This week we read and or watched a video concerning the African diaspora in Cuba. I have to admit that I was ignorant to how largely Cuba played a part in the history of African descendants in the Western Hemisphere. There is so much to unpack, from whitening, to Santeria (an Afro-Cuban religion), to many black Cuban revolutionary leaders like Quintin Bandera or Jose Antonio Maceo, "the Bronze Titan".
But one thing I cannot stop thinking about is the relationship between the United States and Cuba.
Back when Cuba was still under Spain's control, Cubans of all colors were fighting hard to be independent from the Spanish's rule. Now upon first learning of America's insertion of themselves into this war, I thought "maybe this might be a good thing", but as I continue to read of course the U.S. does what it does best and tries to impose its ideals on others.
In 1898, the U.S.S. Maine was destroyed. This pretty much sparked the American-Spanish War. Within about 10 weeks Cuba was free from Spain's rule, but now under another...the United States, who imposed their racist ideals and only made racial divide much worse.
"The tension over race was already there...The US intervened in the war between Cuban and Spain, and they expelled Spain from the country...The official policies of the North American government were incredibly racist...US government officials made Cubans create separate divisions of blacks and whites (talking about the police force)" -Ada Ferrer. Black in Latin America, Henry Gates
I find it quite humorous and disturbing that the United States loves to impose their ideals on other nations, but has a long standing history of controversial and radical perspectives on race and other social infrastructures. Like this controversial opinion about Fidel Castro.
(Roger.tv, posted by Jake Portman to Vimeo)
Now I know, communism is pretty radical and disturbs many people. But to many Cubans, Castro was a savior almost. He did a lot to help the racial divide (even though there is a lot of work to do as Gates says, "Like those of us in the United States, these activists haven't won the battle for civil rights yet in Cuba"). But it coincides with my point that, the U.S. tends to have a lot to say on how other nations run their lands, and its pretty hypocritical. I agree with Ada Ferrer's perspective, that U.S. stopped the possibility of a independent republic.
I am a firm believer that if everyone just minded their business, the world would be a better place, especially if you aren't in a better situation. As a scripture that I love says, "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eyes, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" Matt. 7:3 (New King James Version).
Hello Daymon,
It was very disheartening to hear how the U.S. imposed its racist ideals on Cuba. Without the U.S. having control over Cuba their history may have looked a lot different but obviously this wasn't the case. As a result, Cuba had similarities to the U.S. such as racist monkey-like caricatures and segregationist policies.