An unwanted reality? : rebellion as a mechanism for shaping provincial mentality in Beata Szady's reportage "Wieczny początek. Warmia i Mazury"

Bibliogr. s. 289-290

The aim of the article is to analyze the image of provincial mentality seen through the prism of Beata Szady's reportage "Wieczny początek. Warmia i Mazury". The background of the story about changing the indigenous inhabitants fate is new provincial Poland that is evolving after World War II. The analysis of the reportage contained in the article makes it possible to distinguish the special role of the attitude of rebellion as a collective reaction mechanism to the social and cultural changes which take place in the borderland. Under the circumstances of rebellion, the essential features of the provincial mentality are crystallized. Its shape is the result of specific experiences, and as such it is often not without basis. At the same time, however, the impact of this mentality on social relations can be destructive. It results with the expansion of borderline negative phenomena such as violence, poverty and alcoholism. However, not only the inhabitants of the region are to blame for this state but also centers of power which are neglecting the borderland.