Question

How does the author mainly show the effect of the visits from exiled Cubans on Cuba?

1) She discusses how isolated Cubans had previously been.
2) She narrates all of the ways in which the Cuban government tried to change.
3) She describes how Fidel Castro embraced American culture.
4) She comments on the positive cultural shift in Cuban society.

Answer 1

The author shows the effect of the visits from exiled Cubans on Cuba mainly by highlighting the previous isolation of the Cuban people and the positive cultural shift upon their return as tourists and family members. The relationship between the US and Cuba is complex, affected by historical events, economic sanctions, and differing political ideologies, but cultural exchanges continue to evolve.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author principally shows the effect of the visits from exiled Cubans on Cuba by discussing how isolated Cubans had previously been. These visits from exiled Cubans, rekindled family connections and introduced different perspectives and cultural influences. With Cuba being a socialist state since the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro and surviving on a predominantly closed economy, the influx of tourists and exiled Cuban citizens post-1991 brought about a unique mix of interactions. The Cuba-US relations have been complex since the embargo, signifying a souring friendship that evolved over time, especially after the fall of the Soviet Union which led to Cuban economic hardships. Castro's turn towards tourism and foreign investment was a means to cope with the economic downturn, though the success of this shift is debatable given that a high percentage of tourism income goes to external corporations and shifts resources away from essential infrastructure.

While visiting exiled Cubans did reintroduce a positive cultural shift in Cuban society to some extent, encapsulating shared experiences, cultural exchanges, and even remittances that may alleviate some economic pressures, the Cuban government's official stance towards American culture and political influence remained apprehensive. The United States' continuing economic embargo, reinforced by the Helms-Burton Act, further complicated these interactions. Despite the challenges, cultural contributions through music such as salsa, reggae, and calypso reflect the diversity and resilience of the Cuban people and the broader Caribbean region.