Shirts off for Summer? Have Your Say…
Six-pack or paunch, waxed or natural… men going shirtless in the city have sparked a massive debate in the local press.
As summer set in and folk began shedding clothes to stay cool, the terraces outside cafes and bars in the city centre were engulfed by unclad exhibitions of the male torso, in all its forms. The newspaper Gazeta Krakowska opened a poll on the subject – and immediately got a flood of responses.
One woman, calling herself ‘Bianka’, wrote ‘A man without a shirt in a public place shows a simple lack of culture’. Another, ‘Iwona’, wrote ‘This is not a private garden plot’, and a further, writing under the moniker ‘Disgusted’, said ‘Your appearance betrays you and your culture.’
These views were prevalent, supported by 41 per cent of those who took part in the poll. Around 32 per cent said that, although the flesh on display might not always look great, there should be no law banning it.… but 27 per cent defended the right to bare arms and chests.
Many who called for men to cover up regardless of the weather were, admittedly, approaching the issue from a somewhat aesthetic point of view. ‘Sylwia’ wrote ‘I would gladly gaze upon a beautifully sculptured torso – but not the belly of a fat old guy drenched in sweat.’
One voter in support of the bare-chested brigade posted a comeback to the aesthetic argument, writing simply ‘Think about what you write – do I live in a monastery? I’m well-built, but even if I had a tummy, that’s my business how I look. If someone doesn’t like it, they don’t have to look.’
Loading ...Marek Anioł, of the Krakow city guard, said there was no law forbidding men to go topless in public. But that was not the same for women, he added.
Mr Anioł told Gazeta Krakowska: “The case is difficult because it comes down to indecent behaviour. Men can go shirtless in public, unless they commit any offences. But a woman with exposed breasts can be threatened with court, or fined 50-100zł.”
Readers had responses to this issue too. ‘Mnich’ wrote ‘I did not know that you can punish a woman going topless. This country is even stranger than I thought.’
The voter ‘Tur’ added ‘I think that it is scandalous that women are penalised for going topless in the city. We need this as soon as possible!’
Just as soon as the sunshine conquers the snow in the first quarter of a new year, topless men are seen working in the fields and on construction sites all over Poland. Yes, there is a gender bias where bare chests are concerned. The urban sprawl is not the beach, gentlemen. Get thy selves to a lush green park to sit topless in the sunshine for a short while, mindful of those ultra-violet rays. SueCitySue
Sadly Krakow is rapidly sinking lower in a lot of peoples opinion.In most sophisticated cultured civilised European cities ie in Germany,Sweden,Austris,Italy,Spain,Netherlands,Denmark and others we would’nt even be having this conversation,which makes it a bit more embarressing.I know some foriegn people who wont be coming back to Krakow a some who live here and are planning to move to another country.Im sorry to say this but I think its time a lot of people faced the thruth about this city.Its becoming more and more uncivilised by the week.
Of course you are not sorry to say any of your comments. Now, say something positive, spell correctly and explain why you even bother to bash anything about Poland if it is so bad in Krakow? What is that Beatles’ song, “…get back, get back, get back to where you once belong…” and have a safe trip. SueCitySue
Sue, the ‘get back to where you came from’ line is offensive and naive. If you live in this country/city legally, pay your taxes and behave as a responsible member of society, you have every right to voice your opinion – even if those who happen to have been born here don’t like it.
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There are more half naked foreigners than Poles on the streets in Krakow. It is not even close.
Poles of course won’t criticize them. Krakowpost, BBC and co. would start a histerical campaign immediately and whine about Polish nationalism and intolerance….
Pole writer – indubitably, to complain about topless male sunbathers in Krakow would cause big stink. What about some signs that say no shoes, no shirts, no service? Krakow is a huge foreign student venue and transient tourist population destination. Ever think about actually talking to the topless dudes? Some places in the world do not cultivate manners within their populations. Some youth away from their own environs just cannot help themselves. SueCitySue
In my comment I never mentioned any nationality.I did not say the problems were caused by any perticular group of people.I did not use the words Poland,Pole,Polish,English,Irish etc and thats my last comment on the matter.
Although I live and was born in England I have been married to a Polish lady for the last 28 years. My Father too was Polish. I have been in Poland more times than I have had hot dinners. In recent years, when visiting Krakow, I have noticed many younger people behaving badly and every time they were speaking English, sometimes with a Scottish accent. One Scot even got his penis out in a bar and showed it to the barmaid. I have been to many Polish cities over the years and have to say this situation I have only found in Krakow. This has to be because of the cheap flights now available to these idiots, who think they can go anywhere and behave how they like and get away with it. Krakow is a great city and I love it. my first visit was way back in 1967 so have seen all the changes, political and otherwise.It seems to me that the owners of many bars in Krakow put up with this loutish behaviour as with out these louts their bars would be half empty.