Despite the embargo, they seem to like and admire Americans. Even after almost five decades of isolation, American influence is still very present on the island. Many Cubans have relatives living in the United States. Revolutionary slogans are commonly seen on large cartoon-painted billboards. There is only one newspaper available due to the lack of newsprint.
Television is state-owned.
Most Cubans we will encounter, especially University professors and government officials, have to be officially in favor of the system, but many are sincerely committed to socialism in Cuba. The seminar includes themes that will call into question actions on both sides of the U.S.-Cuban debate. It is intended to encourage critical thinking and individual judgment. Formal and informal discussions during our stay in Cuba, as well as written assignments for those participants seeking academic credit, will give further expression to student reasoning. As part of the orientation process, participants will be warned not to try to convert people they encounter in Cuba, engage in frontal arguments, take or distribute drugs, sell anything, or distribute books of a distinctly political or religious nature.