<br /><div class="MsoNormal">Although the film <i>Soy Cuba</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> presents a detailed showing of the events of the Cuban Revolution, it does not delve quite deeply enough into the economic and social factors, among others, that were the initial cause of the revolution. Cuba, like many other Latin American countries, were experiencing an uprising from many of the lower classes. However, unlike any other country in Latin America, Cuba experienced the only socialist revolution, as explained in Susan Eckstein’s “The Impact of the Cuban Revolution: A Comparative Perspective.” The sluggish economy is also one of the important causes that sparked the revolution, as it created a deep rift between social classes. </span><i>Soy Cuba</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> portrays the struggles of a lower class citizen, as in the nightclub dancer, however it does not do a satisfactory job in showing how many different people all came together to fight for a new form of government. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> In John Chasteen’s book, <i>Born in Blood & Fire</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, he shows the impact that a nationalist mindset had as a precursor to the revolution. An almost hatred for the United States and the ways of life of its citizens helped to fuel this governmental change in many Latin American countries. The view of this large, overbearing, and power-hungry nation became a wish for a complete turnaround in the governance of these countries. Many went to the extremes, but none like Cuba with its support of Fidel Castro. It is also surprising that the film did not show what an influence that Castro himself had in the revolution. He obviously held a significant amount of power and control over the revolutionaries, but we do not see him, only his protestors in </span><i>Soy Cuba</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Although the film ends before any real effects from the revolution can be seen, it is very important to note how initially successful it seemed to have been. A surging growth in economy and more benefits for the lower classes were seen as great successes. Chasteen also points out that not all was well after a revolution, not only in Cuba but consistently throughout Latin America, not everyone was happy with the results. The middle class families took some economic hits as the lower classes moved up the social ladder. He also emphasizes the importance of a new Marxist mindset that was sweeping Cuba during the time of the revolution. This became a perfect entryway for Fidel Castro to capture the attention of the restless groups looking for a change. As one can see, there are many social, political, cultural, and economic factors that one has to consider when discussing the revolutionary time in Cuba, including before, during and after. <i>Soy Cuba</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, although depicting as many aspects of the revolution as possible for a film made to entertain, does not afford a clear picture of the true precursors of the Cuban Revolution. One must realize that there are so many factors that must happen at exactly the right time for a governmental change so dramatic as that of Cuba. </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1328590662320988729-7717078847308061084?l=kmclean5-history475.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
