The Function and Scope of La Resistencia for Cubans
Previously, Cuban cigar makers could rely on the patronage system established by Martinez Ybor. Still, now the majority of production is under the control of American corporations, which impose their own solutions. For example, they required workers to use only a certain amount of tobacco when making cigarettes. All workers were subjected to a rationalization regime with little regard for their personal circumstances.
Workers banded together to protest these working conditions, resulting in the formation of La Resistencia (Pérez, 1978, p. 138). Cuban workers banded together and demanded better working conditions, and because factory owners could ignore workers’ requests or dissatisfaction, such strikes occurred more frequently to draw attention. This is similar to La Resistencia and the struggle of Afro-Cubans in that both groups of people had to give in to something. In the case of the Afro-Americans, they sacrificed part of their culture to join the Afro-Cubans.
La Resistencia gradually demanded independence and a monopoly in cigarette production, but, in an attempt to maintain their individuality, Cuba lost production entirely, as many workers returned to Cuba and found themselves unemployed. At the same time, American companies employed the remaining workers. To understand the scope of La Resistencia, one must consider how many workers were involved, which, according to the data, was “some 5,000 cigar workers to the streets” (Pérez, 1978, p. 138). It was a serious threat, and, unsurprisingly, the workers’ demands were met.
Although many workers did not succeed as they had hoped, it was unquestionably an act of defiance against the Spanish invaders, who saw themselves as the only ones capable of producing cigarettes and frequently placed their own workers in the best jobs. This segregation occurred at all levels of production, including among the immigrants themselves. Perhaps the memory of this struggle influenced Afro-Cubans later in life, making many people aware of the injustices perpetrated against African Americans.
Comparison to the Struggle of Afro-Cubans in Tampa’s Immigrant Community
Although La Resistencia was primarily a workers’ revolt, it was ultimately an attempt to preserve their culture and customs, in which, in addition to constant worker control, there is a system of normal worker treatment that is essentially respectful, and in which every person is valued. African Americans, on the other hand, had to fight against segregation not only in the workplace but also throughout the community.
Many people lived on the outskirts of the city in ruins, which reflected how African Americans were treated (Finkle, 2012, p. 27). However, Afro-Cubans rapidly established close contact with them, bringing families together. Afro-Cubans helped Afro-Americans achieve equality. It’s possible that the Cuban workers would have had little chance if their struggle hadn’t been primarily separatist.
In general, the Afro-Cuban struggle is similar to La Resistencia’s in that a group of people banded together when threatened with oppression or extermination to demand fundamental change. Racism was commonplace back then, but people eventually realized they wanted to see change in their community. Equal treatment can only be achieved when a group of people is united not only by problems but also by shared values.
African Americans did not perceive it that way, whereas Afro-Cubans did and understood it. Fighting for civil rights in racist cities with their own culture was difficult enough, but sometimes giving in is necessary to get things done. Their culture became a fusion of two cultures. Still, they also gained equality and recognition, much like Cubans who fought for workers’ rights and lost their cigar production monopoly, because every struggle has a cost.
References
Finkle, G. (2012). African Americans in Ybor: Minorities of the Latin City. (Honors Thesis).
Pérez, L. A. Jr. (1978). Cubans in Tampa: From Exiles to Immigrants, 1892-1901. The Florida Historical Quarterly, 57(2), 129-140.