A new perspective on Cuba
For more than 50 years, the relationship between Cuba and the United States has been scarred by the embargo levied in 1960.
Because of the embargo, Cubans have faced hardships many Americans would consider unbearable. Strong feelings about these past events have since simmered and the restrictions on trade have loosened some. But change finally came in 2014 with discussions between presidents Barrack Obama and Raul Castro so that Cuban citizens can progress from their poor living conditions. Americans and Cubans need to restore trade and end these Cold War ideals.
Cubans neither hate nor fear Americans, but rather welcome them. From many conversations I had with Cuban people, I have since discovered Cubans want to rebuild a relationship with the United States. One of the most economically stable countries in the world is only 100 miles from their border. The only way to rebuild this relationship is by letting the people of both nations communicate without fear. Cubans want only what every normal human want’s: to better their lives from what they have.
The embargo has greatly affected the Cuban people, but it wasn’t until the Soviet Union fell that Cuba began to face harsh times. In Cuba’s capital, Havana, buildings built by United States companies in the early 20th century are falling apart, and people are trying to live in these buildings as they crumble. Although homelessness is illegal in Cuba, trying to provide necessary living conditions for the Cuban people has been a difficult task because of the amount of work needed to fix the buildings.
Cubans live a different form of poverty. Homes and food are provided by the government, and Cubans have enough, but it’s not much by comparison. Every Cuban has a legal right to a house, food, and medical care, but wages vary between 18 pesos and 30 pesos per month ($20 to $33). Ten pounds of rice per month are provided for one person in a house. With such a small amount, portions have to be extremely small in order to make the food last as long as possible. Buying other food items, tooth pastes, soap, toilet paper and other hygiene luxuries are too expensive. Cubans often rely on tourist donations for some of these hygiene essentials.
This is a new market for the United States. Millions of people in Cuba do not have access to many products that are related to United States trade. Organizations like the World Trade Organization, the EU, and the UN alongside with several big trading powers in the world like China have sided with the U.S. as proof of allegiance. This allegiance is based off Cold War ties and has since faded with the years. The Cuban people are wanting the market to come, they want material things that have been deprived from for so long. What harm does it do when we already trade with China, a country that already represses its people? Perhaps trade might decrease the harsh treatment.
Some elements of capitalism can be seen in Cuba. Cuba is a Socialist State where the government owns most of the businesses. However, since the Soviet Union fell, Cuba needs money to fund its massive socialist agenda. They’ve since opened a few private institutions where individuals can make money on their own. These small businesses are not like those in America because heavy taxes are implemented to prevent people from getting ahead. Although the number of businesses is small, the Cuban government has opened the door to capitalism and left the people wanting more.
I experienced all these things first hand last December with ten other CSC students. I have since studied diligently trying to make sense of what I saw in Cuba. I’ve come to the understanding that these Cold War ties need to be cut. Older Cuban-Americans need to stop with their hatred of expulsion in the late 20th century and move on. Times have changed and the Cuban government is slowly changing as well. Why not support this change? Make your opinion known to your political leaders. Let’s end the embargo.