Cuba Through the Lens
The Culture of the Caribbean
General Stats about Cuba
How Cuba Has Changed
This image displays the income per person in the year 1950. Take a look now how that statistic has changed over the past 60 years:
Before communism, Cubans was earning approximately 33% of what Americans earned. After communism, as observed in the image to the right, Cubans are only making approximately 23% of what Americans are making. This is an indication of a number of things. First, the type of economy, work system, and education that accompanies communist ideas is clearly not helping the country. If so, Cuba would be on track to catching up with what Americans make, not the other way around.
Women in Cuba
Prior to the Cuban Revolution in 1959, women were subjected to rigid stereotypes and a wide range of inequalities both in the home and in society. Like most Latin American countries, Cuba was predominately a patriarchal society in which men enjoyed more rights than their female counterparts. The prominent role of women was that of a wife, mother, and caretaker. Women were expected to take on the responsibilities of raising a family and maintaining the home with only their husbands, not their voices or their votes, to represent them. Many women often sacrificed their personal wellbeing, health, and academics to ensure the stability and happiness of their children and husband. However since the Revolution, gender equality has become a priority for policy makers, and women’s rights in Cuba has now become the model for other female populations in Latin American countries.
In regards to education, Cuban women had virtually known before the Revolution. Most females did not reach the sixth grade, and in rural areas literacy rates were essentially nonexistent. For those girls who did well in school, their education usually came to a halt after high school. Most families could not afford secondary education for all their children, so college and university studies were reserved for sons. Education and career advancements were then exclusive to men. Since the Revolution, women have seen a dramatic difference in their educational rights. All schools are now co-educational, and awareness of equality, elimination of stereotypes, and the opportunity for girls to take the same courses in every level of school has made a huge impact. Women now make up 62% of the population at universities, and are doing exceptionally well. In the year 2000, 70% of students in the areas of Social Sciences, Humanities, Medical Sciences and Education were females, and in seven out of nine branches of sciences, women made up half the graduates. Not only that, but nearly half of graduates with higher degrees are women. The results of the Revolution are indisputable, and the advancement in education for females has allowed them to advance in the workplace as well.
The Cuban Constitution declared sexual discrimination illegal and gave women the right to manage their own financial affairs in the year 1940, but it was not until the year of the Revolution that the law was actually ratified. Armed with this new opportunity and a better education, women now make up a large portion of the workforce at 44%. Although teaching and nursing seem to be the highest area for female employment, other areas have shown a large increase in the amount of women workers. 66% of all professionals and technicians are women, along with 70% of bank employees, 43% of scientists, and 51% of doctors. Women have even found employment in government positions. Nearly 36% of deputies in the National Assembly are women, putting Cuba in the top five countries for the percentage of parliamentarians who are females.
While Cuba has made a significant amount of progress in gender equality the past fifty years, there are still some stereotypes that continue to exist. The Family Code is a law passed in 1975 granting women equal rights in the areas of marriage, divorce, adoption, maintenance and the responsibilities of raising children. This essentially gives men half the duties and responsibilities around the home, including childcare. However, traditional gender roles continue to prevail and women are still faced with the majority of work at home. Now women not only have obligations at their place of employment, but have the burden of caring for the house, children, and elderly themselves.
Since 1959, the Cuban Revolution has granted women an immense amount of equality. Men no longer dominate Cuban society the way they did in the past, and women are now free to pursue education and work with ease. Gender inequality does still persist, though, and it is important to remember that steps still need to be taken to continue the advancements in women’s rights.
Here are a few images that highlight the points above:
Religion in Cuba
Cuba is predominantly a Catholic nation, but the other religions within the country are an important factor in understanding Cuban culture. A closer look at these religious beliefs and their origins will help define one of the most significant aspects of Cuban society
Catholicism
The Roman Catholic Church originated from the teachings of Jesus Christ. It spread quickly through Europe and has developed into one of the most prominent of the world religions. During the time of world exploration, the Spanish were strict followers of Catholic beliefs. Upon reaching the New World, they spread their beliefs to those native in the country. Spaniards eventually took over the country, and Catholicism has remained present on the island since.
Nearly 85% of Cubans were estimated to be Catholic prior to the Revolution. This number is an indication of how a large portion of Cubans live their lives. Catholics believe in the teachings within the Bible. They take part in services that generally occur on Sundays, and participate in Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Acts such as Confession and Lent are common practices of Catholic believers. The Pope, located in Europe, is technically the head of the Catholic Church, but there are a series of priests and other leaders that help guide followers. These religious views are what have guided the majority of Cubans since the time of Spanish conquest.
The sacred places for Catholics are where Jesus was born, lived, and died. Many people take a religious pilgrimage to these areas. Rome is also an important place to Catholic followers, as it is here that the Vatican, the location of the pope, is located.
Cuban government has played a role in Catholicism. Cuba has been considered an Atheist state for the majority of Castro's reign. In 1962, over 400 Catholic schools were shut down. It was not until the 1990's that government finally declared Cuba a secular state rather than an Atheist state. Despite this, Catholicism still operates under a great deal of pressure.
Afro-Cuban
Afro-Cuban religions are actually native to the Caribbean. Its origins can be traced back a few hundred years to when the Spanish came to the Americas. The island of Cuba was extremely profitable with its potential to grow such a vast array of crops. Sugarcane became the main form of profit, and the Spanish chose to bring African slaves to the country to work the land. Spanish Catholicism eventually merged with the beliefs of these slaves, forming what is now the Afro-Cuban religion.
Because Afro-Cubans share a lot of similarities with Catholicism, they do not completely alter the culture of Cuba too differently. Afro-Cuban music, though, has helped shape Cuban music into what it is today. Essentially all Cuban music is influenced by it in some way.
Followers of Santeria do not have sacred places the way those of other religions do. There are some places, however, that do hold significance to followers of that faith. Places like the Virgin of Charity, a statue of the Virgin Mary, and other locations like are important to many Afro-Cubans.
Racism has been present in Cuba for generations. Many followers of Afro-Cuban beliefs are black, and they are faced with discrimination in many areas of life. Castro has made claims that racism is something that must be fought, but many blacks, and thus many Afro-Cubans, are still forced to deal with inequalities.
Protestants
The Protestant religion originated from the teachings of Jesus Christ as well. It split from the Catholic Church in the 1500's when people began following the ideas of Martin Luther. Although it may be an oversimplification, the basic difference between Protestants and Catholics is the emphasis each plays on religious leaders within the religion. Protestants belief everyone has the ability to communicate with God, where Catholics often go to priests or pray to saints when they need guidance or repentance.
Protestants generally due not play a major role in Cuban culture due to the fact that it and Catholicism are both branches of Christianity and thus share many of the same customs and moral values.
Catholics and Protestants also share a number of the same holy places, with the exception of Rome. This is due to the fact that Protestants do not place the pope as their religious leader.
The government in Cuba and Protestants really have not been intertwined to any notable agree.
Atheism
Although many may not consider Atheism a religion, it is important to understand the impact it has had on the country. As previously noted, Cuba was until fairly recently considered an Atheist nation. While it is now a secular state, tension between believers and non-believers is ever present. Seeing as the Communist Party has been a huge proponent of these tensions and discriminatory act, it is worth stating that Atheist beliefs have certainly shaped the culture of Cuba since the Revolution.
Cuban religion guide: Main religions in cuba. (2010, March 29). Retrieved from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/cuba/Cuban-Religion-guide-Main-Religions-in-Cuba/278
Religion in cuba. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/cuba/religion.htm
Catholicism
The Roman Catholic Church originated from the teachings of Jesus Christ. It spread quickly through Europe and has developed into one of the most prominent of the world religions. During the time of world exploration, the Spanish were strict followers of Catholic beliefs. Upon reaching the New World, they spread their beliefs to those native in the country. Spaniards eventually took over the country, and Catholicism has remained present on the island since.
Nearly 85% of Cubans were estimated to be Catholic prior to the Revolution. This number is an indication of how a large portion of Cubans live their lives. Catholics believe in the teachings within the Bible. They take part in services that generally occur on Sundays, and participate in Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Acts such as Confession and Lent are common practices of Catholic believers. The Pope, located in Europe, is technically the head of the Catholic Church, but there are a series of priests and other leaders that help guide followers. These religious views are what have guided the majority of Cubans since the time of Spanish conquest.
The sacred places for Catholics are where Jesus was born, lived, and died. Many people take a religious pilgrimage to these areas. Rome is also an important place to Catholic followers, as it is here that the Vatican, the location of the pope, is located.
Cuban government has played a role in Catholicism. Cuba has been considered an Atheist state for the majority of Castro's reign. In 1962, over 400 Catholic schools were shut down. It was not until the 1990's that government finally declared Cuba a secular state rather than an Atheist state. Despite this, Catholicism still operates under a great deal of pressure.
Afro-Cuban
Afro-Cuban religions are actually native to the Caribbean. Its origins can be traced back a few hundred years to when the Spanish came to the Americas. The island of Cuba was extremely profitable with its potential to grow such a vast array of crops. Sugarcane became the main form of profit, and the Spanish chose to bring African slaves to the country to work the land. Spanish Catholicism eventually merged with the beliefs of these slaves, forming what is now the Afro-Cuban religion.
Because Afro-Cubans share a lot of similarities with Catholicism, they do not completely alter the culture of Cuba too differently. Afro-Cuban music, though, has helped shape Cuban music into what it is today. Essentially all Cuban music is influenced by it in some way.
Followers of Santeria do not have sacred places the way those of other religions do. There are some places, however, that do hold significance to followers of that faith. Places like the Virgin of Charity, a statue of the Virgin Mary, and other locations like are important to many Afro-Cubans.
Racism has been present in Cuba for generations. Many followers of Afro-Cuban beliefs are black, and they are faced with discrimination in many areas of life. Castro has made claims that racism is something that must be fought, but many blacks, and thus many Afro-Cubans, are still forced to deal with inequalities.
Protestants
The Protestant religion originated from the teachings of Jesus Christ as well. It split from the Catholic Church in the 1500's when people began following the ideas of Martin Luther. Although it may be an oversimplification, the basic difference between Protestants and Catholics is the emphasis each plays on religious leaders within the religion. Protestants belief everyone has the ability to communicate with God, where Catholics often go to priests or pray to saints when they need guidance or repentance.
Protestants generally due not play a major role in Cuban culture due to the fact that it and Catholicism are both branches of Christianity and thus share many of the same customs and moral values.
Catholics and Protestants also share a number of the same holy places, with the exception of Rome. This is due to the fact that Protestants do not place the pope as their religious leader.
The government in Cuba and Protestants really have not been intertwined to any notable agree.
Atheism
Although many may not consider Atheism a religion, it is important to understand the impact it has had on the country. As previously noted, Cuba was until fairly recently considered an Atheist nation. While it is now a secular state, tension between believers and non-believers is ever present. Seeing as the Communist Party has been a huge proponent of these tensions and discriminatory act, it is worth stating that Atheist beliefs have certainly shaped the culture of Cuba since the Revolution.
Cuban religion guide: Main religions in cuba. (2010, March 29). Retrieved from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/cuba/Cuban-Religion-guide-Main-Religions-in-Cuba/278
Religion in cuba. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/cuba/religion.htm
Food!!!
Rather than look up information about Cuban food from a website, I thought I might share some personal information about Cuban food that I have learned from having a Cuban family. Here are some top Cuban foods that my family eats.
1. Black Beans
Cuban's love black beans. A LOT. They generally eat black beans with white rice and some kind of meat.
2. Plantains
Plantains are basically just bananas. Cubans have a tendency to cook and serve them different then Americans. Often they fry them and eat them like a potato chip.
3. Cuban Sandwiches
My family always makes Cuban sandwiches after Thanksgiving. They are also one of the more common 'Cuban' dishes you'll see served in American restaurants.
4. Cuban Crackers
My grandma buys me Cuban crackers all the time. They are not salted like American crackers and generally are much fluffier than American crackers are. They essentially taste like a crunchy piece of bread.
5. Pork
You cannot talk about Cuban food without talking about pork. Instead of showing a picture of what Cuban's do when they cook their pork, I thought I would show you a picture of my Cuban family on Thanksgiving eating, not turkey, but pork! In Cuba, it's tradition that on Christmas you slow roast an entire pig for twelve hours and share it among a large group of people.
If you are interested in cooking Cuban cuisine for yourself, visit these websites for some tasty recipes:
http://www.cubanfood.org/
http://www.tasteofcuba.com/cubanrecipes.html
http://www.ninasgourmet.com/
http://www.cubanfood.org/
http://www.tasteofcuba.com/cubanrecipes.html
http://www.ninasgourmet.com/
Other Resources
http://www.globeaware.org/cuban-culture
This website has a specific category for Cuban culture. It is organized in a very simple manner, making it easy for the reader, and gives valuable information such as cultural “Dos & Don’ts”, economy, education, and any other cultural aspect that comes to mind.
http://news.thecubaexperience.co.uk/
This site is not confined to just culture, but instead lists a vast amount of information on the country. It’s not as easy to navigate as the website above, but all the facts provided make it a great resource for anyone interested in Cuba.