How did the Death of Fidel Castro Impact Cuba?
As a Cuban living outside of Cuba, I was overwhelmed with a profound sense of relief when Fidel Castro passed away. My homeland had suffered immensely under his rule, and the joy among many of my fellow Cubans was palpable.
General Public Reaction
Most Cubans, especially the younger generation, were exuberantly happy about his death. Unfortunately, Raúl Castro, Fidel’s brother, had already assumed control, leaving little hope for immediate change. Cuba’s military and security services maintained their firm grip over the state, ensuring no organized opposition was allowed to challenge their authority.
Personal Stories from Cuba
The indoctrination of the younger generation began at a very young age. Francisco, a Cuban expatriate, recounted his childhood experiences. He was taught from a tender age to recite a pledge of allegiance to Fidel Castro and his Marxist revolution. Even at the tender age of five, his perception of the world was shaped by Castro’s ideologies.
Fidel’s promise of prosperity was initially evident in something as simple as ice cream. When a teacher announced a milk shortage, she returned to the classroom with cardboard ice cream cups, claiming Fidel had sent them. It was a form of indoctrination, turning young minds towards blind allegiance.
By the time Francisco reached adulthood, he had seen the true cost of Castro's collectivization. Cuba, once a net exporter of food, became an importer due to forced agricultural collectivization. Key aspects of daily life, such as food, beef, milk, and even Christmas, were controlled by the state. This was perceived as the necessary path to a Marxist society by those like Francisco.
Transformation and Realization
Francisco’s life drastically changed when he encountered stories of a vastly different reality abroad. Visits to a Costco, Walmart, and Disney World opened his eyes to a world where freedom was real. The contrast was stark, as America was portrayed falsely in Cuban media. Realizing the truth shattered his belief, leading him to defect to a more democratic and free society.
Character of Cuba
A Cuban poet once described Cuba as having a feminine national character. Prone to heartfelt emotions, Cuba is also easily deceived and betrayed. This character is evident in the rationing of even basic items like soap, which was managed strictly from 1962 onwards, as seen in the story of an emaciated elderly woman in Havana asking for a bar of soap.
The passing of Fidel Castro marked the end of an era of suffering and control. While the road to recovery and rebuilding is long, the relief felt by many Cubans is a step towards a brighter future.