Black in Latin America Response by Lauren Baker

Main Points:

1. Castro declared that communism would end racism, but it is evident that this is not the case. Because "freedom of speech is not Castro's strong suit," it makes it almost impossible to address any lingering issues of racism in Cuba.

2. Black people have majorly contributed to Cuba's history- former slaves fought along white people with the dream of a colorblind Cuba. Spain was the enemy, not race. José Antonio de la Caridad Maceo y Grajales was a general in the War of Independence, making the island ahead of its time compared to the rest of the world. Yet where Spain left off with installing colonialism in Cuba, the United States essentially took over, and black Cubans contribution to the war was not only not recognized, but these veterans were majorly oppressed.

3. Cuba's history with racism is a long one- while it has fluctuated, racism has been ever present in Cuba (especially due to the influence of outside nations). Cuba's African roots and culture was not only diminished, but it was appropriated and taken. This started to change when President Mario Menocal invited a Son Cubano group to perform at a party- this was the beginning of an era when Cuba embraced mixed culture. This exemplifies the power and relevance of art in history and politics.

4. This did not change the fact that many Cuban people living in poorer conditions and earning significantly low incomes were black. And years later, while Castro's regime may have ridden Cuba of racism on paper (by legally and institutionally banning discrimination), it did not rid the country of "racism of the heart...racism of the mind." As stated above, being unable to talk about these issues openly without facing consequences is another form of oppression.

Questions:

1. Would Cuba have gained independence from Spain if the U.S. had not gone to Cuba to protect its own interests?

2. Did Fidel Castro truly believe that communism was what the people of Cuba were fighting for, or was it instilled because he wanted the support of the Soviet Union? Is it not hypocritical to break diplomatic ties with the U.S. and then become very dependent on the Soviet Union?

3. Artists cannot play music that discuss racism- is this because Castro, one man, has decided that it does not exist? 

4. Do the older generations of people living in Cuba believe and agree that their communist country is the best system to end colonialism?

5. Cuban history tends to be "whitened" to shape a different narrative that paints whites as superior. Today, are most young people generally aware of this "whitening", or has this been successful in removing and covering up the long and ever-present contribution of black Cubans?

Works Cited

“Black in Latin America E01, Cuba: The Next Revolution.” Youtube, Bladeboy05, 24 Jan. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7p30a4auyA.

 “United States Severs Diplomatic Relations with Cuba.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/united-states-severs-diplomatic-relations-with-cuba.