The statements made by the Cuban government during a recent broadcast of the Mesa Redonda dedicated to "discussing the distribution" have sparked immediate reactions on social media, including a strong critique from the renowned music researcher Rosa Marquetti.
The Cuban posted an extensive analysis on her Facebook profile regarding what she considers an opportunistic cultural operation by the regime.
The cast is the soundtrack of the debacle, the national chaos, the crisis of values,” stated Marquetti, in a critique that goes beyond musical expression and directly targets the authorities for attempting to legitimize this phenomenon through official media.
Marquetti made it clear that he does not hold the musicians of the cast responsible, but rather the social conditions and the actions of the government itself
"Music and the arts have always reflected their times. We cannot ask someone who has known nothing other than material and spiritual misery not to reproduce the environment in which they have lived."
According to Marquetti, the Cuban regime has not only allowed the expansion of the distribution system but now uses it as a cultural and economic strategy, after plunging the country into a deep crisis:
"First, they marginalize an entire country, leading it to material and spiritual misery, and then they want to turn that misery into an exploitable economic asset."
The criticism also points out an attempt to whitewash and commercialize the cast by selecting artists who fit a more controlled image
"The first thing then: to whitewash the distribution, so much mulatto and black individuals questioned with legal issues 'you didn’t see'. It’s better to promote and support a compliant, good-looking, and politically correct white guy."
Marquetti did not hold back in expressing what he considers a serious ideological contradiction: “There is a government that proclaimed the struggle for social justice and the elevation of popular culture as its unwavering principles. In its usual incoherence, it has now chosen a musical style and has defended it fiercely.”
The publication has circulated widely among musicians, music lovers, and social media users, many of whom share concerns about the political use of the musical phenomenon as part of an official narrative that is disconnected from the true roots of Cuban culture.
“They themselves, from the limited cultural depth and thought they demonstrate, are ideological reapers,” stated the author, clearly expressing her stance on what she sees as an exploitation of marginality as cultural capital.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Distribution System and its Impact in Cuba
Why is the cast considered "the soundtrack of the debacle" in Cuba?
The cast is seen as the "soundtrack of the debacle" because it reflects the social and values crisis in Cuba. According to researcher Rosa Marquetti, the musical genre is a reflection of the material and spiritual misery in which the population has lived. The Cuban government, in its attempt to legitimize it, seeks to turn this marginal expression into an exploitable economic asset, which has generated criticism from artists and experts.
How has the Cuban government's perception of the "reparto" genre changed?
The Cuban government has shifted from demonizing the distribution to attempting to integrate it into its cultural strategy. Previously regarded as vulgar and harmful, the regime is now trying to use it as a political tool to connect with the population, especially the youth. This change in stance reflects an ideological contradiction, as the government had previously criticized the vulgarity and values promoted by this genre.
What is the social impact of the musical genre "reparto" in Cuba?
The distribution has a strong social impact in Cuba, reflecting both popular culture and political and social tensions. It is a phenomenon that has gained popularity among all social classes and is seen as an expression of social resistance. However, it also faces criticism for promoting vulgar language and attitudes of superiority and violence, leading to a debate about its role in Cuban culture.
What criticisms has the Cuban government received for its handling of the distribution phenomenon?
The Cuban government has been criticized for attempting to whitewash and commercialize the distribution while ignoring its marginal roots. The criticisms focus on the hypocrisy of the regime in trying to exploit a phenomenon that reflects the social, economic, and educational misery of the country. Furthermore, the government has been accused of selecting artists who project a more controlled and politically correct image, distancing itself from the true roots of the genre.
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