Hollywood (Jan - Mar 1943)

American Way ■ Outstanding in the North American way of life is the freedom which women have attained. Having been raised where women are almost cloistered, there is something wonderful about the American girls. They stand on their own feet. They think, actively and concretely. They have a right to pursue a career if they want it. They are not constantly surrounded by chaperones, hemmed in, protected. This freedom is magnificent. I wholly approve of it. To prove that point. I married a career woman, Lucille Ball. Then, there is the American sense of humor. Cubans are an amusing people, of course, but at the same time, they are apt to take themselves and the world too seriously. The American sense of humor is more than just a thing of gags. It is a light way of living, a way which makes life much easier for everyone. Americans look at the brighter side of everything — even the war, though they fight it to the last breath. It helps them to do so. If you don't believe me, think back to the jokes which were circulated through the ranks at Bataan, and which buoyed up the spirits of the men. Third, there is American team-work, whether it be displayed in a swing band, a football game, or the war effort. This, it seems to me, is bred into the people of the United States. In a football game, for instance, a man willingly plays guard all year, knowing he is doing the dirty work and will never get the glory, because the result is more important to him than having his name in headlines. In the war effort, thousands upon thousands of nameless men and women work together for a common cause, displaying the unity which is America's heritage. Fourth, there is a greater opportunity for the common man to get an education in America. It was only recently that Cuba organized public schools in the rural districts, so that the laboring man would have a chance to learn. In America, the rural school has always flourished, even in the days of the pioneers. Fifth benefit on the American side, is the lack of class distinction in this country. This touches on education again, of course, but it also provides for anyone who wants to get ahead to do so. I remember telling my father that when I first came to this country. He said to me, "How can you be a musician? What will people think," I replied that this was America, that anyone who worked here was as good as anyone else. In Cuba there are really only two classes — the very rich and the very poor. If you are not "in," it is a monumental task to make something of yourself. It is only recently that the picture began to change. With education all Cubans will have the same advantages and the same right to pursue their ambitions, as they do in America. 44 Desi Arnaz compares ihe North American and Cuban ways of life lo help the people of both countries understand one another. He's in The JSavy Comes Through As (old lo KATE IIOLLIDAY Desi Arnai is by birth and breeding a Cuban. He was brought up in the strict social atmosphere of a LatinAmerican country, absorbing its traditions and conventions. At sixteen he came to the United States, finished his education, and began to absorb another set of values. Because he has incorporated both the American and the Cuban outlook into his way of living, Desi Arnaz is well qualified to speak about the advantages of both countries. — The Editor. Speaks On Xlie | Cuban Way ■ First, I believe that Cubans on the whole are more sensitive than Americans. This goes both for business and for personal relationships. They see the other man's point of view. They are not so apt to ride rough-shod over their competitors as Americans, to get to the top through sheer will-power, regardless of what they do to their fellowmen. They are also more emotional. They do not live as lightly as North Americans, but, at the same time, they see a lot of things which can not be seen from the humorous point of view. Tenderness, simplicity, kindness. When they know someone well, they have little reserve. They love enough to hate, if necessary. They hate enough to murder. They are reserved on the surface, perhaps, but hot-blooded beneath. (Yes, what you have heard about the "fiery Latins" is, to some extent, true!) Along the same line, they are loyal, particularly where their families are concerned. They like to be with their relatives, see them often, know what they are doing. My father, for instance, saw his mother at least ten minutes every day, even after he was married and lived away from her. His house was built directly across the street from hers. That was the Latin way. Second, I believe that Cubans in the mass appreciate the arts more than the masses of Americans. They love music from birth. Nearly everyone on the island can sing and play the guitar. But, they don't love only popular music or painting. They like the more serious types of art. Even the uneducated will sit for hours listening to a symphony on the radio and luxuriate in it. Third, I believe Cubans know more about America than Americans know about Cuba. This is true, I think, of all the Latin-American peoples. Perhaps the reason is partly economic, but Cubans have taken the trouble to know their neighbors. English is a compulsory subject in their schools. American politics are closely watched. American customs sweep Cuba. American music is played. In this country, however, I have had people ask me, "Is Cuba part of the United States?" The question is amazing to me, especially when I remember that the Spanish-American War was fought by Americans to gain Cuban independence! And, fourth, Cubans live more slowly than Americans. Here, if you don't rush, you lose out. There, life is leisurely, charming. There is time for everything. Manana truly never comes. But in one respect there is no difference between the people of Cuba and the United States. They are both devoted to freedom and will fight to the last breath against any oppression that threatens them. H