As a professional newspaper journalist for more than 20 years, one of the more rewarding parts of running this blog is that here I am my own editor, my own boss. I pick the topics I want, and I am accountable only to myself and my principles. I welcome feedback, but no one tells me what or how to write.
Neither does anyone tell Cuba-based blogger Iván García what he should write for his blog, La Carpeta de Iván ("Ivan's File Cabinet").
In his most recent post, which has been translated into English, García recalls how when he was writing for another blog, a veteran Cuban journalist advised that he stick to certain topics — more "curve balls," like pieces about Cuban landmarks, and fewer "fast balls," like critiques of the Castro regime — presumably to avoid the attention and scorn of the authorities. In country like Cuba, where there are hundreds, if not thousands imprisoned because they said or acted on what they think, that is serious advice.
García, however, has chosen to be his own editor:
I say what I think and tell it like it is. You have the chance as readers to express disagreement in the comments section. I’m very far from thinking that what I write amounts to any kind of absolute truth. Perhaps I get things wrong. But these opinions about an event, theme, or personality are mine.
I’m nearly 45 years old and at this stage in my life I’m not going to be afraid to defend my perspective. Being imprisoned for many years, which is the prospect held out by Cuba’s laws for all those voicing public dissent, does scare me. I don’t have a vocation to be a martyr. But I’m not going to change my ideas. Even if I end up bricked up in a state security cell or in a dirty Cuban prison block.
Disagreement is healthy. And so is debate about ideas and dialogue with people who think differently. But in Cuba, when someone in the media criticises you or attacks you, be afraid. The message is: ”What goes around comes around”. In other words, shut up or you’re mincemeat.
We know that the beginning of a vigorous offensive on the part of the state apparatus portends further actions. Ranging from acts of repudiation and even threats and humiliations for your family. Or, in an extreme case, detaining you, penalising you, and locking you up in jail.
Writing what he wants. That's how, García concludes, he will be free:
Since I was born, in 1965, I’ve never known what is called democracy. And before I die, I would like to live in a pluralistic society where you as a person aren’t of the slightest interest to the State. And where, if the powers that be don’t appreciate me, thanks to certain Constitutional laws, I’m not locked up in prison.
I don’t mind who’s in power. They can be communists, liberals, greens, social democrats, right wing, centrists, or left wing. Just so long as they’ve won an election. I ask myself if this is an impossible dream. I don’t think it is. That’s why I write what I think.
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