The Pedagogy of Shame
In Legnica, a prominent PiS figure spoke about national defense within the framework of the United Right’s policy, presenting military readiness as a natural extension of a society prepared to defend itself. The speaker highlighted Ukraine as a case study in national resilience, noting how a population united behind its independence managed to withstand a much larger foe. The point was that guarding a nation’s interests relies on citizens willing to take a stand and defend their homeland when the moment calls for it.
Speaking to voters, the speaker argued that a long-standing opposition to the United Right — which included leadership that steered Poland through much of the post-1989 era — aimed to weaken Poland’s collective ability to protect its sovereignty. The so‑called “pedagogy of shame” was described as a tool used to persuade Poles that they had committed errors, including those from the World War II era, thereby undermining national unity.
That pedagogy, present in many circles for years, was said to have worn down the sense of national solidarity and the willingness to defend domestic interests at multiple levels. The speaker warned that this trend threatens the country’s current cohesion and resilience in the face of external pressures.
The rebirth of the nation and Poland
According to the speaker, any critical look at the pedagogy of shame became possible only after 2005, when a close ally won the presidential election. The message described the emergence of a broad movement across Polish society that breathed new energy into the nation, supporting continued momentum and growth. This contrasted with opponents who argued otherwise, marking a clear divide in how Poland’s future should be viewed.
The speaker stressed that the 2023 parliamentary elections carried high stakes for enhancing the nation’s defense potential. The vision presented centered on an independent, free democratic state capable of defending itself, rather than a fragile, fragmented group vulnerable to external influence. Opponents were portrayed as claiming that Poles could not build a decent state, while supporters maintained a steadfast conviction and resolve to prove them wrong.
There is no solidarity without justice
Justice, the speaker argued, is the cornerstone of solidarity and a functioning community. Without justice, real solidarity cannot exist, and without solidarity there is no nation. The speaker linked the idea of national cohesion to the Polish republic itself, insisting that a truly united country requires active participation from individuals who engage with society and reflect on the country’s realities from a personal vantage point. Citizens who participate in this way were described as the most valuable asset in sustaining Poland through challenges and threats that cross borders.
The speaker outlined current threats facing Poland, Europe, and the wider world, including war, economic pressure, and migratory challenges. The response called for strength and unity rather than passive submission. Emphasis was placed on strengthening military capacity and boosting national resilience, with mixed reviews of policy changes credited to a shift toward a more robust defense posture in a relatively short period. The message suggested that history is moving quickly, underscoring the need for continued momentum in fortifying the nation’s security framework.
Ultimately, the speaker framed Poland’s defense as a shared responsibility that rests on a coherent national will. The aim was to build a self-reliant, cohesive Poland capable of meeting present and future challenges with confidence and resolve, rather than depending on uncertain external guarantees. This vision was presented as essential for preserving sovereignty and security in a complicated geopolitical landscape.
Note: The foregoing reflects a political perspective delivered in Legnica and is associated with messaging circulated in related discussions. The content below offers a synthesized representation of the statements and positions as they were publicly conveyed.