Much Remains to be Done

Much Remains to be Done / Amado Calixto Gammalame, Cuban Law Association
Posted on September 11, 2013
By Amado Calixto Gammalame

Although racism in Cuba began to decline during the wars of
independence, by the obvious presence of blacks and mulattoes among the
mambises (Cuban guerrillas), that was only a beginning. Much remains to
be done, after more than twelve years into the 21st Century.

The idea of a characteristic or distinctiveness of a particular social
group in relation to its ethnic origin has been the core factor for the
onset of prejudices and attitudes that prevent a more just and
comprehensive understanding of the problem from a historical, economic,
and social point of view.

On the subject much has been said, but in practice little has been done,
the most commendable in my view being what is endorsed by Articles 41
and 42 of the Constitution of the Republic: "(41) All citizens have
equal rights and are subject to the same duties. (42) Discrimination
based on race, skin color, sex, national origin, religious beliefs or
any other offense against human dignity is forbidden and is punishable
by law."

But from there to everyday life is a long stretch, as is often found in
the judgments of inferiority and marginality lurking in the minds of
many people in relation to blacks, including the judgment of those who
make the major decisions in the country, even though from time to time
to they recognize it.

Just look, for example, at the contrast between the ethnic composition
of the representatives of the Cuban diplomatic corps, either to
represent us in Burundi, Burkina Faso and Togo, and the students of the
Institute of International Relations (future diplomats), or between the
current leadership of the so-called top-tier management, and the mass of
black intellectuals, formed by the system itself, with the same
qualifications, displaying the first condition that one must have to
occupy such positions: being a member of the only party allowed in Cuba.

It is not my style to compare our small country with others, but since
there is already talk of a generational shift, I ask two questions that
relate to the topic: Will there be a black president in Cuba like there
is in the United States? Will it be a black woman? Nobody panic, I'm
just fantasizing.

11 September 2013

Source: "Much Remains to be Done / Amado Calixto Gammalame, Cuban Law
Association | Translating Cuba" -
http://translatingcuba.com/much-remains-to-be-done-amado-calixto-gammalame-cuban-law-association/