In a recent statement, Elián González Brotons, a Cuban lawmaker, claimed that prior to 1959, Cuba did not have any notable artists or athletes. He credited the supposed cultural and sports advancements solely to the socialist revolution. González, who also serves as a propagandist for the Cuban regime, argued that the cultural identity and athletic pride recognized today by the Cuban people were made possible exclusively by the socialist system.
"While we have a talented population, one that inherently produces excellent athletes, musicians, and artists, it was not the same before the revolution's victory," González stated in an interview recorded in Mexico City and published by the pro-government portal Cubainformación. His comments were made during the IX Continental Solidarity Meeting with Cuba, held from October 9 to 12, where he appeared alongside Aleida Guevara.
González's Perspective on Talent and Resources
According to González, who also works in the hospitality and tourism sector in Matanzas, the people of Puerto Rico, Colombia, or Bolivia share similar innate talent with Cubans. "But what is missing are the resources to harness it, to bring it out, to motivate it. That's what the revolution has done with Cuban DNA—enhance it, support it, provide resources, not large ones, but enough to reach everyone in every corner. This has earned respect, recognition, and moral standing, allowing a small country to achieve significant outcomes," he argued.
Controversial Statements Spark Social Media Debate
The remarks by González, who also defended the continuation of Cuba's political model and blamed the U.S. embargo for the current crisis, have sparked controversy online. Many users have pointed out that before Fidel Castro took power in 1959, the Cuban Republic was home to a multitude of world-renowned cultural and sports figures such as Celia Cruz, Rita Montaner, Rosa Fornés, Alicia Alonso, Benny Moré, Eligio Sardiñas (Kid Chocolate), Ignacio Villa (Bola de Nieve), and José Raúl Capablanca, among many others.
Additionally, the former "balsero" child, globally recognized for the legal battle during his childhood in 2000, reiterated that Cuban youth remain committed to the revolutionary project. He emphasized that those who have emigrated did so primarily for economic reasons, not political ones, and suggested that many would return if the crisis were resolved.
The Regime's Simplified View of Cuban History
González's declarations echo the Cuban regime's long-held stance on the republican era (1902-1958), often portrayed as an era of puppet governments, corruption, and failure. This oversimplification prevents a more nuanced analysis. Encouraged by an orthodox official discourse prone to censorship, a significant portion of the Cuban population, particularly the younger generations, remains largely ignorant of early 20th-century Cuban history, especially the period after the 1940 Constitution, despite its significant social transformations, increased democratic depth, and a more engaged civil society.
In a related development, the National Center for Popular Music canceled, at the last minute, a tribute planned by the Teatro El Público group, led by Carlos Díaz, in collaboration with the Cuban Art Factory (FAC) to commemorate the centenary of Celia Cruz's birth (1925-2003).
Cuban Cultural and Athletic History Before 1959
Was pre-1959 Cuba devoid of cultural icons?
No, pre-1959 Cuba was home to numerous cultural icons such as Celia Cruz and Alicia Alonso, who are still celebrated globally.
What was Elián González's argument regarding sports and culture in Cuba?
Elián González argued that the advancements in Cuban sports and culture came solely as a result of the socialist revolution.
How did social media react to González's remarks?
González's remarks were met with controversy, as many users pointed out the rich cultural and sports history of Cuba before 1959.