Racism in Cuba and The Failure of the American Left

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Racism in Cuba

Today we’re taking an insightful journey into a little-discussed issue – racism in Cuba, and the curious case of the American Left turning a blind eye to it. Buckle up!

The Deceptive Charm of Castro’s Constitution

Let’s start with a puzzle, shall we?

Here’s a quote from the Cuban Constitution of 1959, “All citizens have equal rights and are subject to equal duties. Discrimination because of race, color, sex or national origin is forbidden and will be punished by law.”

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

The reality, unfortunately, is far from it. You know, just like when I tell myself I’m going to start working out every day from tomorrow. Yeah, sure, Serwaa!

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The Unvarnished Truth

Even Castro, during a rare candid moment in 1993, admitted the problem. “We should see more black representation in the higher positions of leadership,” he said. Castro pointing out a flaw in his utopia is like me admitting my hair isn’t as lush as it used to be. Rare, but occasionally necessary.

The American Left’s Blindspot

Now let’s talk about the American Left. My goodness, they sure do love Cuba. Take the TransAfrica Forum delegation for instance. They visited Havana in 1999, met with Castro, and came back all starry-eyed, praising the education system, healthcare, and infant mortality rates. It’s kind of like going on a date, being charmed by your partner’s humor and intelligence, and completely ignoring their constant phone-checking habit. Annoying, right?

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A White Minority Ruling the Black Majority – An Unsettling Paradox

The harsh reality is that while 60% of Cuba’s population identifies as Afro-Cuban, white Cubans predominantly hold the power. It’s as if the roles were reversed in the American civil rights movement, with a white Martin Luther King Jr. leading a majority black population. Bizarre, isn’t it?

The Left’s Selective Outrage

Randall Robinson from the TransAfrica Forum once wrote, “While Cuba has a one-party system and suppresses dissent, it still has a better record with respect to human rights than many Latin American governments the United States has steadfastly supported.” It’s like justifying someone’s rude behavior by saying, “Well, at least they’re not as rude as that other guy!” Unsettling, right? And that’s exactly what’s happening in the case of Cuba.

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So, What’s The Deal?

In a nutshell, we’re dealing with a complex issue here. On one side, we have an obvious problem of racial discrimination in Cuba. On the other, we have a section of the American Left who seem to have an on-again, off-again relationship with their principles. Just like my relationship with my diet. I love my donuts, okay?

But here’s the silver lining: recognizing there’s a problem is the first step to addressing it. And that’s what we’re doing here. By shedding light on these issues, we’re hopeful for a more inclusive and equal future. Just like I’m hopeful for a future where I can eat donuts and still have abs.

Until next time, folks, keep questioning and stay curious!

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Key Takeaways:

  • Most important: The Cuban Constitution looks good on paper, but reality paints a different picture.
  • Unexpected Truth: Castro admitted there’s room for more black representation in leadership, yet did nothing substantial about it.
  • American Left’s Dilemma: They’re mesmerized by Castro’s charm, overlooking the glaring racial inequality. Akin to enjoying the sparkle of a diamond while ignoring the mine worker’s plight.
  • Racial Paradox: White minority ruling the black majority. Feels like finding a snowman in the Sahara, doesn’t it?
  • Selective Outrage: The American Left tends to overlook human rights abuses in Cuba while championing causes elsewhere. A kind of bias we need to recognize and rectify.
  • Final Word: The issue of racism in Cuba is complicated and overlooked. Awareness is the first step towards change, just like recognizing my love for donuts is the first step towards me, eventually, maybe, hitting the gym.

Until next time, keep questioning, and keep exploring. And remember, the world is a puzzle waiting to be solved, one piece at a time.

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And oh, did I mention donuts? Yeah, donuts are good. Peace out!


Related Article – Racism in Cuba: A Comprehensive Report (PDF)

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AUTHOR
Serwaa, a gifted storyteller with a knack for uncovering the extraordinary in the ordinary. Her words dance across pages, painting vibrant narratives on culture, human rights, and everything in between. While she's not weaving tales, you'll find her playing the cello or planning her next globetrotting adventure. You might say she's a bit of a 'renaissance woman' - but she'd just call it 'embracing her curiosity'!