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The renowned writer Leonardo Padura Fuentes stated that Havana is a city where only a few can afford to go to a restaurant or a nightclub, and he emphasized that marginalization, violence, poverty, and inequality have increased.
In an interview with Infobae, he recalled that in the 1940s and 50s, the Cuban capital had a dazzling character that gradually diminished due to government measures, and he lamented how power outages and shortages have intensified in the present day.
"The nightlife in Havana has become polarized. It is the Havana enjoyed by tourists and the new rich Cubans, who are people who have started businesses through various means and have economic opportunities. Because an average Cuban cannot afford to dine in a restaurant or go to a cabaret and spend 60, 70, 80, or 100 dollars per person. That has become a privilege for a select few," he said.
The renowned intellectual criticized reggaeton, asserting that it is a reflection of society's decline, although he clarified that it is a consequence rather than a cause.
"It is a rhythmic music that is very poor harmonically, with lyrics that can range from an elaboration of reality to completely crude and scatological language. It is macho, racist, and homophobic," he stated.
"It has occupied the sonic space of the Caribbean. However, the major issue is that reggaeton is a consequence, not a cause. We have arrived at reggaeton because these societies have also undergone a process of deterioration, and reggaeton is an expression of that cultural and ethical decline within our societies," he added.
The writer, winner of the Princess of Asturias Award in 2015, explained that this deterioration is due to many factors. "Marginalization has increased, violence has risen. So too have poverty and inequality."
In their opinion, Cuba increasingly resembles other countries, even though the political and economic system remains socialist. A crucial factor in this change has been the people's access to the Internet. The Cuban society has been becoming more fragmented due to the economic crisis: there are flashes of wealth, alongside increasingly evident pockets of poverty.
"All of that needs to find an outlet. But it hasn't been reggaeton that has served this purpose; it has been exile. That's why in the last three years, one million two hundred thousand people have left Cuba, which represents between ten and twelve percent of the country's population," he noted.
In response to a question about the future of Havana, Padura stated that it will depend on potential changes, or the lack thereof, both politically and economically.
"It could be a Havana that continues to deteriorate. Or a Havana where, alongside the decay, these huge hotels being built emerge, which appear like ghosts, extraterrestrials that have landed in the middle of the city," he criticized.
"The ideal for the future, not just for Havana but for the entire world, is that every individual can live with dignity from the fruits of their labor. If this is achieved, cities will be much more welcoming because life will be much more kind to everyone," he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Havana According to Leonardo Padura
What has Leonardo Padura said about the current situation in Havana?
Leonardo Padura stated that Havana has seen an increase in marginalization, violence, poverty, and inequality. He expressed that the city has become polarized, primarily enjoyed by tourists and the newly wealthy, while an ordinary Cuban cannot afford the luxury of dining in restaurants or going to cabarets.
Why does Padura criticize reggaeton in Cuba?
Padura criticizes reggaeton for being an expression of the cultural and ethical decline in society. Although he acknowledges that reggaeton is not the cause but rather a consequence of this decline, he describes it as music that is lacking in rhythm and harmony, with lyrics that can be sexist, racist, and homophobic.
What is Padura's vision for the future of Havana?
Padura believes that the future of Havana will depend on potential political and economic changes. He warns about the possibility of ongoing deterioration or the emergence of luxury hotels that would contrast with the existing urban decay. He envisions an ideal future in which every individual can live with dignity from the fruits of their labor.
How has the economic situation impacted the daily lives of the people in Havana?
The economic situation has led to social polarization in Havana. While some enjoy wealth, the majority face shortages such as blackouts, lack of basic resources, and increasing inequality. All of this has driven many to seek exile as a means of escape.
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