can be seen as a negative for furthering multiculturalism it was seen as necessary for Europe to form a solidarity through Christianity. Poland in fact was once considered the last stronghold of Christianity. Poland endured Muslim, Mongol and Turk invasions. And these events along with the fact that Christian Poland endured Soviet Communism have shaped their socio-cultural and socio-historical identity as a a people.
Though some may disagree and naively wish for multiculturalism, this must be respected as we respect others for theirs. In that, we cannot expect to put a lion and a bear or a python and a mouse into the same area. Each animal has its own created identity and function in its place. Destroying that identity and function so that the bear and lion can live in the same place destroys what they have become and are. Not that Poland is a lion and any other group a bear or that Poland is a python and any other group is a mouse or even visa versa. The point is to show that each creation 'group/animal' has its own specific character, its own identity and in that there is built in a nobility regarding purpose. Though when one is put in with - over and above the other; the nobility as in purity of their 'kind' disappears in an unfortunate man made juxtaposition of justice. That's not diversity.
* The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands... From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and reach out for him and find him... Acts 17:24 as he draws them to him while in their place..."No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him... but I when lifted up from the earth will draw all men to myself." John 6:44, John 12:32
The peace of being Polish is in being Polish in a place determined by God... and this is everyone's peace in their place.
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