February 13, 2012
Osmel Almaguer
HAVANA TIMES, Feb 13 — They say that Cuba is the best place in the world
to live. I'm sure, though, that this affirmation is merely a rumor
spread by those in power. In addition to the rumors that hatch on the
street (from the right, left or center), there are also the ones planted
by our officials.
Later they like to feign innocence when it better suits them to shirk
their responsibility for the social chaos we face. Instead, they'll
point to safe streets, equitable distribution, free services, low
prices, health care, education and culture – benefits that are almost
absolutely verifiable.
Yet what's more subtle and damaging is the apathetic spirit that has
taken over Cuban society. We see generalized apathy for work, study,
being responsible, showing respect and finally for all actions in life
that are related to virtue.
However, what's most shocking is the lack of interest we suffer when it
comes to receiving. I find it amazing since selfishness is present in
human nature, as well as in the animal kingdom.
I'm not saying that selfishness has been lost. Rather, apathy has
reached the point to where people who receive benefits want them without
lifting a finger. In other words, to many people the slightest sacrifice
to improve themselves or to get ahead isn't worth the effort.
Examples abound: my pupils at school don't want me to teach them their
lessons. Residents who are required by housing inspectors to comply with
certain code requirements hurry to find fault with their professional
judgment. Vendors collude among themselves on prices so they don't have
to compete.
At my house, we don't answer the door when the crews come to spray for
mosquitoes. The buses that usually charge five pesos don't want to stop
outside the bus stops to pick up passengers. Collective taxi drivers
prefer an empty taxi to lowering their rates.
Kiosk vendors don't work on Sundays. At six in the evening of weekdays
no businesses are open. Sellers prefer not to sell to you if your bill
is too large. The majority of bus drivers don't care about collecting
the fares.
To most men, a "thank you" or a "please" seems gay.
I could go on with the list — it's endless — but I prefer to conclude by
pointing out the root cause of all these actions. People have begun to
disregard those little favors and courtesies because they now consider
them useless or alien.
These are the vices of a socialist society hit by the Special Period crisis.
Admittedly, I don't have the answer. In fact, I can't imagine any change
that could fix the majority of these problems.
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