Every city has its own style, culture, and political sensibility. In Miami, they all revolve around the Cuban American community, which is why Ozzie Guillen’s recent comments about Fidel Castro have been placed under so much scrutiny.
If Guillen had expressed his “love and respect” for Castro in any other city, the comments would have gone mostly unnoticed. In fact, four years ago, Guillen made similar comments when he was the manager of the White Sox. The only difference is Chicago isn’t 200 miles from Cuba, and the Windy City isn’t the home base for thousands of refugees who fled oppression under Castro.
He’s a bull—- dictator and everybody’s against him, and he still survives, has power. Still has a country behind him. Everywhere he goes, they roll out the red carpet. I don’t admire his philosophy; I admire him.’’ – Ozzie Guillen, quoted in the Chicago Sun-Times, April 9, 2012
To most people outside of Miami, the reaction to Guillen’s commentary probably seems like an extreme overreaction. However, it doesn’t really matter how the rest of the country feels because the Marlins have to do business in Little Havana. Without the political and economic support of the local Cuban community, the Marlins simply can not survive, which makes Guillen’s future with the team a real and justifiable question mark.
According to just published reports, the Marlins have already suspended Guillen for five games, but is that enough? The answer to that question will be based on the extent to which the local community is willing to accept Guillen’s apology. In other words, the Marlins’ manager will have to appear sincere and contrite while making an unequivocal renouncement of his comments. Considering the frankness with which Guillen often speaks, that could prove to be a sizeable challenge.
If Guillen is eventually fired it won’t be because he expressed an unpopular opinion, but because he alienated his employer’s customer base. Ultimately, the local community in Miami will vote with their pocketbooks, which is exactly how the Marlins will react as well. Should Guillen survive the outcry, the outspoken manager will come away with scars, but also one valuable lesson. In Miami, if you don’t have something negative to say about Fidel Castro, don’t say anything at all.
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