In essays addressing topics ranging from cinema, feminism, and art to hip hop, urban slums, and digital technology, Sujatha Fernandes explores the multitudinous ways ordinary Cubans have sought to hustle, survive, and create expressive cultures in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse.
Cuban artists have increasingly critiqued government policies through various forms of expression, such as film, rap, and visual arts, addressing issues like bureaucracy and discrimination. This vibrant artistic landscape challenges the perception of Cuba as solely repressive. Sujatha Fernandes, a scholar and musician with experience in Cuba, explores how these creative outlets coexist with the country’s authoritarian cultural framework, offering insights into the complexities of artistic freedom in contemporary Cuba.
The ethnography delves into the social movements within Caracas' barrios, highlighting their historical evolution from guerrilla insurgency and cultural resistance to contemporary struggles for social and economic justice. Fernandes interlaces personal narratives of barrio residents with the political landscape shaped by Hugo Chávez's presidency. The work emphasizes the dynamic interplay between governmental policies and grassroots activism, illustrating how local histories and organizational efforts influence Venezuela's transformative political climate.
Exploring the global impact of hip hop culture, the book blends memoir and social history as the author shares her experiences from Australia to Detroit and beyond. It delves into key elements like rapping, beat making, and graffiti, showcasing how these art forms evolved with local cultures and languages. Through personal narratives, it highlights the search for solidarity across borders and examines the diverse histories and challenges hip hop faced while forging powerful political alliances through music.
Curated storytelling -- Charting the storytelling turn -- Stories and statecraft: why counting on apathy might not be enough -- Out of the home, into the house: how storytelling at the legislature can narrow movement goals -- Sticking to the script: the battle over representations -- Rumbas in the barrio: personal lives in a collectivist project