In a surprising move, President Obama announced Wednesday that the United States would resume full diplomatic relations with Cuba. Many praised President Obama’s decision to ease travel restrictions between the two countries and negotiate an end to the decades-old American embargo. Others, including Cuban-American Senators Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) and Robert Menendez (D., N.J.), were outraged, as were many former prisoners of the Castro regime.
They weren’t alone. A number of self-important hipsters were dismayed that the Cuban embargo, which is often described as economically "crippling," might soon be lifted. The sudden infusion of capitalism, they fretted, may rob the authoritarian nation of its rustic charm.
I gotta get to Cuba quick. Before McDonalds and Starbucks ruin it. — sarah maclean (@sarahmaclean) December 17, 2014
I need to go to Cuba before WalMart and McDonalds ruin it. — Tom Matzzie (@tommatzzie) December 17, 2014
Fox News anchor Shepard Smith expressed concern that economic openness would "ruin" Cuba with Taco Bells and Lowe's Home Improvement stores.
Exactly. Suppose the Cuban government were to suddenly release more of its political prisoners. Havana's Wal-Marts may suddenly become overcrowded. ¡Que horrible! (Context: Cuba's record on human rights is abysmal.)
The announcement was of particular annoyance to those gritty gadabouts who have already visited Cuba—you know, before it was cool.
Cuba: visit now before McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks et al move in. It's a unique place — Jonathan Eley (@JonathanEley) December 17, 2014
I'm very glad I was able to visit Cuba several times before US tourists try to turn it into Cancun — jeremy scahill (@jeremyscahill) December 17, 2014
Years from now, when they casually mention their youthful visits to Cuba to a new acquaintance or love interest, the edginess will have worn off. "Oh, that's kind of cool," the acquaintance might respond, "but have you been to Raqqa or Pyongyang?"
The decline in social status will be devastating for these discerning hipsters. Perhaps they can find some small comfort in whatever artsy commune (Nuevo Brooklyn perhaps?) that hosts the first wave of ex-pat gentrification in Havana. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be kickin' it at Sandals Guantanamo Bay. 