The Book!!

Hey, so we finally finished the reading "Waiting for Snow in Havana" last friday. I think the book was amazing and the author really used unique ways to describe events from his past. We also took a quiz, which I'm going to upload to my blog in an hour or so. The quiz discussed major themes and motifs, along with significant conflicts.

Later today I will also upload some of the study guide questions that we have been asked to answer.

I will probably upload them tonight because today's my brother's big graduation day. :)

Driving Question?

In my AP World History class, we have been asked to come up with a driving question relating to our reading of "Waiting for Snow in Havana" by Carlos Eire. Although I have considered several broad questions, I would really like to have a very specific question which could be answered by a significant person (ex. a survivor of a tragic event or a person who has experienced extreme hardships). One of my potential driving questions is the effect of history on the future of the world, seeing as how we have noticed that history is like a swinging pendulum that repeats itself. Another one of my potential driving questions is how does a major event or occurrence affect those involved and those close to the people involved. My final potential driving question relates to the decision for a Cuban parent to send their child to America alone in order for hope of a new life and how this decision affects the family back in Cuba.

This project is due June 4th, so hopefully I can narrow down my options soon. Please reply if you have any suggestions. :)

"This is Cuba"

The documentary that we have been watching, which shows the "real" Cuba, is simply unbelievable. The documentary truly shows the hardships and struggles that most Cubans experience, and it shows the harsh living conditions of Cuba. In the documentary, an American male journeys to Cuba and takes video accounts of what is actually occurring in Cuba at the time. This we learned was not only dangerous, but also against the law. Within the documentary, one can learn of the cutbacks put in place after the Communist reign in Cuba and the impacts on all the native people. Each Cuban family was given a ration book, which kept track of the supplies they received from the government. These supplies added up to basically nothing, and left the people of Cuba without supplies and necessities. Many Cubans resort to black markets or illegal means of buying and selling goods in order to obtain necessities and/or make money for a living. The signs that are mounted all through out Cuba stating "Socialism or Death" really shows the strength of Communism in Cuba. The video also displays the many different opinions of Cubans towards their leader. Some believe in Castro while others want him out of the government (although they cannot openly state this because it could lead to time in prison). The mass emigration of Cubans from Cuba when Castro "opened the gates" explains how many Cubans disliked their native land. This documentary has really opened my eyes and allowed me to further understand what is occurring outside of my community. The conditions are really inhumane and I feel as though we should do all that we can to help the people of Cuba and other regions which are experiencing similar conditions.