The Problems of Immigrants and Refugees in Poland Based on Selected Media Accounts
The Problems of Immigrants and Refugees in Poland Based on Selected Media Accounts

Summary/Abstract: This text is based on the analysis of articles in the daily press, the GazetaWyborcza from 1990-2008 and Super Express from 2004-2008. The paper has been enhanced with a description of how foreigners are presented in Polish soap operas and other television series. This media analysis provides an insight into how, over the years covered, the issue of immigrants and refugees was presented in Poland, and how Poland has been coping with this issue. In general, the image of immigrants - both those awaiting decisions regarding their future, and those granted refugee status in Poland - is not too cheerful. The media image of foreigners from the East differs from that of foreigners from the West. The former, regardless of their education, tend to take the simplest jobs (with pay below the pay offered to Poles), often work in the grey zone, and either fall victim to conmen exploiting their difficult financial situation, or run fraudulent operations themselves. Immigrants from the West, on the other hand, are presented very favourably, are well educated, and cope well in Poland, gaining friends in the process.

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