There’s been much talk and discussion lately about what Cuban-Americans think, feel, believe, and aspire to. This discussion is raging not only within our local community - with local politicians regularly making grand pronouncements, but also in national politics, with seemingly every paper trying to decipher who we will support in the Presidential elections. Indeed, most of the discussion is intently focused on “bucketing” the community (e.g., old vs. new, pre and post Mariel, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation, etc.), rooting out our differences, and using these differences to anticipate how we’ll vote. The main conclusion from these analyses is quite simple: our community is diverse and we do not have a standard set of beliefs on US issues. This should be a surprise to no one who has interacted with Cubans – adding one more Cuban to a conversation usually means you’ve added another opinion.
The more disturbing conclusion (at the surface) from these analyses is that we, as a community, are splintering on Cuba, and that we no longer agree. As proof, we get the endless litany of issues with yes/no positions: remittances, travel by Cuban-Americans, travel by Americans in general, limits on spending, talking to Raul, softening the embargo, etc. When you focus on these issues, it is plausible to conclude that our community is indeed splintering on the “Cuba issue”. However, both the analyses and conclusion miss the point.
The vast majority of our community does not waver, even for a second, on the fundamental vision that unites us and for which we have tremendous passion – the hope and dream of a free, democratic, and capitalist Cuba. Everyone shares this vision and we are quite united. What observers detect is not a splintering of the vision, but rather a splintering on the tactics.
This division, these disagreements, are mostly driven by frustration. Frustration that we have a vision and a hearty list of tactics to choose from…but that we’re woefully lacking a strategy linking the two. The “old guard” clings to the vision and believes all it takes is just one more year…the “4th generation” looks at the past, believes nothing has worked, and lunges for change will little thought. Basically, we’re missing a strategy we can discuss and rally around.
Unfortunately, the candidates have failed to offer one, with McCain roughly representing the old guard and Obama the 4th generation. Sadly, neither have our current or aspiring local leaders (who should be expected to have one). A lot of saber-rattling, but alas, no unique or new thinking.
So next time you’re attending a political event, and you hear forceful speech on a tactical issue, raise your hand and ask how it all fits together.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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2 comments:
Axel,
I agree with your thoughts on Cuban-American voting positions and the breakdown within our evergrowing diversity.
It seems to me Cuban-Americans used to be single-issue voters in the past. As our community has evolved I wonder where the Cuba issue ranks on the list if priorites that Cuba-American vote on today. Especially the 4th generation ones.
From my take it's fallen further and further on that list. Most 4th generation Cuban-Americans I speak to have several issues that affect their voting above promoting freedom in Cuba. Especially in this election where there are so many prominant issues affecting people in this country.
I think that's one of the reason's our elected officials have let Cuba drop on their list of priorties as well.
Hi Clark,
Certainly agree that the Cuba issue was naturally more "top of mind" for the Cuban-American community in the past than today - it has been a long, long time since we started emigrating to the US.
Ironically, it is the sons and daughters of the "old gaurd" who now comprise the 4th generation, rightfully caring about many US issues, and don't dedicate much real thought to Cuba...other than thinking that the ways of el viejo are outdated.
"Recent emigrants" on the otherhand, don't really have the time, interest, or resources to think about Cuba strategically, and care most about supporting their families left behind. For now, these folks also care very little about US issues.
As you can tell from my post, my belief is that there really is not much for the community to care about when it comes to Cuba. What, we want folks to be energized about agreeing on whether travel should be allowed every year or every three years? These are tired issues with well drawn out battle lines.
There is a general haze around what to do about Cuba - plus, it must be said, a diminished morale after Fidel scored again with a seamless transfer of power.
Basically, this haze and demoralization breeds apathy and short-term self-interest.
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