Democracy and Time in Cuban Thought: The Elusive Present

María de los Ángeles Torres analyzes how the concept of time has been employed by different political projects in Cuban culture, emphasizing the importance of human actions in the present for a more democratic political culture. She examines political texts, essays, literature, and art, placing theories of temporalities in conversation with the Cuban experience. Recent events in Cuba have placed the search for democracy and social justice center stage, and Torres studies the temporalities underpinning these movements, encouraging activists to remember history and imagine new possibilities while cultivating space for human agency now.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: University Press of Florida

In this captivating exploration of political discourse within Cuban culture, María de los Ángeles Torres delves into the intricate ways in which the concept of time has been wielded by diverse political projects. While the past and future often dominate rhetoric associated with authoritarianism, Torres contends that a significant emphasis on human actions in the present is vital for fostering a more democratic political culture. Spanning over a century of Cuban thought, she embarks on a quest to uncover this perspective.

Through meticulous analysis of political texts, essays, literature, and art, Torres brings theories of temporalities into dialogue with the rich tapestry of the Cuban experience. She meticulously examines the use of time and its profound political implications in Fidel Castros renowned "History Will Absolve Me" speech, the writings of iconic figures such as Jose Martí and Che Guevara, the poetic prowess of Eliseo Diego and the Orígenes group, as well as the evocative paintings created by Cuban exiles Nereida García Ferraz and María Martínez-Cañas.

In light of recent events in Cuba, where the pursuit of democracy and social justice has taken center stage, Torres also delves into the temporalities that underpin these movements. She poses thoughtful questions about whether these projects offer alternative narratives to the overused tropes of the past and future. She offers valuable insights for today's activists, encouraging them to draw upon history while also envisioning new possibilities. At the same time, she advocates for creating space for human agency in the present moment, recognizing the importance of nurturing a political culture that values and empowers individuals to shape their destinies.

Through her profound scholarship, María de los Ángeles Torres sheds light on the complex interplay between time, politics, and culture in Cuban society. Her work serves as a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of power and agency in a nation with a rich historical and cultural legacy.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781683404026