Angel Santiesteban, Translator: Espirituana
The writer and journalist Amir Valle, in a still unpublished interview,
asks me the following question.
And what about the powerful Cuban culture that has been developing for
five decades already in exile, in many parts of the world? How do you
think it can contribute, from the outside, to the need for a social
change on the island?
Without attempting to be an analyst, political strategist or demiurge,
just one more artist who humbly offers his point of view, I believe that
intellectuals in exile should stay as close as possible to Cuban
culture, defend it firstly as an art, and then from the political
position that they see fit. That should never be forgotten: first comes
culture, then everything else. I am sure that that artistic weight is
what raises consciousness and respect for a national dialogue which will
result in a political change for the rebirth of democracy and the will
of Cubans, although some claims, as usually happens, will be backed by a
minority.
I like this phrase so much, and I'm probably not quoting it verbatim,
because having repeated it so often, it is so much a part of me that I
made it mine: "I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to
the death to defend your right to say it." Therefore,they must continue
making use of their freedom and their technologically advanced media,
which cannot be persecuted nor suffer direct reprisals like the
confiscation of their computers.
In some measure they should create a space for the nation's
denunciations, be the voice of those inside the island. Soften esthetic
disagreements, self-serving attitudes, in the interest of achieving
greater unity. The strength of the diaspora offers security to those of
us still inside, those of us who demand the rights of all to live
together in a future free and democratic Motherland, that will open her
arms for the long-awaited reunion of her children scattered throughout
the world.
What I have no doubt about is that the Cuban intellectual class, inside
and outside, is called to contribute profoundly to the future political
transition of the country.
October 7 2011
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