I just returned from two weeks in Cuba, where I took a deep dive into their culture, thanks to the expertise of the fine people associated with the Martin Luther King Center in Havana. Without wading into the complexity of Cuba’s political situation and our equally complex role in it, I’d like to point out something compelling that I noticed about the role of inspiration
On highway billboards, on murals in Havana’s Centro and Old Town, and on posters in medical clinics and universities, there were quotes, slogans and inspiring messages. These messages were from political leaders past and present, government agencies and street artists. It took a while to realize that not only were there no, that means zero, advertisements, as capitalism/privatization is a fledgling concept there, there was a strongly ingrained belief that leaders have a role to inspire and direct thought in a positive way and local artist pick up the call. The contrast to our fight for attention by fear mongering and denigrating people was poignant and depressing.
As an outside observer, I’d like to illustrate some of the ways they use positive messages and images to influence the mindset of Cuban people. The cover photo is an example – street art everywhere shows the integrity and beauty of the people. There might be something we can learn here.
INTELLIGENCE IS ASSUMED
One of my favorite posters, seen in a Havana health clinic in our area, was a young couple holding hands, looking lovingly into each other’s eyes. The title said this: “Conjugate the verb to protect”. It went on to say free contraceptives are offered. Now isn’t that the most sophisticated birth control ad you can imagine? It assumes that everyone knows how to conjugate a verb and would get the subtly of the message.
No threats or messages about the problems of teen pregnancy – just a reminder that everyone has a responsibility to protect one another. No dumbing the message down to below 6th grade – the goal is to raise people up, not insult them.
We were impressed to recognize that with free education through college, all people are assumed to intelligent and intellectual.
LEADERS ADVERTISE THEIR INTENTION TO INSPIRE
On a billboard in Havana, a quote from the current mayor, del Atleta, says that his intention is to “inspire”. This isn’t loose verbiage. The legacy of the revolutionary leaders set a template of advanced high-minded thinking to forge a very different path, moving people out of colonialism and dictatorship to a socialist/communist state. It meant giving people high minded ideals to hold on to, especially as the falling economy made their life more difficult.
Despite the very real economic problems in Cuba, people are loving, gracious and generous toward each other. Crime is low. Pride in their accomplishments is their legacy – not shame. The creative problem solving to advance arts, music, medicine and agriculture despite their lack of resources was inspiriting
Even in deep poverty, inspiration provides positive collaboration and a resourceful mindset.
SOCIAL JUSTICE CHANGES ARE CREATED THROUGH MOTIVATION RATHER THAN THREAT
Another billboard on the highway was a commentary about domestic violence, saying “You are Valued”. It was another sophisticated message that raises people up, rather than instilling fear, shame and silence on victims and perpetrators as well. What a powerful message to communicate, without the harsh crime and punishment perspectives.
An ad campaign we’d heard about and saw evidence of was one to promote acceptance of homosexuality. This comes as a fall out from the revolution’s rhetoric that only real men (not gay men) could be a revolutionary. To correct this negative perception and resulting prejudice, the government has launched campaigns to reshape people’s attitudes toward acceptance of LGBT rights. We saw ads on TV with both men and women talking openly about their same sex preferences – done in a compassionate and beguiling manner. We saw posters in clinics that urged compassion and acceptance for everyone’s sexual preferences.
The positive intention to create social changes were evident in clear positive messages. No mixed messages.
CREATING COMMONALITY THROUGH INSPIRATION
We went to a beautiful public park. There was a large billboard with a quote from Castro that I assumed had something to do with him and his legacy. It was the only one I saw of it’s magnitude. No, It said this:
May human life be preserved
That children and young people
Enjoy it in a world of justice (peace)
That parents and grandparents
Share with them the privilege of living
Yes, in this park, children, parents and grandparents were enjoying their time together, on rides, having picnics, enjoying life. They were the living models, a reminder to love the privilege of your life. It was humbling.
Despite the poverty and the evidence of life being difficult since the US embargo, Cubans continue to raise each other up with messages of inspiration, collaboration and creativity. There is a deeper engagement between people, a thoughtfulness and helpfulness. Our host, who was being paid to house and feed us, was continually sharing the left over meals, since our presence offered a wealth of food they don’t often have. The lack of competition among people creates a very different collaborative and resourceful mindset.
How does this resonate with you? Are you lifting up the people in your life, offering positivity and opportunity to collaborate? It creates closer, more trusting interactions, reducing paranoia and aggressive competitiveness. If you’d like to figure out ways to increase this in your personal or professional life, my Transformational Life Coaching can help. Go to my website www.spectrumtransformation,com for more information. Be sure to use my Free Consultation button if you’d like to talk.
