of struggle. The dissatisfaction of many Cubans has led to

their emigration to the United States by traveling in rafts

to the coast of Florida. The Cuban people have different

views regarding the trip to exile as well as the motivations

to stay or leave Cuba. In Alejandro Hernandez Diaz's book,

The Cuba Mile, and in the movie "Guantanamera", we see some

of the different ways in which Cuban Culture views the

Special Period, the trip to exile, and the motivations

The year 1991 marked the beginning of the Special

Period and hard times have existed in Cuba ever since. Many

Cubans are tired of the hardships and shortages of the

Special Period. To try and make ends meet many Cubans have

adapted to the tough times by making money in the Black

Market. In "Guantanamera", both the cabdriver and Mariano

use the Black Market to make extra money. As they travel

across the island, they buy food to be resold at a higher

price when they arrive in Havana. Many Cubans feel that the

Revolution is no longer working and that it is time for a

change. In "Guantanamera", symbolism of this idea is

clearly demonstrated. In the movie, a

fields"(Diaz). Not only can the Cubans who flee be

persecuted, but their family members can be as well. In

while Cuba was personified by his opposite character,

calling for the need of a natural process, like the rain to

the young survived. The current revolution is old, and is

and influenced many aspects of society. Nothing ever

benefit from living in the United States. However, they

Some common words found in the essay are:
Guantanamera Adolfo, Havana Cubans, Cuban Mile, Special Period, Cuba Cubans, University Florida, Black Market, Period Cuba, YES-YOU-CAN Cuba, Magi Kings, special period, cubans feel, cuba cubans, risk lives, trip exile motivations, trip exile, exile motivations, cuban people, leave cuba, leaving cuba, cuban mile,
Approximate Word count = 899
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)