Last Sunday, Raúl Antonio Capote, a former agent of Cuba's State Security, published an article in the Granma newspaper titled “The Drama of the Disconnected.” In his piece, he criticizes a segment of Cuban youth, describing them as "shallow" and believing they are "entitled to everything," expecting the rest of the country and the state to cater to their whims without contributing anything significant in return.
Capote argues that some Cubans dismiss the United States' economic war against Cuba as a fabrication by the country's leadership and react with mockery when the blockade is mentioned. He also targets individuals who, according to him, parrot baseless rhetoric and are driven by ego and comfort. He labels them as the "homo frivolus of consumer society" and insists that "socialism can only be the work of conscious individuals."
The independent media outlet Árbol Invertido swiftly responded. In a social media post, they labeled Capote a "coffee shop philosopher" and criticized his attempt to discredit those who think independently, reject the blockade narrative as the sole cause of Cuba's issues, or aspire for better living conditions. "If you're bothered by blackouts, prices, censorship, repression, or that bread comes every two days like a French luxury... you're a homo frivolus," they sarcastically remarked.
This article emerges amid protests and reports of harassment against university students across the nation following the implementation of new rates by the state-owned ETECSA. At the Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas, students reported threats of expulsion and imprisonment for organizing a campus march. At CUJAE, students described interrogations and the disbanding of messaging groups.
Further allegations have surfaced from the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Bayamo and the University of Oriente, where students accused authorities of stifling their support for the protests. The FEU of UCLV, meanwhile, has called for "maintaining calm."
Activists such as Raymar Aguado have also reported pressure due to their support of the protests. Playwright Esther Suárez Durán blamed the government for using ETECSA as a tool of social control and urged support for the student movement.
Capote frequently features in official narratives. In 2021, he authored an article in Granma claiming that the Ministry of the Interior "earns the admiration and affection of the majority of the people." In 2024, he was seen in Caracas as an "international guest" during the Venezuelan presidential elections, reflecting Cuba's support for Chavismo.
Understanding the Criticism Against Cuban Youth
What is Raúl Antonio Capote's main criticism of Cuban youth?
Capote criticizes a segment of Cuban youth as "shallow" and self-entitled, expecting the state to satisfy their desires without contributing significantly.
How did Árbol Invertido respond to Capote's article?
Árbol Invertido dismissed Capote as a "coffee shop philosopher" and criticized his attempt to discredit independent thinkers who challenge the blockade narrative and seek better living conditions.
What has been the reaction of students to the new ETECSA rates?
Students have protested and reported harassment, including threats of expulsion and interrogations, in response to the new rates imposed by ETECSA.
What role does Capote play in the Cuban government's narrative?
Capote is a frequent contributor to the official narrative, often expressing support for government actions and policies, such as praising the Ministry of the Interior in 2021.