Che Guevara
By Humberto (Bert) Corzo | cubanet.org
The saying “The fish die by the mouth” aptly describes those who speak more than necessary, eventually becoming ensnared by their own words. Can Che Guevara’s legendary reputation withstand the scrutiny of his own statements and actions? This article aims to demystify the figure of Che Guevara, presenting an unvarnished account based on his writings, diaries, speeches, and conversations with those who knew him intimately.
The Early Years
Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s early life was marked by behaviors that hinted at his later actions. Alberto Benegas Lynch, in “MY COUSIN THE CHE,” recounts that Guevara displayed sadistic tendencies from a young age, delighting in causing suffering to animals and exhibiting a morbid fascination with death. His friend Carlos “Calica” Ferrer reveals that Che had his first sexual encounter with a maid, facilitated by Ferrer’s family, and he continued to exploit women of lower social status throughout his youth. These early behaviors suggest a disregard for others’ dignity and a propensity for exploitation.
Carlos Figueroa, a friend from Guevara’s youth in Alta Gracia, Argentina, recounts the nickname “Fast Rooster” given to Che, referencing his habit of quickly engaging in sexual acts with maids and then resuming his meals as if nothing had happened. Such actions portray Guevara as someone who viewed women of lower social status merely as objects for his gratification.
Guevara showed little interest in politics during his student years, a stark contrast to his politically active peers. He admitted in a later letter that he had no social or political concerns in his adolescence, indicating a late start in his ideological development. His lack of engagement with the significant political events of his time, including the rise of Peronismo in Argentina, further underscores this detachment. His critical stance towards left-wing militants, whom he viewed as sectarian and inflexible, highlights an early skepticism towards political movements that would later be overshadowed by his revolutionary zeal.
Travels Through Latin America
Che’s travels through Latin America began to shape his revolutionary ideology. In his travel diary, “Notas de Viaje,” Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado falsely presented themselves as medical specialists to gain free accommodations. This deceit reflects his pragmatic approach to survival, often at the expense of honesty. His writings from this period also reveal his machismo and racism. In Chile, he noted that local women revered white men and described the local black population in derogatory terms, showcasing his discriminatory attitudes.
In a particularly telling entry, Guevara writes about his desire to stay on Easter Island, noting that the local women honor white men and that all work is done by women. His casual dismissal of his studies and obligations in favor of this hedonistic fantasy underscores a deeply ingrained machismo and a lack of respect for women.
Despite his purported medical studies, Che’s academic record is dubious. Enrique Ros, in “Che Guevara: His Questionable Medical Title,” suggests that Guevara’s rapid completion of his medical exams was improbable, and no photographic or testimonial evidence supports his graduation. This raises questions about the veracity of his medical credentials. Furthermore, his personal hygiene was notoriously poor, earning him the nickname “el chancho” (the pig) from his peers.
Che’s travel diaries also reveal a disturbing comfort with violence. In one entry, he describes his anticipation of engaging in combat and his excitement at the thought of slitting the throats of his enemies. This rhetoric of violence, combined with his developing revolutionary ideals, foreshadows the brutality he would later exhibit.
Revolutionary Actions in Cuba
Guevara’s actions during the Cuban Revolution were characterized by violence and a ruthless approach to dissent. In the Sierra Maestra, he executed suspected informants and deserters with little hesitation. His letters from this period, including one to his father, reveal a chilling enjoyment in killing, stating, “I really like killing.”
Following the revolution, Che was appointed head of La Cabaña fortress, where he presided over hundreds of executions without due process. His own words, broadcast on television, confirm his direct involvement in these executions. Accounts from former comrades and political prisoners describe Che’s brutal methods, including nighttime interrogations and summary executions. His leadership at La Cabaña was marked by a relentless pursuit of revolutionary justice, often at the expense of basic human rights.
The French writer Régis Debray, who spent time with Guevara, described him as a fanatic adherent of totalitarianism. Che’s unwavering commitment to Stalinist ideals, despite the growing evidence of Stalin’s atrocities, further highlights his dogmatic approach to Marxism. Guevara’s letters and diaries from this period reveal a man deeply committed to the idea of revolution, regardless of the human cost.
Exporting Revolution
Che’s revolutionary fervor extended beyond Cuba. He attempted to incite guerrilla movements throughout Latin America, but these efforts largely failed. Operations in Panama, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Venezuela ended in disaster, with many casualties and little impact. His ventures in Africa, particularly in the Congo, were similarly unsuccessful, marred by logistical failures and cultural misunderstandings.
Che’s efforts to export revolution were often marked by a lack of understanding and respect for the local populations he aimed to “liberate.” In the Congo, his disdain for the Congolese fighters and his racist attitudes towards them contributed to the failure of his mission. His writings from this period reflect frustration and disappointment at the inability of the local population to live up to his revolutionary ideals.
Ideological Extremism
Guevara’s speeches and writings reveal his unwavering commitment to Marxist-Leninist ideology and a willingness to employ extreme measures. In his “Message to the Tricontinental,” he advocated for relentless hatred and violence against the enemy, reflecting his belief in the necessity of armed struggle for achieving socialist regimes.
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Che supported a nuclear confrontation with the United States, showing a disregard for the potential annihilation of the Cuban people and much of humanity. His speeches at the United Nations further demonstrated his advocacy for revolutionary violence, a stance that alienated potential allies and deepened his ideological isolation. His statement, “Shooting people, yes, we have shot people and will continue to do so as long as it is necessary,” encapsulates his uncompromising and violent approach to revolution.
Che’s ideological extremism also manifested in his economic policies. As Minister of Industry, his efforts to industrialize Cuba failed disastrously, leading to economic decline and increased dependence on Soviet subsidies. His grandiose predictions of economic prosperity proved wildly inaccurate, and his policies contributed to the long-term economic struggles of Cuba.
Homophobia and Forced Labor Camps
Che’s establishment of forced labor camps for homosexuals, dissidents, and other “undesirables” in Cuba underscores his intolerance and cruelty. These camps, precursors to the later UMAP (Military Units to Aid Production), subjected inmates to harsh conditions and brutal treatment. His homophobic attitudes are evident in the slogan “The work will make you men,” displayed at the entrance of these camps.
The forced labor camps were designed to “re-educate” those deemed unfit for the revolutionary society Che envisioned. This included not only political dissidents but also individuals whose lifestyles did not conform to Guevara’s rigid moral code. The brutal treatment of inmates in these camps is a stark reminder of the human cost of his ideological purity.
Economic Mismanagement
As Minister of Industry, Guevara’s policies led to economic decline in Cuba. His efforts at industrialization failed, resulting in dependence on Soviet subsidies. His predictions of economic growth and prosperity proved disastrously inaccurate, contributing to Cuba’s long-term economic struggles.
Che’s economic mismanagement extended beyond industrialization. His belief in the “New Man” ideology, which prioritized collective over individual needs, led to inefficient and demoralizing economic policies. Workers were expected to sacrifice personal well-being for the revolutionary cause, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and economic stagnation.
Final Failure in Bolivia
Guevara’s final guerrilla campaign in Bolivia ended in his capture and execution. His diary from this period reflects his growing disillusionment with the lack of support from local peasants and the effectiveness of the Bolivian military. His capture and subsequent plea for his life, contradicting his earlier bravado, revealed his vulnerability.
In his final days, Che’s writings reflect a sense of betrayal and frustration. He felt abandoned by both the local population he sought to inspire and the international revolutionary movement he had helped to foster. His capture and execution were the culmination of a series of strategic and ideological missteps that had plagued his revolutionary career.
Continuing Debate
Che Guevara’s story continues to spark debate and controversy. While some view him as a symbol of resistance and revolutionary spirit, a closer examination of his actions and writings reveals a figure driven by ideological fanaticism, willing to employ violence and repression to achieve his goals. His failures in both economic management and guerrilla warfare, along with his brutal methods, paint a more nuanced and troubling picture of the man behind the myth.
The glorification of Che Guevara by many leftist movements contrasts sharply with the accounts of those who suffered under his rule. Former comrades and political prisoners alike describe a man who was willing to employ any means necessary to achieve his goals, including torture and execution.
Conclusion
Che Guevara’s life and actions continue to inspire both a rare admiration and also condemnation. While some view him as a symbol of resistance and revolutionary spirit, a closer examination of his actions and writings reveals a figure driven by ideological fanaticism, willing to employ violence and repression to achieve his goals. His failures in both economic management and guerrilla warfare, along with his brutal methods, paint a more nuanced and troubling picture of the man behind the myth.
By presenting this summarized account of Che Guevara’s life, this article aims to foster a deeper understanding of his complex nature, challenging the simplistic hero-worship that often surrounds his image. Through a thorough examination of his actions, writings, and the testimonies of those who knew him, we can gain a more comprehensive and realistic view of this figure. Che Guevara’s story is a cautionary tale of the dangers of ideological extremism and the human cost of revolutionary zeal.
For further details, read the full article in English on cubanet.org.