Listening for the screams behind the potemkin parade [with Vanessa Garcia]

Since the communist takeover of Cuba in 1959, those among the American left who sympathized with the political aims of the dictatorship have either denied or downplayed the horrific living conditions of the enslaved people of the island nation. But finally, after 67 years many among Americans progressives have become activated into admitting all is not well in Cuba, though with several caveats. So why was there such a willingness to deny the suffering of the Cuban people and why the sudden about face. Here to try to offer some answers is Miami based writer and artist, Vanessa Garcia, herself a child of refugees from the Cuban dictatorship.

(pro-Cuban dictatorship influencer Hassan Piker)

(Cuban citizens protesting the dictatorship)

(pro-Cuban dictatorship musicians Kneecap)