Critically evaluate the following description of the Castro regime in Cuba:

"An afro-phobic regime with an afro-centric foreign policy"

The "blackening" of Cuba had its roots in the 1700's during the Sugar Revolution(~1762-1800). The labor of African slaves was a substantial asset to sugar production, and therefore large amounts of native Africans were relocated to Cuba. As time progressed the number of black Cubans fluctuated, peaking in the mid 19th century when they constituted the majority of the population. This "enigricimiento" or "blackening" of Cuba developed into a fear of black power that fueled racist divisions in pre-revolutionary Cuba.

But was Castro himself Afro-phobic? Though no one can know the thoughts of the man himself, it does not seem altogether likely. His positive actions, such as the passing of the March, 1959 civil rights legislation, appear to be anything but racist. Although this can be alternatively argued after the Castro regime's failure to redistribute power and later lack of dialogue on the subject. More likely though, is the possibility of Castro's lack of awareness of the depth of racial divisions in Cuba. To him, the revolu

The next question that arises is, how could Castro have appeared to be in support of Afro-Cubans and gained their favor against the existing Batista regime, while Batista was of African descent himself? In fact, not only was Batista of Afro-Chinese heritage, but he was personally involved in popular black culture of the time and was previously supported by the black population. Still, the educational platform, as well as wage, price, and rent controls, instated by the Castro regime won the preference of those who received the benefits: the poor; mostly black Cubans.

Yet, when it came to foreign policy, the Castro regime afforded African nations the utmost respect and extended their warmest friendship. Their contribution to African aide stretched from medicine, education, and other civil services, to the shedding of Cuban blood on foreign soil. These measures by Cuba made Africa the focal point of its foreign (afro-centric) policy.

Castro was brought up in a "white world" where the people surrounding him were overwhelmingly not Afro-Cuban. His parents, teachers, and friends were white and subsequently, race was not originally an issue for him. Perhaps this is why he does not address race in his speech La Historia me Absolvera, and continues to give the impression of racial homogeneity. His Marxist beliefs also benefited this perception, holding the idea that racism was a result of class distinction, and if class distinction were eliminated, as planned in Castro's nationalist revolution, racism would effectively disappear. Thus, with this background it may have been easy for Castro to misinterpret the question of race, and miscalculate its consequences. From this possibility developed the concept that the civil rights laws were passed by a government clueless about race, allowing racism to survive implicitly and the government to convince itself that it had effectively eradicated the problem.

Presently, questions arise about the possible return of Cuban exiles, re-introduction of capitalism, and rebirth of racism in Cuba. Though examination of the past does not provide a clear answer for the future, as one person has said, "the future is 'dark'."

Domestically, Cuba's

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Approximate Word count = 1486
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)