After looking into the chapter on the African diaspora in Cuba, I was struck by the intertwining of Cuban and African cultures, particularly evident in the rich tapestry of religious traditions. The ceremony centered around the deity Elegua, known as Esu Elegbara in the Yoruba faith, exemplifies this fusion, showcasing how African spiritual beliefs endured and evolved within the Cuban context.
However, amidst the celebration of cultural continuity, the chapter also sheds light on the harsh reality of discrimination and prejudice faced by Black individuals. The notion of white supremacy, rooted in pseudo-scientific beliefs dating back to the nineteenth century, perpetuated a dehumanizing narrative that justified the mistreatment of Black people. This historical context prompts reflection on the lingering effects of such ideologies, including the internalized stigma experienced by some Afro-Brazilians regarding their African features.
The concept of "whitening," a term unfamiliar to me prior to this reading, underscores the systemic efforts to dilute African heritage within Cuban society. The influx of six hundred thousand white Europeans aimed at altering the genetic composition towards a perceived ideal of whiteness exemplifies the extent to which race was manipulated and politicized.
Drawing a separation with Brazil, despite the differences in geography and history, reveals striking similarities in the treatment of African culture and identity. While African traditions permeate both societies, the pervasive stigma attached to Blackness underscores a complex relationship with heritage. The imposition of Jim Crow laws in Cuba, echoing the racial segregation policies in America, further marginalized Afro-Cubans, compelling them to practice their cultural expressions clandestinely.
The characterization of Cuba as a mixed-race culture prompts contemplation on the extent to which Afro-Cubans embrace their African roots within this narrative. In the chapter a man named Barnet talks about the insufficient recognition of Black heritage underscores the potential transformative power of embracing and celebrating African ancestry. Looking at Cuba and Brazil that wholeheartedly acknowledge and honor their African roots invites speculation on the profound societal and cultural shifts that could take play.
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