CUBA | Cynical Realism

On January 1st, 1959, as Fidel Castro's guerrilla movement advanced through Cuba, General Fulgencio Batista fled the island he had ruled over since 1952. Symbolic reforms introduced by Raul Castro since his brother departed the spotlight have yet to make a tangible impact on the lives of ordinary Cubans. In contrast with the largely privatized Chinese model, ninety percent of the Cuban economy is state owned. As there is never quite enough food and wealth to go around, nearly all of the...
more »

On January 1st, 1959, as Fidel Castro's guerrilla movement advanced through Cuba, General Fulgencio Batista fled the island he had ruled over since 1952. Symbolic reforms introduced by Raul Castro since his brother departed the spotlight have yet to make a tangible impact on the lives of ordinary Cubans. In contrast with the largely privatized Chinese model, ninety percent of the Cuban economy is state owned. As there is never quite enough food and wealth to go around, nearly all of the islanders have learned how to hustle and cheat the system. While many of those who lived through the revolution still largely believe in its ideals, younger generations tend to view the state ideology with skepticism. As the revolution grows ever older, millions of Cubans are quietly waiting for change.
« less