The latest
It’s really hard to start off on where I’m at. I imagine that Hampshire is still the same so I’ll start with something familiar, Race.
Cuba is very interesting when it comes to Race and certainly affected my experience so far. Unique and I were mistaken for Cuban students. I could easily fit in but as soon as I start talking people ask “what country are you from?” It’s funny because I catch myself trying to fit in. It’s not like I’m trying to be Cuban instead I’m trying to avoid being American. I do this for many reasons; 1. Americans suck 2. I pay less for things since Cuba has two economies and 3. I avoid being hassled by jineteros/hustlers. Don’t get it twisted, this is not some sort of Black privilege I’m exploiting because along with seemingly “fitting in” I’ve had similar experiences of being Black in the U.S. Like when I come into the hotel to use the Internet. The guards sometimes stop me and ask me what am I doing here and I say in English “I want to use my computer.” Cuba’s history of race is different from the U.S. When I talk to people about race they remind me of U.S. racism and about how Cubans are more culturally mixed. I constantly remind people about how most white Cubans from the U.S. received better treatment and were able to send there families remittances giving them access to more dollars. Whenever I meet people we almost always talk about this because this because of my project. Race has not received the discource it’s deserved in Cuba because it is feared that it will divide the people. Afro-Cuban is a fairly new concept that has been used in the academy. Hip Hop has also helped create a stage for Afro-Cuban youth to make their voices heard. Art is one of the few mediums were people could express their critiques. That’s why I’m really excited to start interviewing Afro-Cuban artist. At the same time I’m always afraid that I won’t do a good job with this project.
Even though I feel that I am still doing a lot of work Cuba’s has definitely been a great change. I always reflect about where I’m at in life. Everyday I go through the shock of realizing that I am actually spending a semester here. Sometimes I feel great but sometimes I get really freaked out because this is also my last semester div II (don’t worry I am with yall). In general I am as chill as I can be trying to enjoy being here.
This past weekend we went spelunking. We had to wear one of those mining helmets with the lights. It was kind of touristy but it was still interesting. The cave that we went too was used as a Palanque which is equivilent to Maroon (communities that run away slaves created). That was our first group trip outside of Havana. If I’m not doing my work or with the group I’m chilling it’s hard to know what’s going on in Havana without being in some social network. It is hard not having to the internet.
You all should holla back at ya boy because he misses you so much!
Btw, It has been hard me to be here during these hard times. I wish I could be struggling and mourning with you all instead of being so far away. I love you all so much and I hope you all know it.
5 months ago