Renowned Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac has decided to step away from political commentary on social media after years of publicly criticizing the country's economic, social, and moral conditions. In a recent Facebook post, Toirac revealed his frustration with the widespread indifference and lack of accountability for the injustices he has repeatedly highlighted and for which he has faced censorship.
"Trying to raise awareness about the situation in Cuba is like plowing in the desert," he wrote. "All it does is put a target on my back for being honest and speaking my mind."
The May Day Paradox
Toirac's reflections focused on his experiences during the May Day parade, where he observed the stark contrast between the genuine dissatisfaction of many Cubans and the public display of enthusiasm, often motivated by fear of repercussions or sheer necessity. According to the comedian, this ambiguous behavior only serves to bolster the official narrative, which interprets the crowds as genuine support for the regime.
Censored and Silenced
The comedian also noted that since September 2023, he has been subjected to subtle yet effective censorship by the Ministry of Culture, which, he alleges, pressures organizers to avoid hiring him, thus preventing him from practicing his craft and earning a living. "They won't let me work precisely because of my critical stance," he stated.
In his message, Toirac announced that he would cease publishing political analyses but would continue to write humor "with different objectives." With a bitter tone, he concluded, "There's no fixing this, my friend... and I'm stepping away from the mechanics' workshop!"
A Respected Voice Silenced
Ulises Toirac, known for his sharp wit and commitment to truth, has been one of the strongest voices in Cuba's cultural sector, speaking out against prevailing misery, state authoritarianism, and institutional hypocrisy. His withdrawal from the public critical scene is seen by many as a significant loss in the Cuban social debate, at a time when silence and fear seem to be taking hold once again.
Ulises Toirac's Departure from Political Commentary
Why did Ulises Toirac decide to stop commenting on politics?
Ulises Toirac decided to step back from political commentary due to frustration over the collective indifference and the lack of consequences for the injustices he has pointed out, as well as the personal risk involved in being outspoken.
How has the Ministry of Culture affected Toirac's career?
Since September 2023, the Ministry of Culture has allegedly engaged in subtle censorship by pressuring organizers not to hire Toirac, thereby obstructing his ability to work and earn a living.
What is the significance of Toirac's withdrawal from public critique?
Toirac's withdrawal is viewed as a significant loss in the Cuban social debate, as he has been a prominent voice critiquing the regime's authoritarian practices and societal issues.