Opinion Archives - Page 319 of 486

In Defense of Cuban Artist Tania Bruguera and Against Violence

Before all else, I want to state that I am opposed to any kind of violence, particularly if it is directed at a woman, a poet and an artist as admirable as Tania Bruguera.

Will Congress Stop Obama’s Plan for US-Cuba Change?

Until recently, it looked like Obama was winning the fight for his Cuba policy changes. But two recent votes in the House of Representatives have challenged these expectations.

To Go Back or To Stay, a Cuban’s Dilemma

I recently returned from a trip to the United States and Switzerland, where I’d been invited to participate at different film festivals. The return trip always involves an obligatory stop-over in Miami – and an encounter with friends or old acquaintances. No one says anything to me, no one tries to convince me of anything.

On Cuban Homeopathy (Part I)

A resolution recently passed by the Cuban Ministry of Health (MINSAP) establishing natural and traditional medicine as a new medical specialty that can comprehensively and holistically address health problems has given rise to a curious debate.

Should Cuba Remain a One-Party State?

In Cuba the one-party state is a very controversial question that few of the left-wing critics of the Cuban regime have been willing to address. What follows is an attempt to explore, from the left, some of the issues around this topic.

Cuba: Playing the Race Card

In Cuba, there are people playing the race card, irresponsible demagogues in search of fame. Rosa Park’s protest would never have taken place in Havana, not under Batista and not under Fidel – it is a gesture foreign to our reality. Our hack writers milk the expectations that exist in our places around the world, where their messages are well received.

Cuba: Self-Employed Thugs or Imperialist Mercenaries?

During Rihanna’s recent visit to Havana, Cuban camera operators and photographers who work for different foreign press outlets were attacked. They were insulted, threatened and pricked with pins by a group of thugs.

Do Cuba’s Youth Support the Revolution?

Foreigners visiting here tend to ask us questions that aren’t the least bit easy to answer. A short while ago, a friend from abroad asked me if I believed young Cubans supported the revolution.

Cuba: From the Republic in Arms to a Republic of Law

Many years before the triumph of the Cuban revolution, a US magazine published an article describing the idiosyncrasies of Cubans. One of those characteristics was the fact that, whenever they argue, they always begin by telling the other: “you’re totally wrong.” Last weekend, however, I had a very different experience.

Ladies in White on My Street Corner

People started to gather around the women. Thankfully, the surprise demonstration wasn’t met with aggression. Those gathered began to comment under their breath, as though the people speaking were expressing the fear in themselves, a fear these government opponents had long rid their minds of.