Cuban Culture and the Power of Self Expression
After reading and learning about the various artists covered in this module, I am struck by the directness of some of the artists' works as they pertain to the political situation in Cuba. Of course it has historically been the case that artists all over the world use their work to express views on politics in an effort to inspire change. An example of an artist in Cuba who worked to inspire change can be found in Alberto Korda, with his influential photography helping to visually represent the Cuban revolution and give it global acclaim. Korda’s artistic work differs from some of the artists in our module such as El Sexto or Los Carpinteros due to the fact that Korda was supporting the political movement rather than making a commentary against it.
In particular, I was impressed with the boldness of El Sexto and his campaign depicting Raul and Fidel Castro as pigs. El Sexto-whose real name is Danilo Maldonado- aspired in his latest project to release two pigs into Havana’s central park with each having the name “Raul” and “Fidel” on them. This artistic installment earned El Sexto 10 months in jail, but as mentioned in the video, this sentence is much shorter than what similar offenders have received as punishment for speaking against the regime. Personally this was eye opening for me in two ways. One due to the fact that it revealed the lack of leniency that the Cuban government has for free speech. The other notable aspect of this event is how it demonstrates the power of artistic expression as a means to deliver an essential message. Given the fact that El Sexto had a shortened prison sentence due to the clamoring of human rights groups around the world, I was able to recognize the rallying effect that artistic expression can have in attracting international support.
Another example from the module of the influence of politics on art- and the boldness of artists in a tightly regulated society- can be seen in the artists Los Carpinteros. I was amazed at how successful the duo is despite their underhanded art project of the fallen lighthouse which hints at a failing state. Depicting one of Cuba’s most famous landmarks as fallen is quite a clever and sly way to depict the social state of the country, but I was honestly shocked to see Los Carpinteros avoid any sort of punishment from the government like the sentence El Sexto received.
On another note, It is clear when looking at their history that Cuba is well renowned for its distinct art and culture, this raises the question for the government: to what extent do they attempt to silence or shut down artistic expression in order to preserve the image of the government? I ask this because it is obvious that the country can profit off of its art industry so it seems as though the government might be better off relaxing its restrictions on free speech in order to aid the country as a whole.
Do you think the Cuban government would benefit in changing its harsh stance on free speech?
If you were Cuba’s leader, would you consider allowing more free speech against your government if it meant a higher likelihood of reopening economic trade with democratic nations such as the US?
I'm glad you had mentioned El Sexto because he was briefly talked about in the videos however his story was powerful. I thought what he did was a pretty bold move, and he definitely took a huge risk by painting two pigs and putting the names Raul and Fidel on them. And ultimately paid the price for it however he had to have known the repercussions. I think that the Cuban government would benefit from changing their harsh rules surrounding free speech because it would shed a different light on Cuba. Afterall they've said that the Castro era is over so why keep these free speech rules? I think it would make more sense for them to release these rules so that other countries can see their progress out of the Castro era.
ReplyDeleteHi Henry!
ReplyDeleteI think every government would benefit from changing a harsh stance on free speech. It seems that every government that wants to limit free speech does so because it is scared of all the criticism it will receive. This means that there is often a lot to be improved. If people can orgainze and conduct meaningful change that is a good thing, so the government can improve. Often a government is scared of ideas because then it means it will have to stop benefiting from oppression. Removal of this is a good thing. If I was Cuba's leader, I absolutely would. The economy is in shambles plus it is the right thing to do. Sure I personally probably would not benefit, but how long can people suffer before they revolt again? The country is mired in past revolutions, nothing about my regime is special.
I have the same feeling about the leniency of the Cuban government. I was genuinely surprised that they just didn't kill him. There's one thing making the head of your country look evil and then there's another thing by quite literally putting pigs in their park and then putting their names on them. if I was Cuba's leader I would have dealt with them quietly to make myself look good. I would personally allow for a bit more free speech because of the amount that it can benefit my country. thankfully in Cuba, you don't necessarily need to be punished you would just lose access to privileges. for example, the government could make it so that you can see whatever you want but if you say something that the government doesn't like, you don't go to prison, you just lose your rations. it's more of a realistic way of also maintaining power but is a lot more realistic than just going fully free speech. I wouldn't give the full free speech because it could create a very quick Rebellion. Even if the rebellion was for a good reason most rebellions that are sparked from very quick attitudes result in lasting instability for the area, just look at many countries in Africa that are still in Civil Wars due to Quick destabilization of the government. I also am debating whether or not denying people food based on their political views would be a human rights violation but I don't think it would be if you were not giving it to them instead of forcing them so that they can't get the food. in other words, if a farmer said something not nice, you wouldn't burn his farm you would instead just say no meat rations and just leave his farm alone.
ReplyDeleteThe Cuban government has walked a very fine line between freedom of speech through art and the censorship hitherto inherent to a communist government. If a system exists in which the government must keep its people ignorant in order to keep them quiet, I might think that that government is not doing a very great job of keeping its people safe and content. As a result, I'd think that a government which allows for free speech and which listens to those who have something to say would, in theory, end up as a pretty strong and well-supported government system. I don't think that that government system is what the Cuban government is hoping to turn into. So, to answer your questions, I do think that Cuba would benefit over time if the restrictions on speech were loosened or lifted, and if I were Cuba's leader I would not be at all interested in loosening the laws regarding free speech.
ReplyDeleteEl Sexto wasn't talked about enough- I feel. One of the most notable instances of El Sexto's activism was his project involving two pigs named "Raul" and "Fidel," released into Havana's central park. This bold move, depicting the Castro brothers as pigs, is a powerful commentary on the political leadership in Cuba. However, it came at a significant personal cost, with El Sexto facing a 10-month prison sentence as a result of his actions.It was a very fine line and in this system, the people must be silenced for the government to remain in control.
ReplyDeleteEl Sexto wasn't talked about enough- I feel. One of the most notable instances of El Sexto's activism was his project involving two pigs named "Raul" and "Fidel," released into Havana's central park. This bold move, depicting the Castro brothers as pigs, is a powerful commentary on the political leadership in Cuba. However, it came at a significant personal cost, with El Sexto facing a 10-month prison sentence as a result of his actions.It was a very fine line and in this system, the people must be silenced for the government to remain in control.
DeleteHi Henry,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate the details you mentioned and direct references in your commentary. I am in agreement with the other comments– thank you introducing El Sexto to our discussion. I found his piece portraying Raul and Fidel as pigs to be quite impactful. I also find the imagery of pigs themselves akin to George Orwell's "Animal Farm" that criticized Stalin's communist regime and allegorically reference Stalin and Lenin through pig characters. As for your second question, I am unsure of what a Cuban leader's agenda would entail. Lessening the grip on censorship might enable artists to express opinions that do not put the best impression of the Cuban government on an international stage. The continued U.S. embargo is supposedly punishing the Cuban government, and exports of uncensored artist opinion may cause even more sanctions on Cuba cementing an even stronger U.S. embargo in response.