Reflections on a Year of Reading Cuban Literature
List of Books:
-History of Cuba - Clifford L.Staten
Throughout reading the History of Cuba by Clifford L. Staten I have learned much about Cuba’s geography. Based on the fact that the rainy season runs from May to October but also in the History of Cuba, I learned that Cuba is mainly a tropical climate. Staten brings up Cuba’s climate in many different ways. Another way he brings up this is by explaining how “the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November “ This informs me that the country of Cuba is a tropical country and benefits from the sun by making crops such as sugar, sweet potatoes, yucca, pineapples and berries these items are mainly bought or sold in the black market.
I have also learned much about Cuba’s history such as Cuban revolutionary and politician Fidel Castro. Fidel Castro served as prime minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976 and eventually became the president of Cuba from 1976 to 2008. He served the prime years of Cuba having a huge involvement with the Soviet Union and the United States rivalry.
Based on the fact that the book mentions how the “ United States had alienated its people and spurred the growth of a Cuban Identity and nationalism divorced from the United States” I learned that the relationship with the United States was difficult and there’s a lot of tension between the two and the ways that they two are similar such as showing their devotion to and vigorous support for one's country. This showed me how they maintain theyre goal and desire of being an independent country. The book references defining characters in that he will not accept defeat.
One thing that I learned about Cuban culture is that food, tobacco, metals, etc are prime money-making items. Most importantly the sugar indrustry. It was a desire for accessing goods that began to create some conflict on interest between the Spanish Crown and its settlers in Cuba. One tradition that is not as common, especially in the United States is cockfights. Cockfighting is when two birds are set in space to fight each other. People commonly will put spurs/ sharp metal on their legs to harm the other birds when fighting. This became illegal in 1959 but was a very popular ‘sport’. The largest denomination of region is Catholics. Based on the fact that this book shows how the different norms are in the book, I learned that Cuba is very different from Americans and has different standards.
One thing that I learned about life from reading and being somewhat consistent is that I do enjoy history and learning about communists and anti-communists and how it has greatly defined our government. I learned that being different is not as bad as the United States have made it seem for over 40 years. Cuba as a country does not fit the description and “traders “ as the U.S. will try to portray them as. They are hard-working and have much pride with not being as similar to Americans. They have many smart tactics and have managed to keep their culture such as still having their main language as spanish and vibrating colors which brings togetherness. Though there are things they can improve just like any other country, the ‘American Dream’ does not seem like the goal of the Cuban people.
One thing that I learned about myself from reading and being somewhat consistent is that I do enjoy history. For me personally I grew up really disliking reading- probably just like any other kid but until this very year I decide I should get into the habit of reading more often and actually started reading my own book on my own will. I find the history part a little interested in knowing some facts about Cuba as a whole and they gradually get better as I hope every country will eventually evolve. I see pride and integrity throughout reading the book and that is not a bad thing as all just as we commonly see patriotism in the U.S. Overall learning about communists and anti-communists and how it has greatly defined our government and glad I have an insight into our world.
