The Power of Cartoons 5 - Ares from Cuba
March 8, 2013
This series was produced in a partnership with Dutch magazine Nieuwe Liefde. Eight of our cartoonists talk about cartoons that were controversial or that got them in trouble. The interviews run in the March issue of Nieuwe Liefde magazine, and will be published in English here on the blog. The interviews were conducted by Julia Ploum. Today's cartoonist: Aristides Hernandez (Ares) from Cuba
Aristides Hernandes (Ares) is a world famous cartoonist from Cuba. Cuba was number nine in the top ten of most censoring countries that the Committee to Protect Journalists composes every year.
What inspired you to make this cartoon and what were the consequences?
‘The inspiration for this cartoon was the spread ‘information’ about war, war technology and war victories, while war crimes are scarcely mentioned, even kept secret for the public.’
In which ways is freedom of press restricted in your country?
‘In Cuba, social organizations – like workers unions, the communist young league, communist party, artist union, young artist association and the Cuban women federation – are the owners of the mass media. All those organizations agree with the government political lines. You can find criticism in Cuban media, but you can´t find articles against the revolution and his leaders.’
How, in your opinion, can cartoons contribute to greater freedom?
‘Information received with images and humour makes the reception by the public easier. A cartoon can say many things with a simple image without actually saying the message. I feel that is a very strong way to contribute to all ways of freedom.’
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