Engaging Cuba

By Anna Huffman ‘17

A November 2014 research conference in Cuba shed light on a country in transition weeks before U.S. officials announced a shift in the countries’ relationship.  Assistant Professor of Spanish Dr. James Courtad observed the culture through the lens of literature at the annual conference of the International Association of Hispanic Feminine Literature and Culture (AILCFH) in Havana.

Courtad presented research on Puerto Rican feminist author and workers’ rights activist Luisa Capetillo. Among other things, Capetillo advocated that women shed traditional roles assigned by the patriarchal state and Catholic Church.

Though the conference focused on academia, the experience enabled Courtad to taste Cuban culture and gain an understanding of the nation’s thoughts about the political developments.

“It was an incomparable cultural experience to witness Cuba before the embargo between the United States and Cuba actually ended,” he said.

In addition to the cultural exploration of writers presented at the AILCFH, Courtad and his colleagues attended the Cuban theatre, heard traditional folklore music, toured downtown Havana and conversed with the locals.

The conference introduced numerous facets of Cuban culture that remain unstudied because of the country’s strict policies regarding self-expression. Courtad witnessed numerous Cuban women presenting their work in settings normally disallowed by Communist leaders.

Visiting the country before diplomatic relations formally changed gave Courtad a glimpse of a culture free of the trappings of Western influence.

 “Their cultural and literary works expressed the struggles they encounter suppressing their freedom and thought,” he said. “Cuban politics pervades every aspect of their lives. My fear is that when the embargo officially does end, that American influence does overtake Cuban cultural heritage and some of the charm is lost. That makes me even more grateful that I had the chance to visit the country when I did, to experience a bit of Havana that, in some respects, has been stuck in time for the last five decades.”

Courtad hopes thawing relations between the U.S. and Cuba will allow American scholars to gain access to Cubans’ artistic productions.

“All those with whom I spoke favored ending the embargo and seemed interested to know the opinions of Americans,” he said. “There was mutual respect, realizing that most of the ‘problems’ between our two countries are a result of political policies.”