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The sale of rearview mirror protectors featuring the Cuban flag in Artex stores has sparked a wave of outrage and criticism among Cubans both on and off the island.
The controversy arose from a social media post by designer Beatriz Alonso, who reported the incident with some reflections.
"Since I graduated, I've been asked to create many designs related to the so-called 'image of Cuba.' I have refused, for example, to place the flag on an apron, a garment that gets dirty, that is filled with grease, that needs to be washed... So what is this?" he commented, attaching images of the product for sale.
The item, identified as a "rearview mirror protector," is being sold in Artex stores located in tourist areas, as confirmed by the complainant herself. The object is clearly aimed at the foreign market as a souvenir, but it has been perceived as a disrespect towards Cuban national symbols.
Reactions on social media were immediate. Numerous users expressed their outrage at what they consider a degrading use of the national flag.
Some labeled the product as "terrible and against the law enacted for the protection of symbols," while others pointed out: "Our flag is meant to be filled with glory, not with rubbish."
The outrage grew even more upon remembering that in Cuba there are people imprisoned for using the flag in ways not authorized by the regime, such as draping it over their shoulders at public demonstrations or wrapping themselves in it to perform artistic acts.
“That's how bad it is: Cubans can't even have it, and the State sells it to use as rags,” criticized an internet user. Another one recalled: "After the feast at the Capitol, anything can be expected."
Several users demanded explanations from the authorities of the Ministry of Culture and its company Artex. They insisted that the product be pulled from sale.
Other Cubans questioned the lack of oversight from the institutions responsible for ensuring respect for national symbols, recalling that there is a law that prohibits their improper use.
"As an implement, it is awful, but the inclusion of our main national symbol in its design is degrading, disrespectful, devoid of all ethics and national sentiment," noted another prominent opinion.
The controversy not only called into question the management of Artex, but also exposed the contradiction between the restrictions imposed on citizens and the state commercialization of products that trivialize national symbols. So far, the authorities have not issued any official comments on the matter.
Frequently asked questions about the Artex controversy and Cuban national symbols
Why did the sale of mirror covers featuring the Cuban flag cause controversy?
The controversy arose because many Cubans believed that using the flag in an item like a mirror cover denigrated the national symbol, perceiving it as a disrespect and a trivialization of its meaning. Furthermore, the fact that the State commercializes it while citizens are prohibited from using the flag in certain ways was seen as a contradiction.
What actions have Cubans taken in response to the sale of these products?
Numerous users on social media have expressed their outrage and have demanded explanations from the Ministry of Culture and the company Artex, requesting that the product be removed from sale. They have criticized the lack of oversight from the institutions responsible for protecting national symbols.
What contradiction is exposed in the controversy over mirror protectors?
The controversy highlights the contradiction between the restrictions placed on Cuban citizens regarding the use of the flag and the state-sponsored commercialization of products that trivialize these symbols. In Cuba, some people have been imprisoned for using the flag in unauthorized ways, which stands in stark contrast to the sale of these products.
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