For an original America

"We are independent, but we are not free. The wisdom of Europe and the prosperity of the United States are, in our America, two enemies of freedom of thought. Our America must not imitate slavishly, but be original."

This is how Simón Rodríguez, Venezuelan educator and philosopher, warned in the 19th century about the need to preserve the identity of Latin American nations in the face of the imminent introduction of colonizing patterns from the north.

His ideas inspired the Liberator, Simón Bolívar, of whom he was a teacher, and his work, in turn, was a reference for José Martí, a paradigmatic figure in the thinking of Fidel and Chávez... All of them, in different times and contexts, pushed for the unity of the continent and spoke out in favour of the need to safeguard the originality of America, but more than two centuries after Simón, the threat remains intact.

For this and other reasons, there is a Latin American and Caribbean Day of Dignity, which has been celebrated since March 5, 2014, coinciding with the first anniversary of the death of "Cuba's best friend," Hugo Chavez. The date, welcomed by the member nations of ALBA (Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of America), serves to exalt, through art, education and the media, the most genuine historical and cultural values of these lands.

Those of us born here have countless reasons for continental pride: the resistance to colonialism led by indigenous peoples, the struggles for independence waged by the heroes and those who supported them in the dream of a free America, the different initiatives to achieve the unity of the continent, from the idea of Bolivar's Patria Grande to the ALBA of Fidel and Chavez; the permanent defense before international organizations of our right to sovereignty and the materialization of an ideal of social justice.

We are not distinguished by super-developed cities, smart industries or interspatial projects; but that does not mean we are less. Let us embrace ethnic and cultural diversity and celebrate plurality as an essential value of our people; let us boast the artistic and committed literature of García Márquez, Neruda, Frida, Diego; let us make our traditional celebrations and our music fashionable, which makes the most uptight person dance in any square in the world.

It is not about refusing development or conforming; there is enormous potential in America to aspire to greater prosperity for our people, nor about refusing to explore any successful experience that can serve as a reference to advance beyond the current calamities to a higher level, but always from respect for what we are, our identity and the legacy of our ancestors.

In these days, when so much has been said about defending dignity, Simón's words are relevant again. America does not need to imitate anyone, just as Cuba does not. There are more than enough elements in our history, culture and traditions to build our own path to prosperity without the pride of being Latino, Cuban, breaking in the attempt.