Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro is a man known around the world. He is seen as an icon to many, as well as a reckless buffoon to others. His reigning leadership as Cuba’s president lasted 32 years, but how have his actions expressed his character? In other words, why is Castro an absolute hero or a total villain for so many people? Classifying whether he is a hero or a villain comes from a person’s perspective and differs from one another. Obviously, from a Cuban citizen who believes in Cuban identity and nationalism, Castro is seen as one of the greatest heroes next to Jose Marti, a national icon of Cuba. From an American perspective, Fidel is seen as a communist villain who should not remain in power. Clearly Castro has made decisions that show his villainous ways to some as well as his heroic traditions to others. Fidel Castro led the Attack on the Moncada Barracks, one of the biggest failures of attempting to overthrow Fulgencio Batista, the former American liked dictator of Cuba. The attack was unorganized and very amateur showing that Castro was too anxious and eager to be a successful leader, but it illustrated his daringness and made Cuban’s view Castro and his men as national heroes since most of the Cuban population was fed up with Batista and this was one of the first acts of revolution. This attack helped Fidel in Cuba, but in America the attack was seen as a villainous act. Since America supported Batista and his policies, Fidel Castro became noticed as an evil revolutionist in the states. Fidel’s consequence of 15 years in prison came after one of his greatest speeches voiced in Cuba titled “History will Absolve Me.” In Castro’s speech, he relates himself to Jose Marti and gains more support from the Cuban citizens. Since most Cuban’s wanted change and a new government, support of revolutionary groups grew. While Castro was incarcerated on the Isle of Pines, the prison unintentionally turned into a “school” of revolution. Castro befriended other rebels and became