004. eyes & ears
Updated: Jan 12, 2021
In this episode, Carmen & Fryda go into what it's like living in authoritarian Cuba. We explore the role that various organizations and institutions play in the daily lives of Cubans and how neighborhood based social surveillance incentivize snitching (known by Cubans as "chibaterismo") and create an atmosphere of distrust.
Below are organizations we mention in this episode, their logo, the year they were established, their english translation, a link to the Cuban state's encyclopedia (ecured.cu) article on official role of the institution, and an article offering a more critical perspective of the role of the institution.
Comite de la Defensa de la Revolucion (CDR)
established in 1960
Committee for the Defense of the Revolution
Huffpost article (2012)
Milicias de Tropas Territoriales (MTT)
established in the 1980s
Territorial Troop Militias
Washington Post article (1985)
La Defensa Civil
established in 1962
The Civil Defense
Brigadas de Respuesta Rapida
established in the 1990s
Rapid Response Brigades
Diario de Cuba article (2020)
Organización de Pioneros de José Martí (Pioneros)
established in 1961
José Martí Pioneers (Pioneers)
The Atlantic article (2015)
Unión de Jóvenes Comunistas (La Juventud)
established in 1965
Young Communist League, or The Youth
Cubanet opinion piece (2020)
Partido Comunista de Cuba (PCC)
established in 1923, then 1965
Cuban Communist Party