Cuban Revolution\'s Major Figures, Ernesto \"Che\" Guevara

¶ … Cuban Revolution's major figures, Ernesto "Che" Guevara is widely known as a guerrilla leader and a Marxist revolutionary. However, to some people, he is considered both a mass murderer and a terrorist. Even though some view Ernesto "Che" Guevara as a murderer, he was an idealist and an intellectual with a genuine desire to change Latin America.

Ernesto "Che" Guevara as an Intellectual and Idealist

To begin with, it can be noted that Guevara's revolutionary mind and consequent involvement in social reforms in Guatemala was informed by what he witnessed firsthand while traversing Latin America. Mainly, it was the endemic alienation and poverty he witnessed that led to his radical transformation. In his opinion, the economic inequalities that were deeply ingrained in the region were largely as a result of imperialism, neocolonialism and imperialism. Based on this, Guevara concluded that a revolution was the only way to remedy the situation. Hence in a way, Guevara's involvement in guerrilla activity was inspired by the need for reforms. For this, Ernesto "Che" Guevara should be remembered as a reformist, an intellectual and an idealist.

Next, the meteoric rise of Guevara among the insurgents keen on overthrowing the Batista regime which had dictatorial tendencies must have been as a result of his brilliance, drive as well as reformist credentials. Within a relatively short period of time (one year), Guevara had risen to second-in-command (Dosal, 2004). It is unlikely he would have gained such prominence within the ranks of fellow insurgents dissatisfied with the rogue regime of Batista were he a murderer as claimed by some.

Third, the role Guevara played in the new government after the Cuban Revolution was uncharacteristic for the terrorist or murderer he is painted by some to be. Some of the roles in which Guevara was a key player included the institution of the agrarian reforms, the facilitation of literacy campaigns across the nation etc. Clearly, this shows that Guevara was indeed honestly concerned about the welfare of the masses. Thus, in one way or the other, such key roles played by Guevara upon the formation of a new government bring forth an image of an idealist other than a murderer.

Next, it can be noted that over time, Guevara has been lauded by an array of notables who have branded him a hero. Amongst those who have praised Guevara's work include former South African president Nelson Mandela who also happens to be a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. In Mandela's own opinion, Guevara is "an inspiration for every human being who loves freedom" (Moore, 2011). Others who have lauded Guevara's efforts include but are not limited to Susan Sontag, a well-known political activist; Frantz Fanon, a popular revolutionary and philosopher; and Stokely Carmichael who is better known for his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. In the 1960s. According to Carmichael, Guevara's ideas still linger amongst us. Hence given his global recognition as a heroic figure, one could only conclude that Guevara remains an idealist in the minds of the majority. For his literary works and military theories, Guevara can also be considered one of the most notable intellectuals of the 20th century.

However, though based on the facts above Guevara comes across as a reformist, intellectual and idealist; it is also important to mention some of the arguments advanced by those who consider Guevara a murderer. According to Llosa (2005), during the struggle to oust the Batista regime, Guevara was largely in charge of the murders and execution of scores of individuals considered enemies, real or perceived. The author in this case pinpoints one occasion in which Guevara in his diary admits to having fired at Eutimio Guerra on suspicion of spying. Llosa (2005) in this case goes ahead to brand Guevara a "cold-blooded killing machine." In regard to Llosa's argument, it can be noted that the same lacks a balanced view of occurrences at the time. For starters, the Batista regime was largely tyrannical and could have used any means necessary to retain power during the Cuban Revolution. Some of the desperate measures the repressive regime undertook so as to hold-on to power included the use of public executions and torture. In the light of the above and given that the Batista regime was using secret police to carry out other atrocities, it was imperative for the revolutionaries including Guevara to instill discipline within their ranks so as to keep the spirit of the revolution alive. Some of those allegedly killed by Guevara including Eutimio Guerra were defectors who could have cost the revolution dearly were they to be let off the hook. Hence in a way, Guevara's actions were for the 'greater good.' For his role in ousting the Batista regime and for his contributions to the new government especially on the literacy campaign, Guevara remains not only an intellectual but also an idealist.