Tom Miller, author of The Panama Hat Trail, recently visited UT to discuss his work and insight on his travel in Cuba.
“Tom Miller has succeeded where so many other North American writers have failed in trying to portray the other America to our south,” Dr. James Lopez said.
Miller discussed the culture, religion, economy and politics of Cuba during his visit.
“I though the symposia was very interesting, I learned a lot about Cuba and what he said makes me want to know more about their culture and lifestyles,” said student Lucas McClain.
Miller described his methodology during travel.
“Wherever I travel, I travel under the radar because the best things can be observed when it is thought that no one is looking,” he explained.
In his discussion he explained that his goal was to write about ordinary life rather than extraordinary life.
No book had been written in the English language on the impressions of Cuba in over 3 decades.
Miller said that he spoke with a gentleman who was a believer in God and because of that belief the man said he was unable to get a job.
Religious convents and churches existed in Cuba, but were underground.
A few years later at a communist convention, the laws were changed and today believers are able to hold employment.
Miller discussed the economic conditions of Cuba and in an example explained that the cars were old American cars from the 1960’s that were in horrible condition, basically because there is no trade between the United States and Cuba.
There are no cell phones, no billboards and ads other than those of government influence, however Miller did explain that the “press in Cuba is not managed or censored, but it is limited.”
Tom Miller Highlights Cuban Travels, Facts and Myths
Published: Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Updated: Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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