By Lauri
USA — So the other day some friends and I went to the Cuba USA soccer game here in Washington. I was very excited to see the Cuban national team come to play the United States. It’s not like soccer is the national sport, we all know baseball is.
Nevertheless, some other Cuban-Americans and I headed out to RFK stadium, wearing Cuba gear. I wore my shirt that had in a jewel design “Cuba B.C.”
However, even though I saw it as symbol of potential dialogue between the United States and Cuba, many Cuban-Americans did not.
I called my abuelito to tell him the good news, that I’d be seeing the soccer game. His response was exactly what I expected — negative. He told me that I should root for the American team only, and not for “los comunistas“.
I said how about I root for both of them, after all the Cubans playing are not Castro. They are human beings, right? Our blood is Cuban and now we are in America. Shouldn’t we straddle both cultures to the best of our abilities and support potential dialogue, even if it’s just a sports game?
I want a free democratic Cuba just as much as my grandfather does.
Then I realized this was a topic that we could never agree on. Geographically, generation-wise there are many divisions that exist between Cuban-American families.
Learn more about Lauri
Laura (also known as Lauri) is a 23 years old public relations professional in Washington, D.C. Born in Miami to Cuban parents, she is fueled by the passion of giving back to the community.
Laura often times is too idealistic but is striving to make the world a better place. She is interested in politics, travel, and different cultures. A graduate of the University of Virginia, she will be telling the world of her life as a Washingtonian with a “cubanita twist”.
U.S.A.: Generational differences among Cuban-Americans exist when it comes to thinking about Cuba
Comment(3)
ellie
I was born in Cuba and was part of the Peter Pan children’s airlift in the early 60s. I’ve lived in the US most of my life and I’m sad to say that I barely remember my first country.
I just want to tell you that you’re absolutely right in rooting for all Cubans even the ones still living in Cuba. Most of them weren’t even born when Fidel came to power and have known no other way of life. Why should we demean or reject them simply because they weren’t lucky enough to have gotten out when we did. We are not superior to them. We ARE all one people and we ALL want Cubans to be free.
Jose Eusebio DÃaz Hernández
Lauri, I am a Cuban American (born in Cuba, raised in the States) and know exactly what you are talking about. I take it even a step further. I have friends in DC with ties to the FMLN and we share a passion for Silvio Rodriguez. We disagree on the Castro brothers and Che Guevara, but I love my friends nonetheless. What I have learned in this country is that it’s important to agree to disagree. Our parents and grandfathers (unfortunately) have not evolved past the winner-take-all mentality that has led Cuba to its current condition. For example, don’t be fooled for a second into assuming that they wouldn’t go back to Cuba in a vindictive mood to seek revenge for their losses. It’s up to us to change the conversation and seek reconciliation with the Cuban people. I look forward to your future posts.
Yolanda Lopez Miranda
Ellie and Jose Eusebio
I too came to the US in a Peter Pan flight. I am an author and currently working on a book about personal stories of some of the 14000 children like us. I want to establish contact with as many of us as I can find.
Pls contact me.