Cuban poet and content creator José Martínez, who now calls Miami home, shared a powerful video on Facebook this past Saturday. Entitled "Nadie huye para el comunismo" or "No One Flees to Communism," the poem explores key historical events of the 20th century, making a compelling argument that people consistently escape from communist regimes rather than seeking them out.
The video, lasting a minute and 28 seconds, quickly garnered nearly 20,000 views and over 1,200 likes, reflecting its resonance with the critical voices of Cuban communities on social media.
Martínez opens with what he considers an obvious truth: "When have you seen people / fleeing to communism? / Even the simplest empiricism / reveals what's apparent, / both past and present, / like talking about cold water." From here, the poet, who is also a psychologist and entrepreneur, constructs his argument using three historical references.
Historical Examples of Escape
The first example Martínez presents is the Berlin Wall: "In Germany, people perished / crossing the wall / in search of a better future, / as Nino Bravo sang / when he performed 'Libre,'" referencing the famous song by the Spanish singer, often associated with those who lost their lives trying to escape to the West.
The second example is Vietnam, where he notes, "communism forbidding, / the Vietnamese fleeing, / families torn apart / and an elite clinging on." The third example is the Korean Peninsula: the North is mired in poverty, while the South showcases "a fair of creation and development."
Criticism of Communism's Defenders
Following these historical illustrations, Martínez turns his critique towards those who advocate for communism from the comfort of the free world: "It's a shame / to hear people around the world / defending the foul / system from their sofas. / Buddy, go there / and enjoy the scarcity." His challenge is pointed: when choosing vacation spots in December, "they'll never pick North Korea / but opt for France," preferring "a stay / in Lisbon, Venice, or Rome."
Martínez's conclusion is emphatic. He labels communism and its defense as "a carcinoma embedded in the psyche" and asserts that supporting it without experiencing its consequences is "selfishness and evil, / for in their declaration / they know the populace / dies without freedom."
Context of Crisis
This poem emerges as Cuba faces its most severe crisis in decades. Demographers estimate that between 2021 and 2025, over 1.5 million Cubans have emigrated, leaving the island with an effective population between 8.6 and 8.8 million. This demographic hemorrhage is compounded by an unprecedented energy crisis: in May, Cuba reported an electric deficit of 2,204 MW, with blackouts lasting up to 22 hours daily in Havana and 40 to 50 hours in other provinces.
This work continues a series of viral poems by Martínez on social media. On April 26, he released a tribute to Cuban fighter "Spiderman," arrested for protesting from his balcony. On May 8, he launched a satire about Prime Minister Manuel Marrero's call for tourists to visit Cuba. And on May 16, he published a poem regarding the CIA director's visit to Havana, which also amassed thousands of views.
Among the comments on the video, many followers agreed that the poem accurately captures the lived experience of millions of Cubans: no one leaves their country, family, and history to live under communism; they flee from it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Emigration and Communism
Why do people flee from communist regimes?
People often flee from communist regimes due to lack of freedom, economic hardship, and political repression. These regimes are typically characterized by limited personal liberties and poor living conditions, prompting many to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
What historical events does Martínez's poem reference?
Martínez's poem references the Berlin Wall, the Vietnam conflict, and the division of the Korean Peninsula. Each example highlights the tendency of people to flee from communist regions in search of freedom and prosperity elsewhere.
How does Martínez critique supporters of communism in his poem?
Martínez criticizes those who support communism from the comfort of the free world, challenging them to experience the scarcity and repression firsthand. He suggests that their support is misguided and ignores the harsh realities faced by those living under such regimes.