<p>The World Conference Against Racism was held this year in South Africawith the Americans not in attendence. African nations have asked for Western countries to apologize for the destruction caused by colonialism and slavery. In a rousing speech frequently interrupted by applause, Fidel Castro called directly on the United States to pay reparations for slavery, saying "After the purely formal slavery emancipation, African-Americans were subjected during 100 more years to the harshest racial discrimination, and many of its features still persist." </p>
<p>Incidently, how does the American propaganda machine portray Castro? As a communist in charge of tyrannical regime, of course. Remember the regime headed by General Bastista during the 1959 Cuban Revolution? That brutally repressive autocracy was the one that the United States supported. Why? Because that regime was a comprador government that left Cuba wide open to U.S. capitalistic penetration. </p>
<p>I am writing a paper on the effect of Modern AMerican Propaganda.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Fidel is somewhat oppressive. US propaganda about him contains much BS, but Cuba under Fidel is far from free. Any dictator can make speeches about racism but dissent and democracy don't exactly define Cuba. Basically, what I'm saying is that I think you can criticize Fidel AND criticize American propaganda.</p>
<p>Well, what about the african tribes that sold their rival tribes into slavery? There's plenty of blame to go around. Likewise, western countries could ask Africa to apologize for not making more efforts to contain the AIDS epidemic in its earliest stages, but I don't think Africa should. Why not focus on the racism of today rather than the racism of 200 years ago? I know they are connected, but anti-semitism has been going on for centries too. Where's the international outrages there?</p>
<p>It's interesting what you say because I just read an article about Castro's oppression in the Times last week. Of course, Americans are pratically bred to despise him and to reject communism altogether. (terrorism is fast replacing this, don't you think?) </p>
<p>And, I also think America does what is in its best interest, and this can be a sticky issue for us. For instance, take the whole oil issue. The need for Oil in the 21st century has created an interesting world stage. For instance, Iran, as a supplier, has grown in obvious influence in the Mid-East and with Russia, and this make the U.S. nervous. Because we rely on Iran for oil, it is important for us to remain in contact with them...well I'm too tired to think right now. Good bye.</p>
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Of course, Americans are pratically bred to despise him and to reject communism altogether.
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<p>Well, so far the US has a lot better track record than communism.</p>
<p>And actually, the US recieves no oil from Iran due to embargos. We'd far rather get it from Canada, Alaska, Russia, and even Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>I really never got the whole "apologize for people's actions in the past who lived in the same place as you do!" argument. The people that caused the problems and the people that were affected by the problems are dead and gone, and the people alive today had nothing to do with those decisions. Why apologize for something that you didn't do and had no control over?</p>
<p>actually racism is not dead and gone. i agree we shouldn't have to apologize for slavery, but at least be aware.</p>
<p>I'm Italian American. Should I apologize for Capone?</p>