Cuban priest Alberto Reyes, well-known for his critical stance against the Castro regime, recently shared a reflection on the "power of slogans" and how the government has consistently utilized them to deceive the populace. Reyes, who serves in the Camagüey diocese, recounted on his Facebook page how the dictatorship has always relied on catchy phrases to manipulate citizens, pushing them onto a path without questioning if it's truly what they desire.
Father Reyes recalled several slogans that Cubans have repeated over the years, such as "Pin, pon fuera, abajo la gusanera!" ("Out with the worms!"), "The men die, the Party is immortal," and "Do more with less." He highlighted how, amid scarcity and a lack of solutions, the regime clings to these energetic yet hollow phrases instead of offering real change.
CiberCuba shared the full text of his post titled "I've Been Thinking… (LXXXIX)" by Alberto Reyes Pías, where he delved into the dual nature of slogans. Slogans are typically short phrases designed to motivate, boost morale, and provide strength during challenging times, offering a beacon of hope when everything else seems uncertain and dark.
The Dual Nature of Slogans
However, as is often the case, slogans can have a darker side. They can be wielded as tools for manipulation, leading people down a predetermined path without considering if it's the journey they wish to take. From the beginning of what is known as the 'Revolutionary Process'—itself an inspiring and motivational phrase—the regime has regulated, controlled, and clipped the wings of the people with relentless slogans.
Reyes mentioned how Cubans were taught to shout, "Pin, pon fuera, abajo la gusanera!" to channel their anger and budding frustration toward those who refused to support the system. Many shouted, reported, and attacked the 'worms' who left the revolutionary paradise, only to quietly follow them later.
Enduring the Revolutionary Rhetoric
As the years passed, Cubans were indoctrinated with the belief that they were the "Beacon and Guide of America," even as the Americas perceived it as nothing more than fabricated propaganda. Despite the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the regime unfurled a new set of slogans to convince Cubans that their situation was different. They were told, "We are a heroic people," "We are a fighting people," and "The men die, but the Party is immortal."
Amidst a series of 'special' periods caused by a continuous economic decline and general deterioration—from the facades of homes to the most iconic industries—the Cuban people's spirits have been worn down. Despite the emptiness, growing scarcity, and lack of solutions, energetic slogans resurged. Instead of proposing healing changes, Cubans were told to "Do more with less," "Go for more," and "Turn setbacks into victories." The Revolution, they were assured, "never abandons its children," even as it makes life unbearable, forces family emigration, and suppresses dissent.
The Relentless March of Time
Time has marched slowly and steadily across the island, witnessing the deepening poverty and sadness of its people, who have suffered both silently and loudly. Yet, the relentless commands persist, urging them to continue marching "Until victory, always."