The Second Story Down

The Daily Mail from the UK reports "'Polish Borat' claims groping women is normal in Eastern Europe". The story discuss a Polish immigrant to the UK who engaged in groping and abusive behavior of women, but justifies his behavior on the grounds it is common in his home country. The "story" is basically a repeat of his defense in multiple ways and phrasings. No context or rebuttal is offered.

The real story is below in the comments section:

I have spent a lot of time in Poland, and never encountered the behaviour this man says takes place. As for the Russian interpreter, I have been to Moscow and St. Petersburg, and the same applies, they have the same morals as we have in this country.

- Bob Aubrey, Poole, Dorset

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I am a female ex-pat living in Poland, having moved here 4 years ago with my husband and family. This guy's claims are absolutely ridiculous. No such behaviour is 'acceptable' in Poland and never has been. If anything, women are treated with far more respect than in the UK.

- Teresa, Krakow, Poland

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If you believe his statement you'll believe anything.

- Alan, Sudbury, UK

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I agree with Teresa in Krakow. I've travelled on business extensively through Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Russia. The respect accorded women generally exceeds that shown in the UK or the US. This man's claims are ludicrous.

- Sandi, Edinburgh

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I've worked with many Polish gentlemen over the past ten years -
and have found them to be unfailingly respectful and courteous towards women.

I can't understand why his interpreter says this behavious is normal.
I've been to Poland and Russia - and don't recognise the societies she describes.

- Anon, Aberdeen UK

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I am a Polish and we are a respectable nation with highly educated people. Such a claim by this idiot is completely untrue! What a load of rubbish! His interpreter is just another idiot! If this were to take place in Poland, this man would have been knocked and punched till kingdom come. He is a disgrace to my country and should be sent to looney bin forever!

- Andrzej, Lublin Poland

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Etc.

Did the Daily Mail make any attempt to confirm the man's veracity? For that matter, did they get an independent translator of their own to confirm what they were told? Do they even care? Or were they framing a story they way they wanted: Eastern European immigrant who engages in misogynistic behavior (kinda like that popular movie that came out last week)?

In other words, we have a MSM outlet in the UK who engaged in shady, incompetent (and racist!) reporting, and the story was revealed to be a load of crap by ordinary people posting in the comment section. Score another one for the internet!