Amid escalating regional tensions and warnings of conflict, a political event in Guantánamo has once again leaned heavily on revolutionary rhetoric to address what Cuba's government perceives as an imminent threat to the island.
A video circulating on social media, captured during a revolutionary reaffirmation event in this eastern province, features a speaker declaring that if Cuba becomes the next target following events in Venezuela, the nation would respond with a symbolic "army" risen from the dead.
"From the depths of the ocean will rise the machine gun and the undying image of Camilo Cienfuegos Gorriarán," the speaker proclaimed, before invoking Che Guevara, Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, and current leader Miguel Díaz-Canel as part of a continental response to "liberate peace in the Americas once more."
The rhetoric, steeped in militaristic imagery and references to deceased leaders, taps into a narrative long employed by the Cuban regime during times of crisis: eternal resistance, heroic sacrifice, and the ever-present external enemy.
This message directly engages with the current political climate following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and declarations from the United States, where Cuba has been thrust back into the regional spotlight.
While discussions outside the island focus on sanctions, international pressure, and potential shifts in the political landscape, within Cuba, the government's rhetoric retreats to the symbols of the past. There is no mention of blackouts, shortages, inflation, or the mass exodus that has emptied entire neighborhoods; instead, they offer the promise of an epic response led by figures long gone and slogans familiar to generations of Cubans.
The stark contrast is not lost on a population weary from daily crises. Many find it challenging to connect the language of "rapid response detachments" and legendary guerrillas with a reality defined by daily survival struggles, uncertainty, and the government's silence on the most pressing issues.
The video from Guantánamo not only revives the most combative tones of revolutionary discourse but also illustrates how, with each external shock, the Cuban government chooses to look backward and summon the dead, while the living continue to await answers.
Understanding Cuba's Revolutionary Rhetoric
What is the significance of invoking deceased leaders in Cuba's rhetoric?
Invoking deceased leaders like Camilo Cienfuegos, Che Guevara, and Fidel Castro serves to evoke a sense of historical continuity and resilience, reinforcing the narrative of eternal resistance against perceived threats.
How does the Cuban government respond to external pressures?
The Cuban government often responds to external pressures by reviving revolutionary rhetoric and emphasizing historical symbols, focusing on past glories rather than addressing current issues directly.
Why is there a disconnect between official rhetoric and the daily struggles of Cubans?
The disconnect arises because the official rhetoric focuses on abstract ideals and historical narratives, while many Cubans are preoccupied with immediate concerns like shortages and economic hardships.