Bloomington Leader

Joanna Niżyńska, an associate professor of Polish studies at Indiana University Bloomington, has been examining the effects of Communist-era narratives on Poland's cultural memory. With support from the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, Niżyńska conducted fieldwork in Poland to deepen her research. Her study focused on Polish-Jewish relations in the post-1989 era, particularly exploring the commemorations of Poland's 1968 antisemitic campaign during its 50th anniversary in 2018.

Niżyńska's research was significantly enriched by conversations with a broad spectrum of Polish society, including students, academics, and public intellectuals. "Engaging with a wide range of individuals, including students, academics, the working class, and public intellectuals, Niżyńska conducted 55 open-ended interviews." She found these interviews highlighted a prevalent sense of disorientation within Polish society, shaped by the influences of Communist-era education and propaganda. This theme drives her current analysis of cultural representations across various mediums such as literature, theater, and museums.

Reflecting on her immersive experience in Poland, Niżyńska noted, “You really cannot have this kind of experience unless you stay in the country you’re doing research on.” Her fieldwork faced challenges, including articulating the project's complex themes to potential interviewees. “I would need to go into so many details and give so many examples to make them understand what I was trying to do as I myself was reshaping the project,” she said.

Despite these challenges, her time in Poland proved rewarding. Niżyńska plans to incorporate her research findings into a book and use them to enrich her teaching. “The best thing about teaching graduate seminars is that you can incorporate your research and rethink it with your students,” she said.

Through her Fulbright work, Niżyńska aims to enhance understanding of post-Communist Polish-Jewish cultural interactions. Her research, intended for both academic publication and teaching, illuminates the intricate threads of history and culture that continue to influence Polish society.