The lack of gasoline means that government journalists cannot drive around to research their stories. Consequently, because newspapers fail to cover important stories, readers distrust the government's information sources more than ever. The paper shortage also means fewer and fewer stories appear in the newspapers, creating a heightened belief that the bad news is being ignored. Furthermore, lack of space in the print media means that the people can no longer write letters to the editor. Media programming that is produced almost entirely excludes young people, further discouraging the next generation of Cubans.
Young people are extremely attracted to American popular culture.
They listen to the Miami radio stations, trade tape music cassettes that are smuggled into the country by expatriate Cubans, and watch MTV and other satellite programs that can easily be received on the island. Women work harder than ever to keep the family together under the current conditions. Their dual roles as workers and mothers become very difficult to manage. One female university professor I spoke with, for instance, told me that she has to crush white rice and mix it with water in order to make a kind of simple shampoo for her family. That, in fact, is what they will tell you.