Free Essay

Luckers Cuba

In: Film and Music

Submitted By dabea
Words 450
Pages 2
1. According to the Film 1989 marked the end of the revolution when Cuba's foreign trade plummeted because of the collapse of the Soviet Union. It was the last year of normality, and total imports to Cuba fell by 75%.
2. The Sugar production in Cuba has fallen by 50% (3 years) in recent years because Cuba’s fertilizer imports fell. Cuba also went through fuel shortages which caused the workers to use one their hands instead of machines to harvest the crop.
3. The disappearance of the Soviet Union from Cuba and the inability to receive medical supplies has led to the decline in the much vaunted medical care system in Cuba. Since the Soviet Union supported them heavily, Cuba lacked medical equipment and medicine in their medical system.
4. After the summer of 1993 it has been legal for Cubans to have dollars. Having easier access to dollars from tourism, open exile money pocket books. Family in America sending back money to their people in Cuba. The Cuban government decided to legalize them because they were being sold on the black market.
5. The professionals who supported the Cuban revolution the most suffered economically because they supported the Cuban revolution they are unlikely to have contact with relatives in the exile community.
6. The average Cuban yearly salary was about 2400 pesos which equals about 24 dollars.
7. According to Jesse Jackson, the American policy towards Cuba has driven the US to its limits with Cuba.
ESSAY:
In some ways the US embargo and known as "the blockade" helped Cuba along with also helping themselves. For example, even though the US planned the embargo to harm Castro, it actually defended his position. Castro used the embargo as a source of propaganda which made him appear as the victim and the United States as the enemy. Castro also used the embargo as a scape for his failures which eventually helped his revolution. The US embargo was also able to defend Cuban citizens, giving them more Cuban civil rights than any other country in South America. The embargo served as a tool to help Castro’s image and a way of rights to the Cubans.

There are also many reasons why people are against the US embargo, because of the hardships it has lead Cubans to encounter. The embargo is hurting the wrong people and is failing to hurt the regime Cubans. Because of the embargo Cubans are denied access to technology, medicine, affordable food, and other goods that could be available to them if the United States lifted the embargo. The US embargo has caused a significant rise in suffering-and even deaths-in Cuba by making those necessities available.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Cuban Missile Crisis

...Nikita Khrushchev. I will try to focus on the particular question, which is – why did the Soviet Union decide to place nuclear missiles in Cuba. I have chosen this question because it is the principle of the crisis. Looking on it from different points of view will secure the objectivity of the conclusions. First, I will analyze it with using the theory of Constructivism, then I will use the Game theory. Realism In realism, states are the principal actors in the international system, which is anarchic. States look on their own interests and they are rational unitary actors. Placing of the missiles in Cuba was in conflict of the Soviets behavior and their statements: The Soviets gave every indication of sensitivity both to American strategic interests and to the president's political needs. In their September 4 meeting, Ambassador Dobrynin called on Robert Kennedy to relay a confidential promise from Chairman Khrushchev that the Soviet Union would not create any trouble for the United States during the election campaign.(reading the lessons page 3)Moreover, a Soviet official in Washington used by Khrushchev as his personal courier to the White House, conveyed a message directly from Khrushchev and Foreign Minister Anastas Mikoian. They assured Kennedy that "no missile capable of reaching the United States would be placed in Cuba."(reading the lessons page 4) Why did Soviets act conversely? In...

Words: 1028 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

History

...people are proud of our tradition, culture and of course our music. Celia Cruz and Hector Lavoe two of the most influence artists of the Latin music of the all times. Their early lives in Puerto Rico and Cuba, famous life, tragedies as well the passion for the Salsa. Ursula Hilaria Celia Cruz Alfonso de la Santisima Trinidad (Celia Cruz), one of the most popular salsa artists of the 20th century, was born in Santos Suarez in Havana, Cuba. She was the second child of the marriage Cruz-Alfonso. Celia, like the other teenagers girls of Cuba, was very happy, when her father said that she had to be a teacher. But, one of her teacher offered her a spot in the National conservatory of Havana Cuba. After her studies, Celia stared a new career. She had to participate in many auditions to get in salsa orchestras in her country. Finally, she got the opportunity to get into the famous orchestra, La Sonora Matancera. Even, thought her participation in the orchestra was a success. Celia became a solo singer. Where, Celia was working hard to be popular in Latin America. She was married with Pedro Knight. Like Celia, Pedro always said that Celia was his love. They were a happy couple. But they had a kids. Celia Cruz was called the queen of the salsa as well La Guarachera de Cuba. She won many awards thought her artistic life. One of those was in 1990 when she won a Grammy award. Another important moment in Celia’s life was when the President of United States gave to Celia the National...

Words: 705 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

: “the Layout of a Typical 18th Century British Caribbean Sugar Plantation Ensured Self-Sufficiency and Maximized Efficiency” Does the Evidence Support This Statement?

...On a typical 18th century sugar plantation was divided into several sections each for their own different purpose. A portion was used for the cane fields, pastures, woodlands, provision grounds, work yards and living quarters for managers and labour. According to Claypole and Robottom, most plantations had from three to live cane fields each surrounded by a closely trimmed hedge or stone wall to keep out cattle. Each year one was generally left fallow another grows a second crop of rations and the others were planted with new canes. Each field was divided by narrow roads into smaller square plots of 6-9 hectares. This made it easier for the overseer to control the rate of the slave gangs’ work and to organize the movement of cut cane to the wok yard. [Caribbean Story Book 1 3rd Editionp.96]. “The sugar work yard consisted of the mill, boiling house, curing house, distillery, trash house and workshops for skilled craftsmen like black smith and carpenters”[A Study and Revision Guide for CXC Caribbean History p.35], stood in the middle of the cane fields. The factory buildings were closely positioned to prevent having to travel far distance from one place to another. Woodland was a very essential source on the plantation site. It hold many uses. According to Hamilton-Willie, The woodland provided lumber for building purposes, as well as fuel for the boilers, and for cooking. . [A study and Revision Guide for CXC Caribbean History p. 35]. Provision grounds...

Words: 394 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Jamaican - Cuban Relations

...Jamaican – Cuban Societies and Relations SOC 300 Introduction I have often wondered about the relationship of Jamaica and Cuba. Two island countries so close to one another with different ways of governing, how and why did Jamaica not chose the socialism route, in doing my research I found that Jamaica had come very close to doing just that. How would have Jamaica been affected if they did follow in Cuba’s footsteps? Their economy relies heavily on U.S. tourism. Was that a factor in their choice not to follow Castro’s ways? The ties that bind Cuba and Jamaica run deep, according to Brian Meeks, Professor of Social and Political Change at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. The interconnections stem from several episodes in their shared history, Meeks said in a recent lecture, as well as from past migrations of people between the two countries. His talk, “Cuba from Due South: An Anglo-Caribbean Perspective,” launched the Center for Latin American Studies’ (CLAS's) new thematic focus on Cuba. An academic, journalist, novelist, and poet, Meeks commenced the talk with a reading of self-penned poem, “Cuba One,” written during the height of Jamaican political turmoil in 1975. “In 1962 a blue//mountain peak showed//a green horizon//to the unsuspecting eye.//standing spyglassed//staring blindly,//thought I'd see a dull grey line//tinged with red and barbed around//the picture framing//captive portraits//hiding...

Words: 1240 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

American Hispanic Paper

...Hispanic American Diversity The Hispanic community presently comprises the fastest increasing ethnic group in the United States. According to information obtained from the United States Census Bureau “As of July 1, 2008 people of Hispanic origin comprise 15% of the nation’s total population” (Pearson Education, Inc. 2009). The Hispanic American population has surpassed African Americans as the major minority in America. According to an article on the website diversityinc “"Latino" and "Hispanic" are terms used in the United States to identify individuals whose ancestry comes from a variety of countries where Spanish is their main language” (Arroyo, 2010). Mexican Americans In the United States Mexican- Americans comprise the largest portion of the Hispanic community. Mexican Americans are mainly concentrated in the Southern areas of the United States, mainly Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada and, Texas(Pearson Education, Inc. 2009). One main reason people immigrate to the United States is to escape poor living conditions in search for better jobs and education. According to the website diversityinc “In the modern era, persistent poverty has been one of the abiding problems of the Mexican economy. The economy has few safety nets; there is no unemployment compensation and the poor do not receive welfare payments” (Arroyo, 2010). The primary language of Mexican Americans is Spanish. Most Mexican Americans are literate and able to communicate in English also. As...

Words: 1223 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Fidel

...Organization & Leadership - Assignment Fidel Castro is one of the most recognizable leaders in world history. He led Cuba as Prime Minister and, subsequently, as President for almost fifty years. He was born and raised upper-middle class as his father was a very successful farmer and did quite well for himself and his family. There were several key events that led to Castro’s rise as a powerful leader and shaped him into the man who successfully led the Cuban revolution. First of all, although he benefited from a decent education and was exposed to the upper echelon of society at times, he also played with and grew up around the children of the migrant workers of the farm. He maintains that this conservative upbringing helped him to stay grounded and to develop empathy for the working class. Consequently, Fidel rebelled against what he perceived to be classism. While in law school in Havana, he became intertwined with the student protest movement. The government of the time decided to crack down on student protesters and a lot of student leaders were being killed. Instead of fighting against the governmental regime, however, the student protesters began turning on one another and becoming involved in crime. Being surrounded by this, Fidel decided to focus on political goals where he became enthralled by anti-imperialism and the opposition of U.S. involvement in Cuban (and Caribbean) politics. Law school exposed Castro to several student leftist groups and...

Words: 1440 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Conceptions of the Cold War

...countries were the Soviet Union and the United States. However the US did not become directly involved until the anti-American dictator Fidel Castro seized the vulnerable Cuba in 1959 declaring his commitment to the communist party. Cuba became a threat to the United States during their move to building a closer relationship with Russia. Eisenhower ordered the CIA to arm and train a force of Cubans who had been barred from their home country for an attack on Cuba. There was great tension between the US and the Soviet Union parties. He added five new Army divisions increasing the nations air power and military reserves. Sen. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon both committed themselves to strengthen American military forces and promised a tough stance against the Soviet Union and other international communism. Kennedy blamed and criticized the Eisenhower admin for the permitting the development of a communist government in Cuba. It was feared that the plan would fail. President Kennedy addressed the American people informing them that America must be prepared to defend when talk wouldn’t work but only if force was used upon America. President Kennedy ordered an increase in the US’ intercontinental missile forces. In 1961, Kennedy gave the orders for the exiles to invade. The plan failed making Castro’s power in Cuba stronger. Castro requested Soviet Union military aid and at this time nuclear rockets were...

Words: 658 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Finding Truths

...beautiful hotels, beaches, and cities. I did not see the blindfolds. I did not appreciate how being held hostage by the beauty of the surface—the beaches and cities—blinded me to the absence of Puerto Rican natives on the streets of San Juan; I did not understand how the prevalence and familiarity of English conspired to veil the beauty of the Spanish language beneath volumes of English translations. I learned more about these truths in my sophomore year of high school, when I was among a group of students selected to visit Cuba. My grandmother was born in Cuba, yet I had never thought to research my own heritage. I have remained the naïve American who saw Castro as some distant enemy of my country, accepting this as fact because this seemed to be the accepted wisdom. I soon became intrigued, however, with this supposed plague to my freedom, my culture, and everything good and decent. I began to think, just what is communism anyway? What’s so bad about Castro and Cuba—and I hear they have good coffee. I believed that what was missing was a lack of understanding between our two cultures, and that acceptance of our differences would come only with knowledge. My first...

Words: 606 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Cuba

...United States. In CUBA, democracy is not relevant. They follow the communist regime and Cuban people have no say. More than four out of five of Cubans are dissatisfied with their country’s direction. US had major interest in CUBA, especially with the former leader 1953 and Batista was elected. US had major business interest such as owning and running sugar plantations, cigar factories, agricultural industries and refineries. Batista was intent on lining his pockets, Cuba did flourish economically during his regime before the revolution. 96% of the tobacco harvested in Cuba 75% of corn 72% of beans 64% of cacao 56% of Vegetables 48% of Tubers 70% of port It also produces a large volume of milk and other produce. Individual farmers provided nearly 50% of the food sold in the state farmers markets and they operated under the supply and demand method( Raisa) Since Castro’s revolution he banned any foreign countries that didn’t agree with his political views. Relations between the United States and Cuba deteriorated rapidly as the Cuban government redistributed land owned by the US. In reaction to the refused to refine petroleum of Royal Dutch Shell, Standard Oil and Texaco and used petroleum from the Soviet Union in Cuban in July 1960. The Eisenhower administration promoted a boycott of Cuba by oil companies, to which Cuba responded by nationalizing the refineries in August 1960. Both sides continued to escalate the dispute. Cuba...

Words: 830 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Three Days in Cuba for Pope Benedict Xvi

...Three days in Cuba for Pope Benedict XVI A three day papal visit is taking place in Cuba for the first time since 1998 when Pope John Paul II made a brief stay. While on the Communist island, Pope Benedict has photo ops taking place, as well as a Wednesday Mass in Havana’s Revolution Plaza to top off the visit to Cuba. Raul Castro, the Cuban ruler and younger brother of Fidel Castro, met with the pope for photos and private talks behind closed doors. The pope did not make any political statements regarding Cuba, but is praying for Cubans freedom and well-being, saying that “Cuba and the world need change” (“Pope extols Christ, not politics, at Cuba Mass”, 2012). Although the pope prays for Cuba to change their ways, a top government minister for Cuba made it clear that political reform is not in the nation’s future. In a Mass led by Miami’s Archbishop Thomas Wenski, the archbishop called on earlier hopes of Pope John Paul II for more freedoms on the Communist island (“Raul Castro receives pope in Havana; Wenski criticizes Marxism”, 2012). He urged worshippers to want a better Cuba, a Cuba that is free, a Cuba where people can have dignity without persecution. Many people got emotional listening to the sermon being given at Havana’s cathedral Tuesday morning. Nearly eight hundred Cuban-Americans made the trip from areas around Miami to see the pope and listen along with the world as the pope made his homily. For some of the followers, this was their first trip...

Words: 875 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Cuba Missile Crisis

...the crisis. Avoiding a world war, which would possibly include nuclear weapons, is a fact that will show the succession of the negotiations during the crisis. Discussion There are several parties that concerned by the Cuban Missile Crisis directly or indirectly. The significant ones are the United States and the Soviet Union which were directly involved in the crisis and actively participated in the negotiations. Additionally, Cuba and Turkey concerned by the crisis because of their role of holding the missiles of the Soviet Union and the United States in their own soil; and Germany was indirectly concerned because of the possible attack of the USSR to Berlin (1). At the outbreak of the crisis, the most important and deterministic positions were the United States’ and the Soviet Union’s ones. The Soviet Union decided to start a deployment of nuclear weapons (MRBMs and IRBMs) in Cuba which was accepted and found “interesting” by Fidel Castro ; later in the crisis period Premier Khrushchev would define the weapons as defensive precautions. While Cuba and the Soviet...

Words: 2772 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Education

...constitution that strengthened her power. American planters responded by deposing the queen in 1893. Proclaiming Hawaii independent, the Americans requested U.S. annexation. President Grover Cleveland stalled on the annexation treaty; his representative on the islands reported that native Hawaiians objected to it. Under President William McKinley, however, in 1898, Congress voted to annex the Hawaiian Islands. In 1900 Hawaii became American territory. B. THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR: CUBA AND THE PHILIPPINES United States involvement in Cuba began in 1895 when the Cubans rebelled against Spanish rule. The Cuban revolution of 1895 was savage on both sides. Americans learned of Spanish atrocities through sensational press reports as well as from Cuban exiles who supported the rebels. Humanitarians urged the United States to intervene in the revolution, and U.S. businesses voiced concern about their large investments on the island. However, President Cleveland sought to avoid entanglement in Cuba, as...

Words: 1416 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Revolts in Latin America

...Revolts in Latin America I. Discontent Fans the Fires • Spanish born peninsulares dominated Latin American political and social life. • Many creoles resented their second-class status. • Creoles were European-descended Latin Americans. • Mestizos were people of Native American and European descent. • Mulattoes were people of African and European descent. • Mestizos and Mulattoes were angry because they were being denied the status, wealth and power that the white people had. • Enslaved Africans that worked on plantations wanted freedom. • In the 1700s, educated creoles became Enlightened as they watched colonists in North America throw off British rule. However, many creoles were reluctant to do anything. • Napoleon’s invasion of Spain in 1808 sparked the rebellion in Latin America. II. Slaves Win Freedom for Haiti • Revolution had erupted in a French-ruled colony on the island of Hispaniola. • French planters in Haiti owned very profitable sugar plantations. • The half a million slaves who worked on these plantations were overworked and underfed • The rebels were fortunate to find an intelligent and skillful leader in Toussaint L’Ouverture. • Toussaint L’Ouverture was a self-educated former slave but he was untrained. However, he was a brilliant general and inspiring commander. • Toussaint’s army faced many enemies like when the mulattoes joined French planters against the rebels. • Napoleon Bonaparte sent a large army to reconquer the former colony. Toussaint...

Words: 429 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Women

...employment in the initial phases of economic development. Women follow later to take up more permanent service employment as maids, domestics, and cleaners” (Almer, 99). The significance of the quote is its showing the emergence of a labor model that has shaped the Caribbean for generations. In the beginning of the twentieth century poor eastern Caribbean women followed male migrant workers to various places such as: the Panama Canal, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Curacao, and Aruba in order to provide for their families. Eastern Caribbean women have developed their own family model, which include non-marital relationships and freedom to travel for work. According to eastern Caribbean social norms poor women are expected to have children and support them financially. This results in women leaving their children with extended family and supporting them by working in distant places (99). During the Pre-1960s women migrant workers found employment as seamstresses, cooks, laundresses, and maids at labor camps located in the Panama Canal Zone, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic (100). When employment on these islands decreased, women followed the labor migrant pattern again by traveling to Trinidad, Curacao and Aruba to perform domestic work (101). “The female labor migrants experienced a form of freedom and independence that came with consistent predictable wages. These migrant domestics were economic mainstays for their dependents left behind in their sending societies” (101)...

Words: 490 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Cuba Comes Off Its Sugar High

...uba was bartering with its communist allies in return for goods. The sale of sugar was grossing over $5 billion. After the Soviet Union collapsed, the gross income from sugar dropped to $20 million. The Cuban government searched for methods to raise income and cut costs. They began by closing inefficient sugar mills and eventually shut down half of the island’s mills. Cuba could not begin exporting to the United States due to the embargo. They turned to Canada, Mexico, and Europe for the sale of sugar. Cuba began to search for a new export and found they held a large reserve of nickel. International mining companies saw the nickel reserve as a source of income and tried to establish relations with Cuba. Cuba saw that they had something other companies wanted and decided to exploit their desire to conduct business with them. Many restrictions and laws were established to milk international companies for extra money. The established laws that required non-Cuban investors to use the government to hire, fire, and pay its workers. This allowed to the government to choose exploitable workers for positions in the mills and mines. The government controlled the worker’s wages in order to keep a cut for themselves. One company was found to be paying the government $9,500 per year per worker and the workers would only receive $120 to $144 per year. This left the government with a large chuck of employee wages. It would be unethical for an international company...

Words: 287 - Pages: 2