Cuban Street Propaganda
Cubans are controlled by the CDR (Committees of Defence of the Revolution) and the Committees de Vigilancia. These are set up in each and every street block to organise social life. They do youth crime prevention, organize blood collection and report illegal activity to police, including of course anything which can be seen as opposition to the current ideology.
Private enterprises are strictly limited so that the only advertising seen is Government ideological propaganda.
Everywhere in the country political slogans cover the walls, painted by the CDRs to reinforce the enthusiasm for the Triumphs of the Revolution. In a cement factory you will read, "The Revolution is to build", in a school you will read, "The Revolution is to teach and learn". Another frequent slogan is a quote from Castro that states, "The Revolution is to change everything that needs to be changed".
These are some ironic examples. One says, "Jamas renunciaremos….", “We will never renege on our revolutionary principles". This makes Cuban people laugh aloud as the Cuban government is introducing private enterprise and plans to shift 25% of the country's workforce - yes 25% - from government employment to private employment. The government is practically dismissing people from their jobs, giving them a licence to work for their own. They must pay a monthly fee for the licence.
"Jamas Renunciaremios…."
Another wall claims, "viva el 50 anniversario de los CDR", “happy 50th anniversary of the CDR”.
The CDR are a tight network of surveillance of the population which besides it's real social functions, is also an institutionalised system for dobbing your neighbours. There is a CDR in every building block.
This picture shows a wall in rumbles, symbol of the Cuban economy today. It is true the US embargo has contributed to the decay of the Cuban economy but the absurdity of the economic management has done even more harm to the Cuban people. As a Cuban said when he saw this image, "it looks like the Berlin Wall!" and he laughed, like they always do.
"Viva el 50 anniversario…."
"En Cada Barrio la Revolucion"
Che, Spotless and fearless. True but the CHE is now a pure product turned propaganda wonder
"Che, Caballero sin Tacha y Sin Miedo"
Giron, Victory of the Socialism. Giron is situated in the Bay of Pigs where Castro lead a successful counter attack on an invasion of exiled Cubans poorly organised and trained by the CIA. These men are playing chess, a national activity during working hours….
"Giron, Victoria del Socialismo"
The CHE again. Your Example lives on, Your ideas are ever lasting…
"Tu Ejemplo Vive…"
"Reasonnable Love is not Love". The girl walking is a trans sexual.
Gays and transexuals are no longer persecuted in Cuba, one of the many improvements to Cubans lives brought in by Raul Castro, Fidel's brother.
"Amor Cuerdo no es Amor"
The CDR propaganda can be pretty full on. The Association of the combattants of the revolution organises workshops to teach the children to shoot in a program called "Educate your child"
"Educa a Tu Hijo"
This man stands on his bike in front of the building of the Moderna Poesia. He is reading the only daily newspaper available in the country – Granma.
"La Moderna Poesia"
