9/11 and the Cuban Hip Hop Revolución

[Judi Lynn]

Sujatha Fernandes.Professor and Author
9/11 and the Cuban Hip Hop Revolución
Posted: 9/12/11 05:10 PM ET

Over the past decade, the events of 9/11 have been the catalyst for all kinds of political actions, from warmongering and militarization to social mobilizations for inclusion and justice. On the island of Cuba, the events provided a new platform for young people involved in the movement of Cuban rap. Echoing the words of their leader Fidel Castro, Cuban rappers took the opportunity to reflect on the state of world politics. But in the aftermath of the events, rappers also saw a chance to become bolder in speaking out about the issues affecting young black Cubans.

On September 11, 2001, I was living in Havana, carrying out research on the movement of Cuban rap when the planes hit the towers. The grandmother in the house where I stayed flicked between the two channels available on state TV. The images of planes crashing into buildings were unreal. None of the commentators seemed to know what was going on. It was several hours later that the news came through about the hijackers of four planes who had reduced the twin towers to rubble, and crashed into the side of the Pentagon and an empty field in rural Pennsylvania.

Like many others, I sat before the television, watching the grainy images of the towers imploding over and over again. Fidel was involved in the inauguration of a new school that evening. I watched the live broadcast from the school where Fidel addressed a packed hall of elementary school kids. Resplendent in his military fatigues, for three hours Fidel cajoled, provoked, and meditated on the events of the day before a group of 10 and 11 year olds. He expressed his sympathies for the American people. He offered the resources of the country to assist in treatment of the victims. And he urged caution on the part of the American government.

"Whenever there is a tragedy like this one, no matter how difficult to avoid it may be, I see no other way but to keep calm," advised Fidel. "And if at some point I am allowed to make a suggestion to an adversary who has been tough with us for many years, we would advise the leaders of the powerful empire to keep their composure, to act calmly, not to be carried away by a fit of rage or hatred and not to start hunting people down, dropping bombs just anywhere." He paused. "Put down that pencil," he reprimanded a young schoolgirl in the audience. "Don't doodle. Try to pay attention while I'm talking."

More:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sujatha-fernandes/911-and-cuban-hip-hop_b_956450.html