Spring Break
Cubans are more than just stereotypes and dictators
Marcos Blanco
Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: Opinion
While the documentaries and movies I've seen about Cuba have been somewhat informative about Cuban culture and society, when it comes to the subject of Castro himself, the filmmakers make Castro look soft and an enigma who seems to fascinate people.
How can people in the U.S. be so fascinated and intrigued with a dictator who imprisoned and executed thousands of innocent Cuban citizens, journalists and protesters for simply speaking out against the tyranny that was Castro's government for almost 50 years?
How can people be interested in a person who oppressed his own people by having police patrol every block and report anybody showing even a hint of government dissent?
How can people overlook the fact that he sentenced dissenters anywhere from 25 years to life in prison for speaking their minds?
If you think that's right, you are not a human being.
It sickens me to no end when Castro supporters in the U.S. call him a hero for standing up to American capitalism and having free education and health care for his people.
They have no idea about the kind of atrocities he committed and the heavy price Cuban citizens had to pay throughout his rule.
Seriously, why do you think so many Cubans and their families risk their lives trying to flee from Cuba on makeshift boats every year? That should give people an idea of how bad it is in Cuba because of Castro's government.
I encourage people to learn and be more informed about Cuba. There should be classes devoted to Cuba's history, society and culture.
My grandfather says I'm too Americanized, and he's right.
I hope to one day visit Cuba and learn more about my roots.
I also hope people in the U.S. and in other parts of the world realize Cuban culture is much more than big cigars and Tony Montana.
We are hardworking and laid-back at the same time, we love to dance, we love to eat and fill you up with lots of Cuban delicacies, and we love to joke around and make you smile. Cuba is more than just a communist country wishing to be free. And a ruthless dictator does not define who we are by a long shot.
Viva Cuba Libre!
How can people in the U.S. be so fascinated and intrigued with a dictator who imprisoned and executed thousands of innocent Cuban citizens, journalists and protesters for simply speaking out against the tyranny that was Castro's government for almost 50 years?
How can people be interested in a person who oppressed his own people by having police patrol every block and report anybody showing even a hint of government dissent?
How can people overlook the fact that he sentenced dissenters anywhere from 25 years to life in prison for speaking their minds?
If you think that's right, you are not a human being.
It sickens me to no end when Castro supporters in the U.S. call him a hero for standing up to American capitalism and having free education and health care for his people.
They have no idea about the kind of atrocities he committed and the heavy price Cuban citizens had to pay throughout his rule.
Seriously, why do you think so many Cubans and their families risk their lives trying to flee from Cuba on makeshift boats every year? That should give people an idea of how bad it is in Cuba because of Castro's government.
I encourage people to learn and be more informed about Cuba. There should be classes devoted to Cuba's history, society and culture.
My grandfather says I'm too Americanized, and he's right.
I hope to one day visit Cuba and learn more about my roots.
I also hope people in the U.S. and in other parts of the world realize Cuban culture is much more than big cigars and Tony Montana.
We are hardworking and laid-back at the same time, we love to dance, we love to eat and fill you up with lots of Cuban delicacies, and we love to joke around and make you smile. Cuba is more than just a communist country wishing to be free. And a ruthless dictator does not define who we are by a long shot.
Viva Cuba Libre!
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Dominique Martin
posted 5/05/09 @ 4:52 PM PST
I completely agree...i am half cuban and people commonly ask "does your mom smoke cigars?" and i just laugh and walk away...i find it humorous. but at the end of the day, i do become concerned with the little knowledge people have of the bonita pais!
Tedriii
Ted Rudow III,MA
posted 5/06/09 @ 7:16 AM PST
HOW MANY EXAMPLES ARE THERE OF COUNTRIES THAT STARTED OFF WITH A LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC NEW REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT WHICH WAS AT FIRST SUPPOSEDLY PRO-U.S. (Continued…)
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