What Happens When You Don't Know Your History

There's a bit of "news" that's been getting a lot of face time in the Hispanic media, mostly in Miami and the Dominican Republic. Merengue singer and newly sworn-in Dominican politician Sergio Vargas has been getting a lot of heat for an image of him in front of a microphone wearing a Che Guevara t-shirt. That's it.

This "incident" is getting way too much attention simply because Cubans either don't know enough about Ernesto Guevara or they bought into Fidel Castro's propaganda.

If you don't know who Ernesto "Che" Guevara is or aren't sure you know enought about him, look him up. I also suggest you read The Motorcycle Diaries or watch the movie of the same name. You also need at least a basic understanding of Communism to comprehend why it was (and in many minds, continues to be) a popular idea.

Among Cuban exiles, Che Guevara and his likeness are seen in a negative light because he was a friend of Fidel Castro and aided in the Cuban Revolution that overthrew Fulgencio Batista's regime, a move that was applauded. For this he is considered a hero by Castro and his followers, his image found on monuments, buildings, even Cuban currency. Castro continues to speak highly of Guevara, despite the fact that they had a falling out of favor due to political differences. Castro's propaganda trumps everything.

Since the controversy first started, Sergio Vargas has publicly stated that he does not support the Castro regime. Cubans may not accept this as a legitimate claim, but they also fail to realize that "el Che" is seen as a revolutionary hero by all types of social and political groups. Cubans shouldn't try to minimalize or criminalize his ideals and achievements.

I would have liked to have written this post in Spanish since it deals with Hispanic issues, but I'm rushing through this and I communicate better in English. Be eazy my peoples.

BruGz..

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