Let Us Hold Hands, and Point Fingers.
April 25, 2011
A few months ago, I wrote about my time in Cuba for the Wall Street Journal. Well aware of the complicated history surrounding our relationship to that country, I tried to keep it lighthearted and apolitical. The simple act of traveling to Cuba as an American, though, is a political gesture, and nothing is observed in a vacuum. Even so, I was not prepared for the vitriolic comments that followed from readers who clearly used my writing as a platform for their own intractable, preexisting anger. It was frustrating to be misunderstood, but I chose to ignore the comments because, let’s be honest, the internet is a powerful tool sprinkled with asinine vomit. One thing worse than a pile of vomit, is an even larger pile of vomit.
Many of the responses struck me as unrelated to what I had described in my traveler’s journal. One reader raised the issue of human rights abuses under the Castro regime. He wrote, “Her article is littered with evidence about what is REALLY wrong with Cuba i.e. that it is a murderous, dictatorial, communist regime that robs people of human dignity and individual liberty.” I’d like to think my article wasn’t littered with anything of the sort, but you can be the judge- (Here). I wasn’t really writing about Cuba in general, more about Cuba as I saw it in two weeks. When I travel, I understand I am a guest in another country, and it takes time to experience the full range of nuance and complexity. I don’t travel to foreign countries to make sweeping indictments of them, particularly in print.
There certainly is evidence of injustice under the Castro regime, starting with the death of jailed hunger striker Zapata Tamayo. I didn’t feel it was within the scope of my experience or knowledge to include any of that in something for a Weekend Section. I have nothing to offer on the subject beyond what one could find elsewhere on the internet.
I bring this up now only because today’s New York Times covers the Wikileaks documentation on Guantanamo Bay, and includes an official response from the U.S. Government. What baffles me, is how we as Americans can condemn other governments for the flaws in their legal system, when our own seems to be showing signs of decay.
Statue of Jose Marti, Malecon, Havana.
I love your article, even if I’m not american, but it’s kind of asking for a bigger pile of vomit. I mean it’s gonna attract a lot of… people that aren’t thinking the same way and that are also hardcore on their point of view…
“Little roses of corn”
How poetic is that?
I loved how your article highlighted the basic goodness of everyday folk.
How, despite less than ideal circumstances, good people were able to help you.
It was heartwarming and informative and gave a perfect snapshot of life in Cuba – or maybe even better – the life in the people in Cuba
We all think it and you say it! I couldn’t agree more. It seems our government is so consumed with tending to everybody else’s affairs they loose sight of getting our country’s in order. So much hypocrisy.
Because pointing out someone else’s ugliness makes one seem less ugly in comparison. USA! USA! US…a…?
You succeeded in your goal of writing an apolitical and lighthearted travel story. Unfortunately, while you stopped to share your story, others saw an opportunity to use your suitcase as their soapbox.
Why can’t we condemn other governments while at the same time working to correct the problems with our own?
It is also a bit unfair to use Guantanamo as an example of the US justice system. It would be better to compare how prisoners are treated within the justice systems of their respective countries. Part of the problem with Guantanamo is where it and its prisoners fall within our justice system is not clear. However, that still doesn’t excuse us from working to make things right.
Hate to sound juvenile but “You Go girl” – That was a very tactful way of defending your article and telling all the haters to…… have a nice day.
perfectly said, mike!
We’re The Best Country On The Face Of the Earth (TM) no matter what the facts!!!
But to your larger point there are those who simply see the act of visiting another country, ANY country, as an unpatriotic act. People’s sense of self and purpose can be very fragile. And giving validation (even implicit) to any other way of life makes people crazy. So those who define themselves by telling themselves they live in the Greatest Country On Earth are very threatened by those who like to explore other countries.
I remember when I went to Africa I heard from people saying things like “Isn’t there someplace in the US you can visit?? Is there something wrong with this country??”
It’s nice to know that you’re different than others. And think different.
Hope you do it always on your own way.
I think you’ve hit on something important here. As you say, perhaps your perspective on Cuba could be found anywhere on the internet, but, as you yourself insightfully point out, nothing occurs in a vacuum, so whatever you were going to say on Cuba was going to be an American (and, to some, by default, nearly socialist because of your affiliation with Hollywood) speaking on Cuba. That, regardless of what is spoken or omitted, is enough to frame any debate on the subject for many, esp. WSJ readers.
Even a pile of vomit can be considered artistic or brilliant if cropped and framed in a clever way. I overheard a neighbor saying today, “I question why a group of people like the Tea Party would choose to name themselves after some of the most famous terrorists in American history.” I particularly like the frame on that pile of vomit.
Some people just can’t accept that others may choose to experience things with a different perspective or purpose, if I might say. Even if you published a great research about the “bad things happening in Cuba”, there would be others who would then point to the beauties that “you just chose to miss” and accuse you of being overly political. This is “the Internet”. It sucks because people can be evil when anonymous, but at the same time it’s great because I get to comment under a post Julia Stiles has just written =)
It will be far worse to see your blog closed and have no comments whatsoever, than close the eyes in front of all these comments but still have the possibility to read your opinion.
I am reading your blog because, in my opinion, your life experience is rich (and richer than the one of most of your readers), which allows you to make interesting conclusions or remarks. I personally don’t even read all the comments left by unknown people here.
It is a (great) personal effort of yours to keep publishing opinions and ideas on this blog. I appreciate it. Thank you, Julia !
I loved your article.
i’m a 10-year army veteran (80′s), and i have to say, i couldn’t agree more with your closing point. this is no longer the same country it was when i went in more than 30 years ago, and as much as it hurts to say it, a lot of what is wrong with this country now is EXACTLY what i was told was wrong with the USSR; no personal liberty, everyone being watched all the time, dissent was seen as a sign that you were either unpatriotic or crazy, lack of political freedom (one party there then…oh, wow! two here!? both are really just two sides of the same coin, though, and feed on the energy of the divisive polarization they manufacture to maintain relevancy), etc. etc. etc. and the worse thing is, we’re all so schizophrenic about it — we’re all aware of and even complain of the faults, yet we tolerate our own government doing to us what we complain about others doing to their people. i suppose when it’s ‘legal’ and institutionalized, it somehow makes it…okay? anyway…..
so much for ranting. i’m glad you had a nice visit, anyway!
Without reading the article again, weren’t you there with Habitat? I thought that was a good thing, silly me. I am one of those “radical” born agains but when we were passing out Bibles behind the Iron Curtain no one made it “political”. Wait…..yep it just dawned on me, you ARE evil!! Just pass out a Bible next time and well call it even.
Thought you born agains (wasn’t the world supposed to end for ya?) were not all crazies. Thanks for all the bibles in the eastern bloc. We did not have enough firewood anyways.
Uh, yeah it has apparently been changed to 21 Oct so there is still…….. hope?
Hey no need for thanks on the firewood, I have been in the Military for 21 years I would burn a bible in a heartbeat to stay warm!!
There will always be people who are passionate about some topic, who will reframe your words to fit their argument. I’ll bet a lot of the Time’s readership is doing just that for the Wikileaks article you cited. And then, there is the rest of us. I’m sorry to tell you this, but I think you already know: we don’t speak up. I think the Castro government is evil and needs to transition itself out. I didn’t come to that conclusion reading your eloquent and very personal travelogue, or find any more support for it. I suspect- hope- you find that’s the majority feeling.
On Guantanamo Bay… I guess I’ll take the opposing argument. Should we use it as a reason to stop pointing out the flaws in other governments? The governments we typically point the finger at wouldn’t listen even if the prison didn’t exist. We weren’t perfect before Guantanamo Bay and we’ll make more mistakes after it closes. It isn’t just issues of government and dissent and due process we try to champion.
That said, we should close it. We should admit where we failed. We should understand so that we do it right (or at least better) next time. This is why it’s important for people (right here in the U.S.) to keep talking about it.
As noted when your essay first appeared, you’ve shown a great deal of personal integrity by owning up to your own “lack of perfection” in terms of the logistics of your trip, J. That certain folks decided they could twist such an admission into an indictment of you is both the price we pay for unfettered freedom of expression and, to borrow from BJ’s cogent thoughts, the constraints imposed upon those freedoms even as they are being exercised. We live in an age when nothing is too small or insignificant to be nitpicked, quibbled with, folded-spindled-mutilated. Much of this seems to be a kind of preemptive strike against the type of awareness you personify–that just because as a nation we are mighty, wealthy, etc. that we are somehow automatically absolved from our faults and that we are entitled to ignore them.
Oh, yeah–don’t give up on da Mets…Dillon Gee to the rescue!
Julia, You certainly are a powerful writer. Just finishing your article again. I must say I couldnt see as to where you were judging the cuban culture nor thier goverment.
What I personaly interpreted from your writings was that of an intimate exsposure to a particular society. ( feel i should incert some form of media here or charts n graphs)
Though you may have over done your tourism a bit and got yourself in a spot of reallity.
To recall my comment I believe I said,”I would love to converce with you on cuba, But I dont feel this is the appropriate time” Nor do I believe my comment was even published in your comments.
So back to your statment girl. “What baffles me, is how we as Americans can condemn other governments for the flaws in their legal system, when our own seems to be showing signs of decay.” Your decay started around about 1764 with a man called Amsel Rothchild. the US fedral Goverment ( with the help of Ben Franklin) Had sold the american pepole out befor it had even been formed.
http://www.menwithfoilhats.com/2010/03/the-history-of-the-rothschild-banking-empire/
http://www.myrevolutionarywar.com/
http://www.reformation.org/bank-of-england.html
The united States has been in debt to Chase bank every since the American Revolution and the american politician has been owned ever since.
Thanks Julia and have a good week.
… unfortunately in this country like you pointed out, we are always ready to condem others for their flaws, but we dont want anybody to point out ours, I have to say that I find it very refreshing that you seem to be a realistic and down to earth young woman I hope that you never change that. love your movies especially the bourne ones.
Julia, I know your comments come from a good place and you mean well.
You certainly don’t deserve to have nasty comments directed at you.
That you handle them so well shows you’re a strong and intelligent person.
Let me respectfully disagree with you vehemently and leave you with an unfortunate
fact of life regarding America’s role in the world as to foreign policy; especially
with dealing with the culture of the middle east.
It is far better for the US to be feared than to be loved.
If we can do that with Gitmo, so be it, I’m not interested in having other nations
love our justice system, or anything else about the US.
At the moment, the US is in the worse position, which is that we are hated but
not feared.
Julia siempre nuestras palabras pueden ser mal interpretadas o en algunos casos manejadas segun conveniencia
Creo que la mayoria entendio lo que querias expresar
Sigue siendo autentica, y escribiendo lo que piensas o sientes,somos muchos los que lo agradecemos
I love how you described how you travel.
When I travel, I understand I am a guest in another country, and it takes time to experience the full range of nuance and complexity. I don’t travel to foreign countries to make sweeping indictments of them, particularly in print.
If more “westerners” (read Americans) saw fit to travel this way, it would make them so better liked / respected / maybe understood by the rest of the world.
Just stumbled on your blog and enjoy your writing style.
I hadn’t read your piece on the WSJ before, so I thank you for posting a link to it. It was an interesting read. On the internet, under the cover of anonymity, people are mostly idiots. I certainly wouldn’t sweat much about the comments the article received.
I liked your WSJ article, which I only just now read. The purpose was clear, and the narrative-description interesting. Patrick Symmes wrote about his 30 day stay in Cuba for Harpers last year. Thought you might like to take a look:
http://harpers.org/archive/2010/10/0083149
It’s behind their paywall, but you could look it up in a library database. The beauty of articles like these is the street-level, personal view.
Julia, it was a very human and endearing piece. Although at times it’s hard not to dwell on the negative things that have been said, you shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that your article had a positive effect on many – including numerous commenters on that site.
It would be a shame if the sour words of a few knuckleheads deterred you from writing more in the future.
So herein lies the problem with the First Amendment -God did not see fit to distribute the gift of intelligence evenly. Which means we get to enjoy your very interesting perspective on a whole range of matters and at the same time you open yourself up to the vagaries of every perspective, real, imagined or otherwise.
Guantanamo may not go down as America’s finest hour but as a nation with so many extraordinary hours you get cut a little slack from time to time. That’s not an excuse for the shortcomings, more a reason why sometimes we have to accept that in an imperfect world we get imperfect responses.
As for your perspective, never let the dimwits deter you.
Andrew
I read your article. I did some work for the cuban tourism board a few years ago without ever being there. Now I want to go more than ever. What a humbling experience! Oh and to the haters: It is so easy to judge when you have Shelter food and power. Isn’t it?
“The internet is a powerful tool sprinkled with asinine vomit.” Oh my god I love that! That is going on the wall in my workshop. Thanks for your blog. Don’t let the bastards get you down.
“Fortes fortuna adiuvat”
Julia, I like to read your articles and think that you´r a very bright writer.
I had the same comments when I traveled to South Africa.
It´s interesting to compare USA whit my country – Sweden. We often think your americans are hypocrites, but there are so many dimensions of people. Hope to read more from you.
I enjoyed your article… and in keeping things apolitical, I found the following comment hilarious: I thought Julia Stiles wrote cookbooks
I am just saddened that I did not catch your play in NYC last week… maybe you will make a stop in LA?
Julia, your article was good and great to read, I’ve read the comments, concur with you, especially about point the fingers to all those nations who critic easily others without check their actions first, I’m not american but even outside there is not different.
Post more
Bye
The last sentence is a perfect summary of how we feel in Latin America about the way the U.S. usually sees us. Don’t get me wrong: I’m not anti-American. You are from a great country, but its greatness is undermined when it tells us what to do on areas it can’t even control. The US says openly it supports democracy while quietly backing tyrants (but as long as the tyrant trades with the US, it’s alright. So much for democracy…). A lot of people die in our countries because of the war on drugs (started forty years ago by the US) while ignoring the American drug lords which operate on US soil. We send you the drugs but, who is on the receiving end and who distributes them and launder their profits? My guess is US citizens. The US encourages us to eliminate subsidies for our farmers deeming then unfair while most of the American agriculture enjoy generous public subsidies. Every country has its flaws. I know mine does and they are not exactly mild. But we don’t go around telling other people what to do (well, Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez does, as former Colombian president Uribe also did). It’s not hard to see how nagging and exasperating self-appointed truth bearers can be.
PS. Why hasn’t any news outlet offered you a regular column? No, I’m not just being polite. I’m a journalist and it’s easy to see how good you write.
Dats kul jul
Kul
Before last year’s Vancouver Olympics, Chinese-born artists created a sculpture called “Mao, dancing in the head of Lenin”. It was set up near the Olympic Oval. For some reason, people kept putting duct tape on Lenin’s mouth.
The question I have is: Is the duct tape a political statement, or an artistic one?
P.S. Do’nt give up on the Mets… there’s always next year.
…you’re essay paints a colourful and vivid picture of this seemingly chaotic and intriguing place.
As is often invariably the case with comments and opinions they tend to say more about those expressing them, often misrepresenting or obscuring the original motivations of the author, to pursue their own agendas. Thus in their attempts at hunting down the crux of the authors narrative they are at best tenuous. To those reading objectively it will be apparent that they are but chasing shadows.
For whatever it’s worth, I agree with you. Your article was about your travels, not a political statement. I enjoyed reading it, and you strike me as someone who is honest, down-to-earth, and has an open mind.
What follows is directed toward everyone. We have serious problems in our own country. But guess what? Every country in the world does.
How we deal with our problems, or even react to them, is what sets the U.S. apart.
We don’t arrest a lawyer who is simply trying to represent their client or file criminal slander charges against someone who complains about police misconduct. Nor do we ban foreign cooking shows or time travel.
It almost makes me wish I had a time machine along with a teleporter just to go and give certain people a front-row seat to the truth they deny. But, that’s not my job.
Hi Julia
During our watching last night of your movie ‘The Prince and Me’ on TV my wife asked me to do a bit of research on your recent films. I confess until then I didn’t know your name … but did recognize you from the film “10 Things …” where you co-starred with Heath Ledger (RIP), one of my fellow country-men. My Wikipedia article reading led me to your / this blogsite; and the tone of your blog post above prompted me to read your WSJ article. I commend you for both going to Cuba and for sharing your experience in the way that you have. Whilst we Aussies consider ourselves friends of America we do tend to find that Americans are the most parochial of people … built off the back of their core belief that they live in the best country on earth (debatable!) … which for some translates into loud arrogance … especially when travelling in other countries. The more Americans travel to other countries the better, and it can only lead to improved understanding of ‘the other side’.
Reading through the comments on your WSJ article, to me it seems that what we call in Australia the ‘tall poppy syndrome’ is also alive and well in the US. It is basically the practice of some to hit out at those who are successful (stand out with a public profile) for no particular reason. Doing so makes them feel good and gives them some perverse sense of power. It can also be termed ‘the politics of envy’. I reckon the best approach is to totally ignore them / the comments because when you do respond it feeds their egos.
If you ever travel to Australia you are most welcome to come and check out what we are doing. Our farm is located 400 km due west of Sydney, has some spectacular views and you might enjoy learning about how we are mirroring Nature’s techniques (no/low tech) to profitably regenerate our land and increase biodiversity. We also have an extremely low ‘carbon footprint’ … but that’s another story.
My thanks also go to ‘Robert’ for the links he added to his comment on your blog post. I got lost for an hour or so reading about the power of the global banking system. You guys in the US certainly love your debt. Someone told me recently that the size of the US Govt debt is such that if it was in $100 bills stacked on top of each other (not end to end) the height would be around 10,000 miles. Spooky!
Have a great day … and I look forward to seeing more of your films in the future.
Julia, its just politics and not everybody has a Hydes corner and a soap box so they use the media and its comments box to voice them.
Things that are close to the bone for some tend to bring out their more extreme views.
Though, you just need to let it slide off your back and realise that you have been where many will never go and so they lose that experience.
Personally some places need to be visited just to see how they are. Visit South Korea some time, stand on the DMZ and look into North Korea and just realise how strange the whole issue is.
Or just visit Sokcho in SK, enjoy the mountains in summer and realise that the mountains and forests that cover them are no different than those you see in the distance over the other side of the wire.
You are lucky in that you can afford to go to places that many will never go to, see sights that many never will and that is truly a gift.
Never feel bad for having them.
Hi Miss Stiles,
I’m a simple poet lost among the greats. Particularly I can say I like your smile, especially when you does naturally. Thanks for this.
The policy and that make political use of the things said by important people, to extend their half-truths.
The more I try to understand politics, the less I understand “The people and for the people” is very simple, but in practice is disappointing.
an advice: Never talk about politics.
Bye, see you in another time.
My bad, Julia, times two.
First, I forgot to put my last comment in context. the photo of Jose Marti’s statue reminded me of the Gao brothers’ scuplture in Vancouver. That’s because Marti’s pose looks like something you’d see with a common Soviet-style sculpture of Lenin. I’m sure some ignorant fools have already mistaken Marti for Lenin, and have you marked as a commie. Oh, well, so long as they still like your acting.
Second, I got the Gao statue’s title totally wrong. Correctly, it is called “Miss Mao Trying to Poise Herself at the Top of Lenin’s Head”. And, just like in the U.S., there is a certain segment of the population here that bristles at even a humourous reference to a Soviet-era leader. Come on people, Mao in a dress?
Julia, read the article – if anything it made me feel sorry for you.
I have been there in a similar situation and its a hard one.
Though, we do make sure it wont happen again if we can help it.
Seriously though, if you are getting complaints over that article then ignore them.
Those who would get worked up over that aren’t concerned with your experience but rather thier own views on other issues.
It kind of makes me laugh though, your article I mean, not the response as its so familiar to me.
Maybe those last two comments didn’t come out as exactly I meant them too.
Its kind of hard to truly express my understanding or explanations.
It always feels like there is so much more to say that cant be said by words. I guess thats why they say a photo says a thousand words.
Its a memory, a still picture if you will, that remains and yet cant be truly expressed in the words I use.
Revisiting to see if my initial comment had been posted, I finally saw the link to the article about Wikileaks documentation on Guantanamo. People with glass ceilings should think twice before throwing stones, and Guantanamo is one big glass ceiling for the US. (I’d say more, but it would turn into a dissertation).
Your blog entry makes me think of a couple of things. For one, I’m not sure it’s fair to make a direct comparison between what happened in Guantanamo and what happens to dissidents in a place like Cuba. No doubt Gitmo is a deplorable thing, but it’s important to remember that, however misguided, 1-it was rooted in a worthy desire to protect the american people from terror after 9/11, and 2-it reached its extremes, at least in part, due to the sadism of a relative handful of soldiers. whereas what occurs in cuba is a completely sanctioned effort to suppress any kind of contrary thought, any threat to the dictator’s grip on power. both terrible situations, but there are nuances of difference.
now, having said that, i still think there’s no more sacred right in this country than the one that ensures you can write pieces for a widely distribute newspaper without being arrested, locked up, tortured, etc. i applaud your exercise of it. i like your writing, and your intellect. it’s sad that people will take a piece of work that, at its core, isn’t terribly political, and bend it to their political purposes, but i guess that’s the price we all pay for having a free marketplace of ideas.
i hope you’re not discouraged from writing more. i’ve enjoyed everything i’ve seen on your blog thus far.
Well said. There is nothing more sacred in than freedom of expression.
The current situation with Bin Laden dead – I would be interested to know your views on that.
Not to be mean Tracy but did you read this post? If I was a betting man, I would say she isn’t going to touch this topic with a ten foot pole. Can’t say that I blame her.
And then… Just to throw an entirely different shade of gray on the issue…
Well, our hapless president finally got it right. Of course, he has his predecessor to thank…not that I’m holding my breath for that.
Its an out of the left field type of question I realise.
But, did you actually make that Raving film on your blog?
Thats damm good, kind of more Arty than I usually like, but pretty good.
Good on you. You come across as a more arty type than I usually know or would hang out with, but thats good stuff regardless.
I did a search on google for his name (images) when I got this blog, under your photo there is a disagreeable comment and once again the issue is about politics I have no idea of the issue has to do with you.
This link: http://necropolitica.com/archives/2374
“It also taught me that the people you know, and the ways in which you rely on one another, are more valuable than any paper currency.”
I took this from your article as what the human element is all about. Beyond the scope of government systems and their inherent flaws, people are what makes this world. We can strive to rise above or wallow in the mud.
Personally I try to grow beyond the frustration of the most difficult days. I cherish the tough ones that push me to my limits and help me to see the horizon with more clarity. No matter how much I want to scream at the insanity I remind myself that the walls have no ears nor do minds that are closed. I must find peace and move forward. If I MUST point a finger then I point one at myself for not being able to see the light and allowing myself to lose control of my thoughts and emotions.
I enjoyed WSJ story and the humanity displayed within it.
Respect…it’s what’s missing now, perhaps more than ever. It takes a brave person to have an opinion, observation or commentary, and an even braver one to share it with the world. I’m encouraged by the supportive comments that have been posted here…I fully agree with them. And as for the comment that the US should be feared and not loved? How about aiming for respected instead? It’s a novel approach that just might work.
I’m afraid you don’t know history.
I spent more than three years in Germany, and I traveled all over Europe. What I found was that I think I got a good view of Germany, but when I traveled to other places, I knew I was getting just a small glimpse of what is going on. And it was worse in countries where things were more monitored (Israel, Morocco). Nice to see that you recognized your limitations about Cuba.
Debbie, my dear, have you visited Venice?
Interesting place, Venice is. One goes to San Marco and walks through the Realto. Does one sit in the ghetto? It’s a fascinating place to rest. xo
Seems to me people enjoy vomiting. They cover someone elses outside with their own insides to make them appear superior. Sigh.
However, I disagree with your comment about not being able to get off the island if you are out of money. You just need to steal a rowboat. D’oh! I shouldn’t have said that. But I did. To all you out there with upset stomachs, I have just given you something to vomit on. Enjoy.
So have they finished pointing fingers or are you on holiday or at work and don’t notice anymore?
I hope you can make some time for the subway series this weekend. Although I hate the Mets (huge Yankees fan here), I loved your wsj article on your team and it would be great if you wrote something about them again.
PS: Obrigada, Amiga
hey just read your blog, powerful is what comes to mind. Really well written, I am a 17 year old indian guy I write too but random stuff(www.enigmamcmx.blogspot.com) i love reading but people dont seem to write much these days which really pisses me off, and well I was a bit surprised that you had a blog you know most actors have crappy websites…..I could probably go on forever but the main reason of this post was to thank you for this well written article. And it’d be really nice if gave my blog a visit!
Peace,
Anurag
People on the internet seem to let their anger out on anyone they can direct it to. I wish readers would actually READ what you have written before jumping to conclusions. I like your opinion and you wrote it & said it like it is!! Unfortunately, many who reads your blog, don’t get it!
Keep up the terrific work and hopefully the producers of Dexter will bring you back to the show and keep you there permanently..
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with wornout tools;
You can.
Cuba in pictures from 1933 to now via the incomparable Walker Evans, an impressive Alex Harris, and an intriguing Titarenko. Highly recommended: http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/walker_evans_cuba/
Please pardon my intrusion into this context but I know of no other way of communicating with you. I recently watched The Cry of the Owl and was baffled at the utter hopelessness of the movie. You were great! So much so that should I have been depressed before watching, I may well have seriously pondered suicide as a noble option. One way to become acquainted with a culture is to listen to its music and watch its movies. Do you share the same worldview as that of your character or of Ms.Highsmith? What message did you hope to relay in this movie? Why?
Sincerely,
confused
I didn’t read the blog that this was related to however it sounds like you had an experience. (having just stumbled onto this blog tonight) That is what travelling is all about. We enjoy other cultures, respect them. Not everything needs to be political. I’m glad that you are interested in other cultures. Leave the politics to the politicians. Don’t allow people’s opinions discourage you. There will never be a shortage of them and it seems the people with the least amount of education and life experience are the most vocal. You are a wise, beautiful woman. Some people will “get it” and some won’t. Experience your experiences, enjoy the lessons, share them if you wish. We are grateful. No matter how positive it may be there will always be that negative component. Come to Canada, seems your views and comments are very Canadian.
Julia, your article on the WSJ was informative if not intriguing. I could picture myself going through the same issues as you did (under budgeting) and getting stuck in a situation of having enough funds. Even though I did not review the comments of criticism based off the WSJ article, I would not concern myself with people who did not understand what you were trying to write; a story about your trip to a country that is set up differently than that of the United States. Your article made me think how lucky we are to have been born in a country that is free from dictator rules that make it hard for people to make out a meger life and not allowing the technology for use for all to enjoy.”However Cuba is rich in culture and in language and we cannot frown against a country that has other positive aspects. Loved your article keep up your writing, nevermind the negative.
Obviously, I’ve posted way too often to be taken seriously on this thread, but I thought to post one last time to redeem my silly self.
I’ve never been to Cuba.
I was immediately interested in your article because you have been there and I have not, and you are American, and I am not. I think that makes a difference in visiting Cuba.
What I loved most about your original article in The Wall Street Journal was your take on how difficult it is for Americans visiting the Island. What I missed, perhaps, was how you actually got there. I imagine that this was an issue on its own.
You gave a great view, IMO, of how you travelled, without much money on hand, like a student, and I loved how you summed the article up, “…taught me that the people you know, and the ways in which you rely on one another, are more valuable than any paper currency.”
It was a good article, apparently a great experience, and an informative one that has made me think… I should visit Cuba.
Regarding the New York Mets, definitely … give up….
I stumbled on to your blog. I was expecting the typical hollywood bullhoey, and was ready to giggle away at the sillyness. Instead I found a thoughtful site with a lil intellectual honestly….Kudos
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime. (Mark Twain)
What you describe is closely how we see the americans. Thinking their way is the only way and trying to make everybody live by their standards. But let’s hope that’s just a minority because next year I’ll be studying at the university of Fayetteville, Arkansas. And I like openminded people!
Petrus, from Belgium
“Little roses of corn!”
To me, what you captured in your article, was the inherent beauty of normal everyday people. I have found that, so often, the man on the street in troubled challenged countries, is humble, caring, a willing aid and a gracious friend.
Here in Southern Africa you would have had a similar experience in a country like Zimbabwe , where in a tight situation, human decency would have come to your rescue just as it did in Cuba. Yet, it’s a measure of the notoriety of unrighteous dominion when the world so quickly associates only one name to a country. For Cuba it’s Castro – for Zimbabwe it’s Mugabe. Imagine if somehow we could connect the country to your wonderful Cuban landlord friend for instance.
Your beautiful article has done that for me – it has connected me to the people of Cuba.
In Africa, kids take wire and discarded soda cans and make the most amazing toy cars out of them
“Little cars of wire – little roses of corn!”
It’s the people who are the poetry – Thanks Julia for a great article and congratulations on that nomination – you richly deserve it.
This post is just one thing more that reminds me we are all the same all around the globe. I usually despise USA and US people just because the arrogance show to the rest of the world. But people like you and everybody in this comments as open minded as you brings me to reality and slaps me about how intolerant can I be myself. The world is not just borders or pilitics, is about people and reach each other, and try to understand each other no matter how different we may seem… thanks.
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I hope in your travel can visit Argentina, we are less bad as we seem
Regards,
Ruben.
PD: sorry for the ugly english…
Just keep living and loving. It will work out.
The U.S. Government has a knackfor intruding in affairs that they shouldn’t and passing judgment on the disarray of other governments while not seeing its own dysfunction.
I am surprised that other people would make such comments about your blog because as far as I could determine, I did not see anything like that at all. It is amazing how people can read something somewhere, be it in the newspaper or on the internet and twist it around to say something totally different.
<<== Native Miamian here. Julia, thank you for a great article and your personal response. You are spot on! We are all free to visit whatever country we want, and I'm not only glad you did, but that you took the time to ream all the hypocritical, blind, arrogant people who criticized you. You are wise beyond your years. Thanks again and keep up the good work, on stage, screen and life.
Lets stop condemming and start changing.
I must say people utilize others writing to advance their views. I read your article and can see your frustration on the misinterpretation of your views pertaining to your experience in Cuba. I visit random blogs and see how individuals take the content completely out of context. We as Americans must learn to read the words you see then calculate your response after completing the reading. The relationship between Cuba and the US’s clearly a political fight which has nothing to do with you. Don’t let these individuals win by fueling your frustrated. Good luck to you on your career and endeavors. Keep your head up!!
This might sound naive, but, be rest assured, there’s nothing wrong with what you wrote and i found it most interesting that you learned so much about the people of Cuba during your short stay. It was very informing and whoever is trying to make you sound like a person who hates other country or their government really need to go and visit their ophthalmologist ASAP. The best part of the article was when you came to know that people in Cuba had to be more resourceful because they don’t have everything on a silver platter like the citizens of other developed nations do. There is a lesson to be learned there.
I thought it was a well written article. It reminded me of time spent in Eastern Europe, which was a thrill, an adventure and an opportunity to look at life from the other side of the glass. To be in countries that were formerly sworn enemies of the US and to meet people face to face that had US nuclear weapons pointed at them? Well, it tears down every boundary you can think of… a la “John Lennon”.
I guess the “feedback” that you got from your article just goes to show that we see what we believe. I took from the article that you got yourself jammed up a bit, had a pretty good time, met some wonderful people in a country that most Americans will never visit…and that you’re as clever as a cat and as cool as they come.
I guess it’s human nature to want our personal views to be known and articles like yours for the Cuba trip are , unfortunately, the perfect platforms for people to do that kind of thing. Heck..blogging like this is another example of it one could suppose. People are angry. Frustrated. And people like to vent. All I can say is I enjoyed the article for what it was and now that I’ve come across this blog, I plan on checking back in from time to time for more good reading. Thanks for your efforts.
Governments (and most people) seem to forget that the wheel turns. And that lack of depth of knowledge makes it so easy to sit on a high horse and judge, or interpret incorrectly, or assume unaccurately. “How do I define history? It’s just one fucking thing after another”- Rudge”
― Alan Bennett, The History Boys
We (the U.S.) have poured millions (nay, billions) of dollars into all but a handful of Latin American countries. We supported free elections in Chile . . . until they elected a Marxist (Allende) and we then sent the CIA into dump him. Despite our billions of so-called foreign aid, we have not been able to affect the kind of change that Castro pulled off in Cuba. Universal health care, 100% (or close) literacy, no homeless, no hunger, support for the arts. And all without any — any! — U.S support. We even refused to buy his damned sugar! Brava to you for having the courage to visit the country and challenge the party line.
David
P.S. I greatly admire your work
I came across this and felt compelled to add some words. First and foremost, thanks for your humanitarian efforts and your willingness to engage in public discourse. Like Sean Penn, Bruce Springsteen, and others, you seem to want to use your celebrity status for some good. And, like them, you risk vitriol by wanting to be more than a two dimensional celebrity with a smile. I’m also impressed by your writing gifts. As a philosophy professor I’ve been trained to write much differently, and admire those who have your gift for a well-chosen phrase. I’d like to think your piece would have been received better if you’d framed it differently, more clearly explaining what you were doing there. Only, to be frank, I fear it still would have been attacked. As you noted, Cuba is an issue about which many have an “intractable, preexisting anger.”
It’s always amazing to be reminded so loudly of how judgmental and self-righteous many Americans like to be, how willing to do any and all of the terrible things we abhor in others (and more) and willfully unable to see the same in ourselves. Politically, socially, ethically, morally–whatever shape anyone wants to give the discussion, it ought to remain first and foremost a DIscussion and after that, open to the concept that nobody has a monopoly on the truth; no one’s flawless.
This travel/writing/response experience of yours apparently just offered another forum for the ranters to go off with their usual disregard for being accurate, appropriate, germane or otherwise sensible. Your measured and thoughtful response strikes the right note with me!
There is a lot of good in Cuba. I know, as my piano teacher is from there (I’m still having lessons at nearly 40, as there is always room for more improvement!).