Figure 1.--Baseball is very popular in Cuba as it is in several other Caribbean countries. These boys are well kitted out because the governmrnt support youth leage has provided uniforms and gloves. The team has not, however, provided baseball shoes. Cuba is one of the few countries in Latin Americ where sneakers are not widely worn by young people. These children have shoes for school, but probably do not wear them for baseball because they are not suitable and would damage them. This photo was taken in Remedios in January 2007. Notice the empty street. You would not think it was a city street e;lsewhere in Latin America.

We have developed a basic history of Cuba. We do not have much informstion on boys' clpthing until the 20th century. We note many Cuban boys in the late 19th century wearing the kind of white shirt and pants common throughout the Spanish speaking Caribbean and Mexico. More afflient boys in the cities wore Spanish styled clothing. After independence, the United states was more of a fashion influence, we even see boys wearing knickers. Baseball was another American influence. Under Spain, Cuba was an economic and social backwater. After independence, Cuba made a great deal of economic progress, fueled in part through American investment and trade. Cuba developed one of the most prosperous middle classes in Latin America. Percapita income was very high by Latin American standards--something Cuban authorities do not like to mention. While high, income was unevely distributed. Rural agricultural labor, often of African discent, did not participate in Cuba's prosperity. As a result of the prosperity, we note images of quite well dressed Cuban childrem especially in the cities. This changed after Castro seized power (1959). The Revolution reduced the disparities in Cuban society, essentially by majing everyone poor. Percapita incomes today are among the lowest in Latin America. The poverty in Cuba since the Revolution has significantly affected fashion and clothing as a result of the very limited buying power of the average Cuban. Clothing is rationed. Cuba is the only contry in Latin America which rations clothing and food. While few Cubans can aford to dress fashionably, it is notavle that you do not see Cuban children dressed in rags. Few Cuban parents can afford to dress themselves or their children well. The Government intoduced uniforms for Cuban schoolwear. The Government makes sure that every Cuban child receives school uniform items, including shoes. Sports are very popular in Cuba, especially baseball.

Created: 9:50 AM 5/7/2008
Last updated: 9:50 AM 5/7/2008