The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the nation's youth with a message acknowledging the "difficult times" they are living through, yet urging them to "feel the joy of contributing to the revolution during one of the most challenging periods in history."
Gathered on Wednesday with officials from the Federation of High School Students (FEEM) and the Federation of University Students (FEU), the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) encouraged them to continue defending the so-called "revolution" with stoicism and "creative resistance," something their parents and grandparents have been doing for over 60 years without results.
For the Cuban regime, there is no anomaly in retaining power violently and totalitarianly for more than half a century. With the socio-economic fabric of the country destroyed and civic and political life annihilated, the regime's leadership considers itself legitimized to continue demanding that Cubans "defend the revolution" and, moreover, do so with "joy."
"You are already part of the present and the future of the country. We are living through very tough times, but tough times forge, shape, and strengthen us; and those of us who live through difficult times like these, including you, and come out of them, will come out stronger, with more capacity to continue defending the Revolution," said the leader appointed by General Raúl Castro.
Optimism Amidst Crisis
Regime strategists believe that communication directed at today's youth in Cuba should reinforce a message of optimism and hope. The Union of Young Communists (UJC) convened its congress under the slogan "create your happiness," while the country is falling apart and the exodus of hundreds of thousands of Cubans causes a painful hemorrhage in society.
"Let our sense of happiness be different from the sense of happiness they want to impose on us, which is not about accumulating material things; rather, our sense of happiness should be about seeking collective happiness in our spirituality, in our solidarity, in socializing our life here, in the conditions of a nation that wants justice for all," said Rogelio Polanco, head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee, in April.
Amid a drastic decline in membership, the Cuban regime asked the youth to stay in the country to build "collective happiness," and "continue defending and doing what patriotic Cubans should do, becoming more Martian, more Fidelist, more Marxist."
Unable to develop policies that would energize the economy and society, the Cuban regime has no other interest than to remain in power, needing to indoctrinate young people to defend this "revolution," which constitutes the last rhetorical bastion of legitimacy for the dictatorship.
On the brink of total collapse, the totalitarian state constructed by the one-party regime has no political will other than to cling to power, even if it means more suffering and despair for the population.
"The revolution listens to the youth, listens to the students, and that's why you are also part of the decision-making process. Because every time we propose something, or we get a program, or a law or policy that has to do with young people, we are doing it because we are starting from the criteria you give us from your own experiences, your own aspirations," he said.
Diaz-Canel's words, broadcast by the National Television News (NTV), were delivered the same day he met with a group of American youth from the Let Cuba Live brigade, to whom he delivered an endless speech filled with propaganda, lies, and myths, such as the claim that the social work of the "revolution" distributes "food, clothing, health, education, and culture for all" equitably.
In his speech to American youth, Díaz-Canel painted a rosy picture of the "achievements of the revolution." In his speech to Cuban youth, who live like most of their compatriots, he acknowledged the "difficult times" but called on them to continue defending that "revolution" that looks so magnanimous in souvenir propaganda.
"Therefore, take advantage of this time, which is also a time for young people, and by contributing, feel the joy that you defended the revolution and managed to defend the revolution, and keep the revolution in one of the most difficult, most challenging, most complex times."
Understanding Díaz-Canel's Message to Cuban Youth
In light of Díaz-Canel's recent address to Cuban youth, several questions arise about the implications and underlying messages of his speech. Here are some key questions and answers to help understand the context and significance of his statements.
What was the main message Díaz-Canel conveyed to Cuban youth?
Díaz-Canel urged Cuban youth to embrace the difficult times they are living through and to feel joy in contributing to the revolution, portraying it as a formative and strengthening experience.
Why is the Cuban regime focusing on youth communication?
The regime aims to reinforce messages of optimism and hope among the youth to maintain their support and loyalty, crucial for the regime's longevity and the continuation of its ideological goals.
What are the implications of the regime's stance on youth happiness?
The regime's definition of happiness, focusing on collective well-being and spirituality rather than material accumulation, seeks to align youth aspirations with the regime's ideological narrative, despite ongoing economic and social crises.