Opinion

Coloniality and Epistemic Racism in Cuba

I feel obliged to reply to Veronica Vega’s recent post, as I consider it an example of how coloniality and epistemic racism operate at the subjective level. I understand Vega’s concerns, but I find her analysis biased and lacking in rigor.

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Marketing of Che & Chavez Perfumes Nixed for Now

The sale of Labiofam perfumes with names alluding to Che Guevara and Hugo Chavez caused the stir that was to be expected. The Cuban company launched these new products at the fair it recently organized. The night following the news, Cubans, for the most part unaware of the marketing strategy, saw a 180-degree turn to the situation.

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Cuba’s Divisive CDR Defense Committees

It is normal for Cuba’s official press to devote more articles to the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDRs) during the month of September, as the anniversary of their creation is on the 28th of the month. This commentary takes a look at their roots and relevancy today.

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How to Break the Chains on Cuba’s Economy

The Cuban government-Party-State has acknowledged the poor performance of the country’s economy during the first half of the year. Criticisms among Cuban economists are more frequent. There is a consensus about the need to free Cuba’s productive forces.

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The “Virtuous Circle” of Cuba’s Reforms

The slow implementation of economic reforms in Cuba is justified with the argument that the government does not want to make any mistakes. Every step taken is allegedly preceded by a pilot test used to evaluate the consequences of the change. This is doubtless a new way of doing things in the country, in which concrete results matter more than inspiration. Many Cubans, however, have grown impatient, because the waiting period is sometimes longer than what they deem necessary.

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Commercial Advertising at Cuban Stadiums

With jerseys like the one that batter Stayler Hernandez is wearing, Industriales appears to have become a living billboard for Cuba’s Bucanero beer. The repercussions of this should not be taken lightly. Our government’s official journalists, often very concerned about the spread of lifestyles based on consumerism and frivolity, could well take on an interesting reflection on this matter.

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