The Crackdowns in Cuba Have Begun
In the days leading up to the November 15, 2021 protests in Cuba, the government has locked down prominent organizers
In the United States we often only hear about Cuba when protests happen. Even then, the media chooses to focus on the mostly white Cubans who have left the island and live a nice comfortable capitalist life in Miami.
On the island, however, the population is majority Black or Mestizo. Which begs the question, why doesn't the media talk to Black Cubans instead of wealthy white Cubans? I think we know the answer to that. It's not like big media is jumping through hoops to hear from those victimized by U.S. policy.
Instead, they choose to focus on just one side of the equation: the oppressive regime in control of Cuba's government. When considering that most media outlets are owned by massive conglomerates, and since U.S. policy in Latin America is based wholly on U.S. corporate interests, then it's easy to see why big media is so one-sided - rarely discussing the impacts of U.S. sanctions (no access to clothes, shoes, etc).
After six decades it's time to end that bs.
As the Cuban government places dozens of activists in home confinement, very little has been said about what is happening on the island. But when the levy breaks tomorrow and people take to the streets, expect the narrative and the State Department rhetoric to pick up steam.
Expect to hear about horrors and from only those who seek regime change. You won't hear from those who are just seeking a functioning democracy with no interest in working with the U.S. (the latter makes up the large majority of Cubans).
My views on Cuba are shaped by the people I talk to. Dozens upon dozens of contacts. Their views are much more diverse than U.S. media will lead you to believe. One of the most popular views on the island is one of anti-imperialsm and anti-colonialism. Which is to say, anti-U.S.
As the media runs with whatever narrative they can shape - one that is controversial and they can monetize by speculating on it for weeks - take everything you hear with a grain of salt. There are many operatives who work with and push State Department propaganda that appear on national TV and major media outlets.
Cuban politics in Miami is a complete contrast from the politics of the island and that knowledge needs to be taken into consideration with every interview of an Americanized Cuban. Most Cubans in the U.S. promote a lot of propaganda for selfish reasons - greed through the exploitation of the island and it's people. That's what U.S corporate interests are after.
I ain't down for that.
Get ready America, because things are about to pop off in Cuba. If the U.S. gets involved, it's likely to get ugly.
Don't believe the State Department hype.
My recent work on Cuba:
The Conversation About Cuba is Complex: Are You Willing to Have It?
Anti-Blackness In the Cuban Diaspora
Cubans Need Help, America Isn't Listening
Hope you found this useful!
Arturo is a first-generation Cuban American father, racial justice advocacy journalist, and founder of The Antagonist Magazine. If you’d like to follow his work you can find him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also support his independent freelance work on Patreon.