Polish podcast: Are men now saying 'my body, my choice' amid military service debate?

A Polish podcast, "Rzecz o idei," delves into the complex issue of mandatory military service and retirement age, exploring whether men are now adopting the "my body, my choice" slogan.

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Some politicians are a bit delayed and don't keep up with the times. When you talk to politicians involved in the issue of equality, no one jokes about men's problems.

Michał Płociński, a commentator on the podcast, notes that some politicians are slow to grasp the evolving discourse on equality, particularly concerning men's issues. He highlights that while men face significant political considerations, such as living eight years less than women, no politician is willing to "take political responsibility" for potentially raising women's retirement age. The discussion contrasts two distinct models of masculinity: one represented by Karol Nawrocki, appealing to men with "numerous problems," and another associated with figures like Sławomir Mentzen and Grzegorz Braun, who offer "freedom of choice."

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It is men who today say 'my body, my choice'?

Estera Flieger, co-host of the podcast, suggests that the debate over equalizing retirement ages and military service doesn't have to be a "gender war." Instead, she proposes it reflects deeper divisions: generational, between metropolitan and non-metropolitan Poland, and between elites and the underprivileged. Flieger points out that women's votes are shifting from left-leaning and liberal parties to the Confederation party. Płociński emphasizes that men's issues are often class-based, arguing that the divide between large cities and smaller towns is more critical than gender.

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These are two completely different worlds of masculinity. Privileged men, who speak French and go to the psychologist. There is nothing wrong with that, but it can be associated with belonging to an elite, while we should defend men who talk about using help. On the other hand, Nawrocki represents excluded masculinity, i.e., those men who have various, numerous problems.

The podcast also addresses generational differences regarding military service, with older respondents more enthusiastic about conscription, while younger individuals are pessimistic about Poland's future. Flieger warns that forcing young people into military service could lead to disaster, suggesting that these generational rifts may be irreparable. The discussion concludes that the debate over military service and retirement age shares a common denominator, reflecting underlying societal tensions.

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In this way, Trzaskowski, in my opinion, embodies in the eyes of men the demands of women that they hate.