Cuban actor Luis Alberto García has firmly responded to a social media critic who accused him of "doing nothing for Cuba" and not being a man of science or technology. This came after García posted a critical comment regarding political marches organized by the regime amidst the country's ongoing crisis. "Gaza and Caracas shouldn't come before Matanzas and Cárdenas. Right?" he wrote on Facebook, questioning the logic of supporting foreign governments while Cuba faces power outages, disease outbreaks, and shortages of food and medicine.
His statement drew numerous reactions, one of which came from a user who dismissed his opinions due to his profession as an artist rather than a scientist. "Artists have a developed right hemisphere, but not the left, the one for logic and intelligence. Their opinions don't carry weight," the woman argued, claiming García "has done nothing for the country."
In response, the star of films like Clandestinos penned an extensive post titled "God save the 'Queen'", defending his career and highlighting the importance of artists in society. He recalled his time at the Vladimir Ilich Lenin Vocational School, from which he withdrew because it didn't allow him to pursue his passion for art. "I was asked multiple times if I truly preferred to dedicate my life to being a CLOWN instead of a SCIENTIST. These are prejudices sadly rooted in much of our population," the actor remarked.
After leaving Lenin, García completed his pre-university studies in El Cerro and then attended the Higher Institute of Art (ISA), where he graduated "with honors." "Long before I graduated and until today, it has been an honor to contribute my share of talent to the audiovisual and performing arts of the country where I was born," he affirmed.
In a tone blending irony and defiance, García mocked the notion that artists lack logical intelligence: "I'm already scheduling an appointment with a neurologist. And then, a psychiatrist. Is this artistic flaw congenital, or do people like you decide who is exempt from it?"
He concluded his message with a resonant statement among his followers: "From my left hemisphere, I send your opinion to the aforementioned depths. You are not the queen of thought. I will continue to express what I believe because this archipelago is mine."
García, recognized as one of the most respected actors in Cuban cinema and theater, has emerged as a critical voice against the regime in recent years. Through social media, he has questioned censorship, the deterioration of public services, and the political exploitation of culture. His recent posts, lamenting the authorities' lack of empathy amid the health and energy crisis, have garnered widespread support, though they have also attracted criticism from government supporters.
"It would be more patriotic to dedicate the tribune or the march to the sick and deceased from the viruses in Matanzas," he wrote in another post. "The country is falling apart, and they continue to hold parades."
This comment was seen as a direct criticism of the recent "anti-imperialist tribunes" organized by the Communist Party of Cuba, which mobilizes thousands of workers to show support for allied governments like Palestine and Venezuela, even as much of the country suffers from blackouts and water shortages.
Despite his sharp tone, García consistently defends the right to free speech and maintains an openly Cuban stance. "I didn't leave, I'm still here," he has said in several interviews, emphasizing that his presence on the island does not equate to silence or complicity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luis Alberto García's Statements
What prompted Luis Alberto García's response?
Luis Alberto García responded to a social media user who criticized him for not contributing to Cuba and for being an artist instead of a scientist. This followed his critical comments on the regime's political marches during a national crisis.
What was the main point of García's rebuttal?
García defended the role of artists in society, highlighted his educational background, and mocked the notion that artists lack logical intelligence. He asserted his right to express his opinions about the country's situation.
How has García been critical of the Cuban regime?
Luis Alberto García has criticized censorship, the decline of public services, and the political use of culture in Cuba. He uses social media to voice his concerns about the regime's handling of the country's crises.