Reflections from Cubans on Castro (parts 1 and 2)

[Mika]

Street interviews with Cubans and a conversation with the Smithsonian’s James Early about the future of the Caribbean island after the passing of Fidel Castro and a growing US presence

Part 1

Part 2

[Judi Lynn]

1. Thanks for the links, and conversation with James Early. Thought provoking.

Interesting point of view in considering Fidel Castro has been an expression of Cuban nationalism which has always predated him, has moved the entire society for ages, at least as far back as winning independence from Spain. Of course there's the small matter of the US taking over for Spain, right?

Interesting thinking about what the man with the white hat said, in as much as so many Cubans have had to live with the reality that a huge country is permanently at war with them until it decides otherwise. That has always been the world they had to live with.

Didn't know much about José Martí's philosophy, but what James Early said does make perfect sense. It was interesting to hear, and it's logical. (It's still so comical thinking about the fact so many "exiles" have attempted to claim they are proud of him, take credit for him, since he was as far away from their point of view as a human can get! Don't forget Jose Basulto, Hermanos al Rescate, compared himself to Gandhi, too!)

Thanks for sharing the interview.

[Mika]

2. Notice the single most prominent concern by interviewees?

Concern that it will be a challenge to maintain what they all want - Cuban socialism - and not be dominated by Americanism.

One small point I take issue with - the host's use of the term "opening up of Cuba" when referring to the US's rapprochement during the Obama regime.