Answer TWO (2) essay questions. Answer each part of the question. Incorporate evidence from the assigned readings (at least 3 citations for EACH essay) as well as your own critical analysis and interpretation into your answer for the question. EACH ESSAY should be at least three (3) pages and no more than four (4) pages in length. All essays must be typed, double spaced, and 12 pt. Times New Roman font. Citations must be done in parentheses after the referenced text and must include the author and page number. For example (Krauze 54). Only use course readings for the essay. No outside books, articles, or other materials. You can use one quote for each reading and explain why it is important.
1. José Martí and his ideas are considered by most Cubans to be the foundation of the modern Cuban nation. Explain Martí’s concept of Cuban nationalism. How were Cubans of all racial, ethnic, and political backgrounds able to interpret Martí’s vision? Based on your interpretation of the readings, what role (if any) did Martí play in fostering conflicting notions of Cuban national identity among the masses?
2. The noted Dominican scholar Silvio Torres – Saillant describes the Dominican Republic as the “cradle of blackness in the Americas.” Despite this claim, the country struggles with what the author notes as “Negrophobia” (anti-Blackness) at every level of society. In your essay, explain this paradox. How is it possible to be both the cradle of Blackness and anti-Black? What role did the nation’s history play in the development of such strong views around race?
