“Missionary” and “professional” — two figures implied by the sender’s “I” in post-1989 Polish political texts
The author of the article discusses two figures of a politician emerging from two political discourses present since 1989 — ethical in its two varieties: “romantic” and “socialist” and pragmatic. The “missionary” politician, who is a central figure of the ethical discourse, frames reality in terms of ethical categories, applying them to spiritual matters the “romantic” variety — the politician is a “guide” or those relating to everyday life the “socialist” variety – the politician is the “father of the nation”. The “ethical missionary” places himself above “ordinary people”, treated as passive and having a sense of entitlement.
The “professional” politician — the main figure in the pragmatic discourse — describes the world from an economic perspective. He does not rise above the community to which his message is addressed, but tries to become united with it, expecting it at least to be active, if not make an effort in the pursuit of common objectives.