I, Che Guevara by Blackthorn - Essay Example

? I, Che Guevara John Blackthorn Book Analysis - XXXXXXXXXXX In the turbulent times post World War II, Central and Southern American countries were looking at new ideals and isms to establish themselves when they got their most charismatic leader in Che Guevara. The physician, who turned into a revolutionary to lead people of Cuba, was known for his charm and warmth. Well loved by his people he was considered to have a very charismatic personality and very effective oratorical skills. ‘Che’ in local language means ‘pal’. Ernesto Guevara used the word as ‘comrade’ because he was deeply influenced by principles of Marxism. He was responsible for ending rule of then ruler Batista and was commander of his guerilla warfare force. He played key roles in government where he advocated his policies designed for welfare of people. He had travelled across countries in his younger days which he chronicles in his diaries. This travel brought him closer to people, which helped him understand their problems, poverty and life. His revolution extended to Bolivia where he met his end in a military execution. His ideology, philosophy, his deep love for his country and his martyrdom has made him a hero worldwide. His life and death are viewed as an enigma and his love and selfless efforts for the betterment of his people makes him the most revered revolutionary so far. Che was executed in Bolivia in the year 1967 at the age of thirty-nine. Military officers and leaders present in Bolivia during the time remember him to be very intelligent, calm and charismatic although his appearance was ragged and dirty. The book ‘I, Che Guevara’ starts from the day of execution of Che. This is a history based political fiction presumes that Che was not executed on October 9th, 1967. He disappeared only to reappear as an old man who has travelled across to spread message of revolution among people. He appears in coastal villages and starts having intellectual conversations with inhabitants, eventually bringing them together to form a political party. Author John Blackthorn has successfully established the premise in the book. John Blackthorn is an alias Gary Hart took up for writing novels. Representing Democratic Party he was elected as senator. Later he was a front runner candidate for Democratic Party for presidential elections. However he had to withdraw his nomination because of his alleged extra marital affair with model Donna Rice. He withdrew from active politics only to return as consultant on national security. He has authored and co-authored many books under his alias John Blackthorn. His active role in government when he was elected helped him considerably while writing his books. ‘I, Che Guevara’ although a political fiction, is reflection of Hart’s creativity and understanding of international affairs, which makes the book an interesting read. History does not have ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ and yet when we look back and reflect on the subject we find several dots to connect to make a complete picture. Che Guevara or Ernesto Guevara appears on the scene as Ernesto Blanco. Although he is old and white haired he still holds a charismatic personality and engaging talks. He travels throughout his country to find that there is no or minimal change in people. He hides himself from soldiers and military for a considerable time and when he realizes that people have nearly forgotten him then appears on the surface. The plot revolves around Che’s resurfacing, his bringing of people together in yet another revolution and leading people from the front. What do you think about Revolution in Cuba? I said. What revolution is that senor? They said. What revolution is that? That’s the revolution to save your skinny little ass! I said. Oh senor, they said, there is no revolution in the world that can save my skinny little ass. 1 There is an entire generation who gets inspired by Che’s fiery speeches and fights revolution shoulder to shoulder with him. However when he wants to question people about any such revolution, they do not want to recollect it. Maybe because their hopes have died with execution of Che and they do not yet know that he has reappeared. It can also be possible because they have mute acceptance of their pitiful lives. They are busy earning their livelihood and struggle to earn the same calls for far greater attention than paying attention to revolution and changes that should take place in the society surrounding them. Che chooses to not to comment on the same and gives up eventually. To an extent that people’s short-lived memory is in fact beneficial for him. Capitalism doesn’t protect children. Communism doesn’t protect children. Monarchies, and oligarchies and anarchies, and all the rest of the “archies” don’t protect children. Those of us who were revolutionaries in our time claimed to want to create “justice” and “freedom” and things like that. But we never asked ourselves, “For whom?” there is only one answer to that when you think about it very much – and I have the time to think about it a lot! – and its children. That’s what the whole thing is about. That’s the only reason to make revolution. For children. 2 Revolutions are triggered because there is a radical change needed in the system. Over years generations suffer through oppressive kings, rulers and governments. Freedom is choked and injustice is rampant. Rebellions happen because one cannot get scared all the time. In a society driven by fear, there are times when masses overthrow burdens of fear and breathe in deep air of life and hope. Present generation who fights oppression and war of revolution seldom realizes that the fruits of such venture would be passed on to the next generation. The torch would be passed with expectation that the next generation would be expanding the very base of revolution. That base is about bringing good to society, taking good decisions based on education and in return choosing leaders with help of constructive vote. Education empowers society for that. So revolutions change form but continue to be there. For some generations it may be active fighting while for others it could be appreciating the price paid by elders and still carrying on quietly making positive changes happen in the society. In a small inn there is a crowd gathered to watch Fidel Castro talking in front of the camera. The telecast is live. Fidel talks about how revolution brought better health care to Cuba. He talks about how computers are invading everywhere and how there is less penetration of computers in Cuba itself. He promises every Cuban kid a computer. He paces up and down the studio with a sweating cameraman following his every move. He lights cigar and talks forcefully looking into the camera as he is aware that his nation is watching his every move. He promises to step down as a leader if America grants full diplomatic status to Cuba and lifts embargo on the country. He announces free democratic elections in the country in lieu of his demands being delivered. People had come out of their flats and small crowded houses and were drifting like sleepwalkers up and down the streets, thinking they must be dreaming. Everywhere the mood was the same. What’s he talking about? Elections? Diplomacy with Yanquis? Computers? What in God’s name does this mean for Cuba. . . what does it mean for me?3 Che is sitting quietly in the corner of the inn watching the telecast with others. He is amused at the talk that has been aired. He has seen the country up and down in last thirty odd years. Very little or minimal has changed. He is doctor by profession. He treats people for basic diseases and he still has to teach them how to go to a pharmacy and buy medicines. When they feel better they treat him like god. The church has people firmly in their grip. Church is successful in making people feel the supremacy of God. They have comforted people with thought of god rather than rational sense. As a Marxist he does not approve it. He approves radical change that is coming from a rational mind and hence he wants to start another revolution with his own ideas as a base. He is amused and annoyed at Fidel Castro’s speech. Che does not approve bowing to the wishes of neighboring capitalist country. He believes in power of people but he does not want any interference or even influence of American political thought process. People are confused with Fidel’s speech. They do not understand their role in elections. It is deliberately kept vague and yet a big promise of people’s participation is made. Masses do not have time or inclination to look beyond their own struggle for survival and hence their fundamental question remains the same for years, “What does it mean to me?” or “How does it change my life?” The sharp contrast between reality and Fidel’ speech is accentuated by Che’s quiet audience at the background. He has fought wars with Fidel Castro. He played a pivotal role in Cuban revolution. He led it from the front shoulder to shoulder with the man who is talking on television in front of him and yet he understands that Fidel is radically different than him. Although he has played various roles in government he truly believes in being with his people from heart to soul. He doesn’t appreciate the pre-requisites of luxury that come with power. Fidel being opposite enjoys foreign trips, mingling with who’s who of the world. Hence when he talks and promises it shows in his speeches. Che in the inn represents the good outcome of the revolution while Fidel’s speech represents everything that has gone haywire of the revolution. Therefore Che’s reaction to the speech is justified. “I knew it”, he said with a chuckle. “I just knew that’s what he was going to do”.4 The most appealing part of the book is the definition of revolution that changes over a few pages. Initially the definition is strong demanding radical and complete change. The need to carry forward the revolution also comes as an essential component of keeping the revolution alive. History has proven that sparks of revolution changes the political scenario in a country however practical failures have rendered revolutions pointless over a period of time. Hence revolutionists like Che should reappear and reemphasize the principles and deliverables of radical revolution again. For that they have to travel extensively and meet people and form parties for elections and eventually fight the wars of democracy. A sound radical voice of reasoning is always killed is at least attempted to kill, so plots like conspiracy, assassination, political maneuvers are convincing enough in the story that is presented. However how did Che manage to evade execution and escape death requires clarity. His initial mannerisms towards his people, simple yet powerful way of speaking to his people, raising intellectual level of the discussion are attributes typical to the legendary hero and are portrayed well. The pace of the book is gripping. Perhaps the best feature about the book is the way political philosophy is woven through the plot. The temptation of speeches is avoided greatly and through the italicized thoughts of Che who has returned the difference between his revolution time colleagues and himself is highlighted very well. Che believes that revolution requires immediacy. He is a doctor by profession and hence understands emergency situations and urgency of implementation of corrective actions as well. He believes that revolution is grabbing something by the throat and shaking evil out of it. The major difference in Fidel and Che is also highlighted in the first few pages of the book as well. Fidel loves power and thinks that revolution culminates into ultimate office and power that comes with it. However Che has matured over a period of time. He does not see revolution as one time activity to acquire power. He thinks it to be an ongoing process which should result in education of people and their future generations who would shoulder responsibility of revolution in future. The biggest success of the book is whether or not Che’s party wins the democratic election of the country but reader understanding and admiring the thought of steady revolution for peace and prosperity. That’s what makes this book an enjoyable political fiction read. Reference John Blackthorn, I, Che Guevara. New York, USA: Harper Collins Publishers, 2009. Read More