Differences about race found in Cuban survey
A survey of Cubans' attitudes about race found widespread perceptions of
blacks being far worse off than whites.
BY JUAN CARLOS CHAVEZ
El Nuevo Herald
Cubans believe the island's black population is restricted from
obtaining better jobs and say the possibility of a black man someday
governing the nation is unlikely, according to a study published this week.
The study, by the independent academic project known as Cubabarómetro,
was conducted in Havana in September and October and focused on
monitoring perceptions of racial differences and the way individuals
define themselves in the current context of Cuban society.
Among the most revealing findings: Cubans believe that blacks live
primarily in the nation's public housing developments and improvised
tenements, while whites are believed to live in the better established
and more comfortable neighborhoods.
Similarly, 82.8 percent of those interviewed for the study believe that
blacks predominate among the island's prison population.
The study found that most Cubans believe there is no chance that a black
person will ever govern the island in the near future.
When asked if a black man could be elected president after the current
administration's term is over, the overwhelming majority answered no
(80.7 percent); while 7.05 per cent believed it possible. The remaining
12.2 percent had no opinion.
The study, entitled Perception Regarding The Nation's Racial Situation,
was conducted by interviewing 425 people who were subdivided by gender,
race and age.
''The study reflects profound social differences regarding race or skin
color,'' reported the Cubabarómetro study, led by Dr. Darsi Ferrer.
``There is coincidence in perceiving and pointing to blacks as the most
discriminated group, both in the general results and in the analysis of
different variables.''
Another part of the analysis found that whites and not people of color
benefit from the most competitive jobs in the travel sector, foreign
investments and diplomatic missions.
When asked about who occupies the jobs that offer the best economic
opportunities, 86.8 percent replied that white people do and 51.8 per
cent responded mestizos. Only 1.18 per cent believed that black people
are widely represented in advantageous economic positions.
The study concluded that despite 50 years of the revolution, racism
continues to exist, due in part to legislation that has ignored the
mixed composition of Cuban society and done little to correct
inequalities or defend civil rights.
''It is necessary to change the course of the situation by searching for
real solutions, departing from the implementation of a legal framework
that guarantees recognition and protection of the rights of all
citizens,'' the study noted.
Cubabarómetro also observed that, ``People of the white race naturally
accept the predominant racial problematic, mestizos demonstrate a
behavior that attempts to distance themselves from blacks and tie into
the white group, while blacks arrive at the point of possessing a
negative view regarding themselves.''
Among the study's other findings:
• 81 percent of Havana's population has no doubt that whites predominate
in Cuban movies and television; 11 percent believe it is mestizos; and 2
per cent replied blacks.
• 82.8 percent of those interviewed believe that police raids and
harassment are racially motivated toward black people, while mestizos
were said to be targeted only by 5.41 percent and whites by 1.18 per cent.
• 81.2 percent believe that black people commit crimes more frequently,
while 5.41 replied mestizos and only 1.18 singled out whites.
Last month, Cubabarómetro published four studies regarding Cuba's public
opinion on healthcare, education, access to tourism facilities and the
deregulation of cellphones.
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