Being a journalist in Cuba is no more than being a puppet in the hands of a puppeteer. The government controls all the information, thus it controls newspapers and TV stations. Whatever little information the people actually receive, its been filtered and diluted. Journalists, then are no more than parrots.
This class would be very different in Cuba. All our Internet searches, for those lucky to access it, would be controlled and limited. If anyone searches or expresses an opinion other than that of the government, their careers is not the only thing at stake.
The official Cuban newspaper is called Granma. The link is below:
http://www.granma.cubaweb.cu/
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Bias of History
The Cuban education system is without a doubt very successful. While their counterparts in many parts of the world are barely learning the basics of language and arithmetic, Cuban children are taught advanced concepts early on. Cuba is one of the most literate nations in the world.
When it comes to math, reading, writing and science, Cuba is no doubt ahead. However, when it comes to history, the textbooks are undoubtedly biased. History textbooks in Cuba are mere propaganda for the Cuban Revolution. One clear example is the unabashed linking of one of Cuba's greatest patriots, José Martí with the Revolution and Communism. Not only was Martí born over a hundred years before Fidel ever entered Havana with his troops, but he was also completely and totally anti-Communist. But alas, Martí is long gone and dead men can't defend themselves. Sadly his legacy has been used by Fidel, as he has used many other heroes of the past.
While the education in Cuba is wonderful overall, it has its obvious and glaring biases.
When it comes to math, reading, writing and science, Cuba is no doubt ahead. However, when it comes to history, the textbooks are undoubtedly biased. History textbooks in Cuba are mere propaganda for the Cuban Revolution. One clear example is the unabashed linking of one of Cuba's greatest patriots, José Martí with the Revolution and Communism. Not only was Martí born over a hundred years before Fidel ever entered Havana with his troops, but he was also completely and totally anti-Communist. But alas, Martí is long gone and dead men can't defend themselves. Sadly his legacy has been used by Fidel, as he has used many other heroes of the past.
While the education in Cuba is wonderful overall, it has its obvious and glaring biases.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Old Havana
Wonderful video of Old Havana (Habana Vieja), where my family used to take me to the bookseller's market. Please, ignore the cheesy narration.
This video appears here courtesy of Code Cuba
This video appears here courtesy of Code Cuba
Friday, September 7, 2012
Where I Grew Up
This is the place where I grew up part of my life. I have wonderful memories of playing with my friends in the park beneath the buildings of "La Esquina de Tejas."
The following link will take you to a picture of the building where I grew up, which would be the one to the right of your screen. You can see it here
View Larger Map
The following link will take you to a picture of the building where I grew up, which would be the one to the right of your screen. You can see it here
View Larger Map
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