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537 Cuba
April 14, 2009Almost two decades after we made nice with the our former Soviet foes, we finally show the beginnings of making nice with the Cuban government.
I've always had an admiration for Cuba and its people. Yes, Fidel is a little touched (not that my father would appreciate me saying that) and la revolucion sort of stalled when it's major cheerleader and supporter folded and caved into peer pressure and what some consider its own manufactured demise. But Cubanos are some resilient folk.
Where I'm from we have a say, "Dios te aprieta, pero no te ahorca" loosely translated this means "God squeezes but doesn't choke" Kinda crude for PG audiences, right? But if you grew up in a developing nation like mine, the sheer reality of everyday life can truly feel like it is somewhat cutting off your air supply. Well, imagine this magnified by a hundred, that's a typical day for many Cubans our the current day and age.
I recently watched a documentary that centered around group of raperos in La Habana as they crafted their music and prepared for a concert which would later be cancelled by the Ministry of Culture. It also showed the day-to-day slings and arrows that these group of folks have to dodge to survive. Needless to say, it paints a grim picture and a deep disconnect between the younger generation, who has grown up in the crumbles that make up Cuba and the older generation who remember the days of Fulgencio Batista and the early years of la revolución.
I, like many Latin-americans believe that its high time for Cuba to rejoin the world. But under who's terms will this family reunion come to fruit? I am sure that all the resort magnates are currently licking their chops and setting up contingency plans for when open resort building season is open in the Cuban mainland. But can Cuba ever really join up with the world on their terms? Or are they being set up to be pillaged by opportunists?
One thing is certain, President Obama's recent move would definitely allow for some families to reconnect. For some, lifetimes have passed since they saw each other. I hope that one day, the rest of us non-Cubans are allowed to go there as well.
Here's a trailer for the Documentary, "East of Havana", a must-see for anyone who wishes to see native informants speak on the nation's troubled history and current state.
Posted by Maurel Merette at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
