Friday, January 3, 2014
Life in Castro's Cuba, Part I
It is paradoxical to analyze the social effects of Castro's Cuba. Consider the statistics at the beginning of the reading--to what extent did living conditions improve in the late 20th century in Cuba since Batista's days? How do different types of minorities (i.e. blacks, homosexuals) exist in Castro's Cuba? Why was the reputation of the Cuban military--in the form of UMAP--significant to consider?
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The statistics at the beginning of the article do suggest that living conditions were improving for the Cubans. However, there is much more to history that is not represented in a statistic. For example, we see Castro's goal to "extend equality to the Cuban people" turn into something far from that in the minorities' opinion. According to black communist leader Carlos Moore, there was not any improvement for black Cubans during Castro's rule because it was still only the white men who were in politics.Other minorities such as homosexuals were not treated well as they were often forced to join "rehabilitation" armies to be "cured." Harsh military treatment was also extremely evident in the UMAP where men were fatally brutalized, so much so that it had to be disbanded.
ReplyDeleteThere is a long list of the social gains in Cuba exhibited in the beginning of the article. Cuba gained a higher listing in the UN's Human Development Index, life expectancy, literacy, infant mortality were all seen to improve under Castro's regime. However this social advancement was not totally spread, as Nicki mentioned, those who were gay were enlisted in "rehabilitation" armies and most political officials remained white, leaving Cuba rather behind the times as the 2000's came rolling in.
ReplyDeleteThe statistics in the beginning of the article showed that living conditions were improving. For example, Cuba rose 10 places in 5 years in the UN's Humans Development index, they had the 2nd best doctor:people ration in Latin America, and as one of the 'developing world' countries, had the lowest infant mortality rate in South America. However, under Castro, there was less progress regarding minorities than under Batista. Blacks were a minute part of politics, and homosexuals were sent to rehab. The UMAP was so abusive, which is significant to consider because it shadows how the treatment of the minorities was.
ReplyDeleteThe entire first page and a half of the reading lists all of the improvements that came over time. Including The fact that Cuba was 55th out of the 187 countries listed in the UN's Human development Index, fifth of south american countries. Cubas GDP annual growth rate was 5.6% by the year 2000. They also had a remarkable amount of doctors serving the population and the average life expectancy was notably high with about 78 years of age. There has also been large amounts in improvements in the living conditions. All and all, it seems as if Castros cuba has tackled a lot. It's stange though, not once in the reading does it mention at all about Castro's mesmerizing beard. Just the other day i found an article published from the well respected Princeton University saying that studies show that if Obama was to grow a nice and full beard of more than two inches of length, his likability rate would increase by 17.52%!
ReplyDeleteLiving conditions improved drastically. The life expectancy was longer, the unemployment rate dropped to zero, both the infant mortality rate and adult literacy rate increased, and Cuba's place on the UN Human Development Index rose ten places in a matter of five years. On the contrast, the reading says, "Although Castro often stated one of his objectives was to extend equality to the Cuban people, his treatment of minorities did not always fulfill the ideal"; the treatment of minorities, such as Jehovah's Witnesses and homosexuals, was poor. The role of military was significant. Males were conscripted into a three year program of national service to teach civilian work and training of soldiers. However, the program had a bad reputation and was feared after people heard stories of soldiers being brutalized.
ReplyDeleteThe statistics at the beginning of the article do suggest that living conditions were improving for the Cubans. However this social advancement was not totally spread, as Nicki mentioned, those who were gay were enlisted in "rehabilitation" armies and most political officials remained white, leaving Cuba rather behind the times as the 2000's came rolling in. However, under Castro, there was less progress regarding minorities than under Batista.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, we have to admit that the economy and living condition of the mass population of Cuba has been massively improved, according to some impressive GDP being the noumber 1 in south america, national literacy rate of 98 percent, and it's free ride of welfare and medical quality. As the critic says, indeed the black population's condition has changed little since Castro took power and he did not live up to black supporter's expectations, I do not know what to say here since america also struggle with racial issue at the same time. The discrimination toward homosexual community and the strict censorship
ReplyDeleteis not a big supprise at all since it's a communism state.