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TREATMENT OF RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND MINORITIES - Coggle Diagram
TREATMENT OF RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND MINORITIES
Black Cubans
When black political movements adopted Marxism they had hopes for equality
This was their aim to end white dominance over them
Black Cubans were the descendants of the slaves brought from Africa to work on sugar plantations
Whilst slavery had been long abolished since
1886
they status didn’t rise to the level of white masters
Castro taking power in
1959
, and the exodus saw the flight of a large amount of white Cubans, however a great majority of blacks supported fidel
They believed that their status and condition would grow under him but they were left disappointed
The leader of the black communists
carlos moore
saw that the blacks weren’t apart of Castros revolutionary aims
He said that the blacks had more progress under Batista that under Castro
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The Afro-Cubans had faced discrimination before the revolution.
Castro believed that racism was in direct conflict with his commitment to social justice and equality.
Castro passed policies to desegregate beaches, parks, work sites and social clubs.
The economic and social reforms had a positive impact on the majority of Afro-Cubans (they had access to housing, education and health services).
Castro declared that the revolution had eliminated racism. However, many argue that racism continued to exist (educational policy and official culture remained strongly Euro-centric).
Afro-Cubans had limited representation in the higher levels of the Communist Party and it could be argued that racism had not been eliminated.
Any attempts by intellectuals to raise the issue of racism were dealt with harshly and issues were pushed underground.
Religious Groups
Relationship between the religious groups and the revolutionary a complex one
Catholic church welcomes the revolution in 1959 in order to achieve social justice, others looked at it with suspicion
Castro thought Cuban congregations represented foreign interests as many members were Americans or Spaniards
When Bishops attacked revolution policies, Castro accused them of abandoning pastoral duties and getting involved in politics
Castro openly declared himself to be a Marxist-Leninist and nationalized schools thus removing all religious influence.
nationalization followed bay of pigs incident
religious education only allowed in churches
Bishops were not allowed to get involved in political or social commentary.
This increased Tensions between the state and many religious leaders
Constitution of 1976 "it is illegal and punishable by law to oppose one's faith or religious beliefs to the revolution"
no room for putting religious beliefs above the revolution
Hardships experienced during the special period strengthened the attendance of churches
Special period - economic crisis due to dissolution of the USSR, started in 1991
1998- Pope John Paul II visited Cuba
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pastors tried to attract people back through participating in campaigns of the revolution as volunteers
suspicion furthered with Cuba's move to the left
Cuba is considered a catholic country
Minorities of Protestants
Afro Cubans religions had great influence
afro Cuban religions were religious beliefs of former West African slaves
incorporated aspects of Catholicism
forced to adopt Catholicism during Spanish rule of Cuba
Social Minorities
Castro regime was intolerant of homosexuality
Homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witness and corrupt officials were known as
social deviants
Such groups were put into special army unis as a form of
rehabilitation
believing that the labour would ‘cure’ them
Young Cuban males were put through a period of complusort military training
UMAP
trained conscript soldiers but also directing them to civilian work
This organization developed a terrifying reputation for its methods of operation
These rumors became so widespread that Castro felt the need to disbanded them and put senior members on trial