The Death of Fidel Castro

If you want to know the history of Fidel Castro, or his politics, don’t look here. I only mention Castro in my blog because I see the vast differences in the way TV News Reports and leaders commented on his passing. It is evident that Fidel Castro leaves behind many Cubanos on the island who respected his leadership and mourn his death. But partying on the streets of Miami shows a different viewpoint. Cuban exiles and their relatives seen dancing in the streets and banging pots and pans in celebration of his death paints a different picture of the memories they leave behind of Fidelito.

No matter how you look at it, there was family separation, and suffering. Since Fidel’s passing, I’ve seen journalists and tourists painting different sides of the island they visited. Some glorifying the idea that Cuba seemed to get stuck back in the 1950’s. Others showing pity on the Cubans they say got left behind.

In my experience, I have known a handful of Cubano friends who personally never talked much about their native Cuba or what their families left behind. It’s anyone’s guess what will happen now with U.S. / Cuban relations under a new Trump administration. Only one thing is for sure, Fidel Castro’s death will be remembered this week, with 9 days of mourning, across many borders, good or bad, as someone whose name and face will never be forgotten.