Natural-born Cuban Trumpians.
Dear Trump Loyalists: does the name Fidel Castro ring a bell?
People overflowing with goodwill and faith in humankind, likely believe that Cubans leaving Cuba in search of freedom in Miami are the most ardent defenders of American democracy and, therefore, the most passionate foes of Donald Trump and his MAGA demagoguery.
Sadly, they are dead wrong because common sense rarely prevails in politics and, if you find the above statement coherent, you, too, will be poignantly disappointed.
A history of manipulation.
At first glance, it may seem that Cubans could provide valuable insight into why figures like Trump and the MAGA movement pose significant risks to democracy, but such a belief is based on an overly simplistic view of the revolution led by Castro. Reality is far more complex and defies expectations.
A saga of deceptiveness underlies Castro's rise to power in 1959. For, his revolution reshaped the socio-political landscape of Cuba by igniting hopes for social justice and equality while simultaneously imposing a culture of obedience and ideological submission. This dichotomy is crucial when considering the political leanings of modern-day Cubans and their attitudes towards figures like Trump.
Yet, before delving into this complex topic, it is essential to acknowledge the difficulty of understanding Cuban-American political thinking, even for Cubans themselves. This is particularly true when trying to draw parallels between the revolution and contemporary American politics.
For instance, any superficial comparison of Castro and Trump obscures the fact that back in 1959, Cubans behaved much like Trump supporters do today. The rallies, mottos, and slogans are eerily similar.
This shallow approach would also conceal Castro's opportunistic preference for the uneducated, which allowed him to manipulate and solidify power. Not surprisingly, Trump himself loves the uneducated, too.
Furthermore, Castro suppressed dissenting voices, much like Trump, who attacks his critics relentlessly, and blatantly blamed others for his own mistakes. He would bury his enemies morally and, sometimes, physically. Sure, Trump hasn't gone as far as physically burying his foes, but the strategy remains effective and who knows how far he would go.
This gambit, executed in the name of the people by both Castro and Trump, contradicts conventional wisdom.
The upbringing and education of many Cubans under Castro have not necessarily inoculated them against the allure of authoritarianism. Indoctrination under Castro cultivated a mindset where obedience to authority and adherence to ideology were paramount. Today, Donald Trump demands the same level of submissiveness from his followers and even government institutions and officers.
In Cuba, Castro's work of ideological conditioning laid the groundwork for a populace hooked on leaders who exude confidence and offer misleading solutions to both real and imaginary issues, traits Trump and his MAGA movement share.
Many Cubans, shaped by decades of ideological conformity, find themselves susceptible to Trump's brand of politics, resonating with their proclivity for strongman leadership and ideological certainty.
To comprehend this paradox, one must appreciate the psychological underpinnings of political allegiance and historical traumas, including but not limited to U.S.-Cuba relations and the foul-smelling politics of Miami, which further complicate matters.
In essence, historical legacies, ideological conditioning, and geopolitical realities produce a landscape where self-proclaimed champions of democratic values find themselves entangled in authoritarian populism.
Understanding why segments of the Cuban population applaud Trump and the MAGA movement requires a deeper appreciation of history, ideology, and human psychology—a lesson transcending borders and speaking to the enduring complexities of democratic governance in an increasingly polarized world.
In conclusion, the Cuban revolution offers valuable insights into the perils of authoritarianism. Its legacy serves as a cautionary tale rather than a blueprint for democratic resistance.