Silesians in the Face of Polish Cultural Dominance

Abstract

The text attempts to explain Silesian behaviour which results from the cultural dominance of the Polish state. Postcolonial theory facilitates the understanding of Silesian aspirations to emphasise differences from the Polish past and to display the harm they have suffered. The analysis is based on disputable interpretations of events such as the Silesian Uprisings (during 1919–1921) and World War II. The narrative around these differs, an example of invented tradition in both groups: dominant and dominated. Meanwhile, the lack of recognition of the historical and cultural distinctiveness of the region is a source of conflict.