The composition of the group in terms of background is less certain. Just because someone was a manager in a state enterprise doesn't mean he was a communist apparatchik. Observers say the discontent is part of a larger cultural backlash. Moving to a consumer society simply is not as easy as predicted. Choice brings responsibility.
Responsibility breeds stress.
The question Poles must answer is how ready are you to take your place in a complex, consumer society. It's true that Poland has a long way to go before it can consider itself a true market economy - culturally and economically. A June government report that sketched out Poland's strategy for 2000 to 2010 says it is essential to complete privatisation. Economists hope such changes will bring new wealth to a larger slice of the population. But Poland watchers know that what Poland really needs is more time.