Why Is Fidel Castro A Tyranny Government

Ms. Harvey
Honors English II
March 14, 2010

Fidel Castro and the Dangers of Tyrannical Governments
Over the course of history it has been the fate of many nations to fall under the rule of tyrannical governments. Tyrannical governments are one of the biggest threats to human rights. There are a few forms of governments which can be considered “tyrannical”, one of which would be communism. One country that is a prime example of a nation denying their people of their basic human rights due to their oppressive government if Cuba, whose leader is Fidel Castro.
One major form of a tyrannical government today would be communist governments. Communism by definition is “a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls
state-owned means of production”, according to Merriam Webster.
Communism is ideologically seen as a means of creating a classless, completely equal social order. In theory, it sounds wonderful, however when put into practice it turns into tyranny. There are only five countries that have openly admitted to being communist, currently Cuba being the first and only in the Western hemisphere. “The Communist Party is constitutionally recognized as Cuba’s only legal political party”. () The leader of the nation of Cuba is Fidel Castro. Castro was born on August 13, 1926. He grew up in a wealthy family and was given many educational opportunities. He was said to be a very gifted child both intellectually and physically. (www.biography.com/people/fidel-castro-92414487 Fidel Castro Biography, 2012 ) As he grew older he became increasingly passionate about “social justice”. Ironically, becoming a vagrant tyrant. “( _____ )”Castro was seen by many, especially women, as a Christ-like figure, the pure one descending from the mountains to clean away the dirt and corruption of the cities.” (_____)
This is a very clear indication of his own corruption. He manipulated the public, as most dictators do, into believe he was a benevolent savior of sorts. Initially he approached the people claiming intentions of being a liberator. Castro was a brilliant speaker, allowing him to become easily very popular with the Cuban people, helping him to gain control rapidly. Fidel Castro does not fully fit into any clear diagnostic category however aspects of his personality suggest narcissistic traits from a core aspect of his personality. (_____) Narcissistic people portray a superiority complex which they tend to feel the need to inflect on other people, which is exactly what Castro did. (____) Using his eloquent speaking skills he persuades the people that he was a wonderful man worthy of ruling. One early indication of Fidel Castro being a dictator is that before coming into power, he never once stood in any actual election. He broke his promise to the people of holding free elections, claiming that the national unity created would be destroyed by competing political parties in an election. (____) All political opposition was ruthlessly crushed. Once in power Castro was able to exercise control over all aspects of the Cuban people’s lives.
President Castro personally chose all the members of the select group of people who head the communist party of Cuba he was able to exert even further control. (_____) He would obviously choose members who had the same political interest as himself. There was no chance of any political opposition. The social justice which he was originally promising his people was precisely what he was denying them. “Due process is routinely denied to Cuban citizens , particularly in cases involving political offenses. The constitution states that all legally recognized civil liberties can be denied to anyone who opposes the “decision of the Cuban people to build Socialism”. (_____) The communist party controls all political offices including judicial offices, which ensures that Castro’s ideals are continued to be in the forefront even when justice should come first. Therefore, the people are denied any kind of actual justice. Castro also exercised extreme control over the economy as well. He proved to be an extremely inept economical leader. He sent his country into an economic collapse which resulted in shortages of basic food goods and increasingly harsh rationing restrictions. Including a nine ounces of meat per month ration. The recklessness of Fidel and lack of concern for the well-being of his people is exemplified in this.
Fidel Castro is a prime example of a 20th century dictator. He never referred to himself as such, as most dictators do not, typically referring themselves as prime minister or president, hence his title “President” Castro. But how he wielded his power is what characterized him as a dictator. Fidel had a detrimental effect on the people of Cuba, he created a nation of people who were prisoners in their own country. Ultimately, Fidel Castro crushed the human spirit of Cuba, stripping them of many basic human rights and oppressing them harshly.