Havana reacts to Raul Castro
Cubans have mixed feelings about what the new president can do
MCT
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Perspectives
Their exchange underscored the complexity of Cuba, where some people are loyal followers of the Cuban revolution, but eager for change just the same. Afro Cubans say they benefited most from the Castros' rise to power, and fear what could happen under a different kind of system.
"More than anyone else, this revolution has given opportunities to people of color," said Yolanda, 67. "There has to be change for the better, anything else, we won't accept."
Cubans say they are weary of capitalism, but at the same time want more room for private enterprise. Most activities that can allow Cubans to earn extra money are illegal, fostering a rampant underground economy fueled by corruption.
Some Cubans can watch foreign television on pirate satellite dishes. But in at least one case, the man in charge of a network that serves several homes decided to keep the dish tuned to telenovelas to avoid more political programs that could anger authorities.
Some of the Cubans who watched their new president's inaugural speech on Cuban television kept using a single word to describe him: "same."
"Same, same, same," said a 42-year-old man named Napoli. "It doesn't make a difference who they choose, because it's all the same. "
"We are not expecting any dramatic changes," said one of the three priests who presided over a Mass at the Havana cathedral before Raul Castro's election was announced. "There may be some changes of secondary importance, but no essential changes."
On a recent afternoon, Omari, 37, was hiding in a clothing store in downtown Havana, trying to avoid the police. She makes her living selling clothes and makeup illegally on the street, and has been arrested and fined several times in recent years.
"It shouldn't be wrong for us to do what we need to do," she said, shrinking further into the shadows as a police agent loomed on the corner outside. "I'm just trying to survive for my daughters."
"More than anyone else, this revolution has given opportunities to people of color," said Yolanda, 67. "There has to be change for the better, anything else, we won't accept."
Cubans say they are weary of capitalism, but at the same time want more room for private enterprise. Most activities that can allow Cubans to earn extra money are illegal, fostering a rampant underground economy fueled by corruption.
Some Cubans can watch foreign television on pirate satellite dishes. But in at least one case, the man in charge of a network that serves several homes decided to keep the dish tuned to telenovelas to avoid more political programs that could anger authorities.
Some of the Cubans who watched their new president's inaugural speech on Cuban television kept using a single word to describe him: "same."
"Same, same, same," said a 42-year-old man named Napoli. "It doesn't make a difference who they choose, because it's all the same. "
"We are not expecting any dramatic changes," said one of the three priests who presided over a Mass at the Havana cathedral before Raul Castro's election was announced. "There may be some changes of secondary importance, but no essential changes."
On a recent afternoon, Omari, 37, was hiding in a clothing store in downtown Havana, trying to avoid the police. She makes her living selling clothes and makeup illegally on the street, and has been arrested and fined several times in recent years.
"It shouldn't be wrong for us to do what we need to do," she said, shrinking further into the shadows as a police agent loomed on the corner outside. "I'm just trying to survive for my daughters."
Article last update: 2/26/08 at 9:41 PM CST
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