Ståle Wig: 'In Cuba, There Is Much Uncertainty and Above All Despair'

As readers of La Nación, we are presented with a compelling ethnographic study of Cuba through the eyes of Norwegian anthropologist Ståle Wig. His decision to immerse himself in the island's daily life, not as a detached observer but as a working taxi driver, offers a raw and unfiltered perspective on a nation often romanticized or misunderstood.

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En Cuba hay mucha incertidumbre y sobre todo desesperación

Wig's project, culminating in his book 'Havana Taxi,' delves into the realities of a society 'frozen in time,' characterized by dilapidated infrastructure and a 'decadent system.' His journey from a European academic environment, where he was not one to blindly admire revolutionary figures, to experiencing firsthand the complexities of Fidel Castro's legacy is particularly striking. Coming from Norway, a country that harmonizes state and market for societal well-being, Wig's nuanced stance against both 'savage capitalism' and 'failed communism' provides a critical lens through which to view Cuba's situation.

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no era de los que se ponen la camiseta del Che

His firsthand account of Cuba, where hospitals lack doctors and schools lack teachers, and where dissent is met with severe punishment, paints a stark picture. The government's continued adherence to the symbols of revolution, despite the evident decay, is a central theme. Wig's experience as a taxi owner, grappling with a vehicle that constantly breaks down, serves as a powerful metaphor for the struggles of the Cuban people and the pervasive bureaucracy he encountered.

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del capitalismo salvaje ni del comunismo fracasado

This narrative is particularly relevant from an Argentine perspective, given our own complex history with political and economic systems. Wig's observations about the disconnect between revolutionary ideals and lived reality in Cuba offer valuable insights. His work reminds us that understanding a nation requires more than just political analysis; it demands an intimate look at the lives of its people, their conversations, and their daily struggles for survival within a system that often seems to have lost its way. The contrast between Wig's native Norway and the Cuba he experienced underscores the diverse paths nations take and the critical importance of empirical, ground-level research.

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Todos saben que en los taxis se conversa, entonces, en primer lugar, me interesaba lo que iba a pasar dentro del carro, de las conversaciones.