how does introducing machines in cigar factories effect the lives of workers in the late

1920s

Amongst a constantly growing and changing society, technological advances largely

influence the direction of change. However revolutionary these advancements may be, they are

not without detriment, often resulting in a loss of old practiced traditions. While societal growth

is important, it is crucial to hold onto past customs in order to maintain ties to ones

ancestors/history. In Nilo Cruzs Anna in the Tropics the introduction of machines in cigar

factories reveals a loss of Cuban heritage when assimilating to American societal/economic

progress (industrialization).

The intimate relationship between workers and cigars in Anna in the Tropics is disrupted

by industrialization, as machines replace workers in order to improve efficiency, revealing the

dismissal of Cuban heritage in the face of American economic progress/growth. After the

introduction of machines, Tampas heritage of making hand crafted cigars was on a steep

decline (Koepnick 28). It is apparent that mechanization of the cigar industry harms the old,

refined tradition of hand making cigars. Although machines are capable of replacing humans for

manufacturing purposes, that does not mean they are capable of replicating the hand crafted

feel of artisanal cigars. This trait is something the workers highly value, it gives them a sense of

satisfaction, Bah! They dont roll cigars like we do (Cruz 49). This shows how highly the

workers value their work, believing that their cigars are the best, which speaks to their deep

connection with their heritage, as cigar rolling is a Cuban tradition. By threatening to mechanize

this industry, not only are their jobs being threatened, but the workers tie to their Cuban heritage

is being severed. In this way, the workers very identity is being threatened, as they lose both

their source of income and unique customs. While this was not an intended consequence of
mechanization, it illustrates how societal progress influences all aspects of society. As progress

in the form of technological and economic advancement becomes more fluid, a change in one

part of society eventually leads to changes in others, alluding to the idea that all parts of society

are interconnected. This newfound transparency can be beneficial, but it also comes at the cost of

numerous cultural identities. Specifically, the transition to a more homogenous American society

forces the various foreign cultures to assimilate, resulting in a loss of unique features of these

peoples. In an effort to keep up with American culture, other cultures are forced to sacrifice their

customs. While it is important to keep up with technological advancements, it is not justified to

do so at the expense of cultural diversity.

The pride and confidence cigar workers have in Anna in the Tropics is diminished by the

introduction of machines in factories in an effort to keep up with technological advancements,

alluding to a collision between old Cuban traditions and new American ideas of mass production.

As the Great Depression and mechanization hurt Tampas cigar industry. Only small shops

were able to continue the handcrafting tradition (NPS.gov), the refined art of cigar making is

replaced by automated labor. This change is opposed by the workers, And do the workers want

machines? Workers (In unison): No (Cruz 54). It is clear that the workers do not want machines

in their factories, by proclaiming this in unison Cruz is showing the degree to which the workers

dislike the machines. By immediately and unanimously opposing this shift, Cruz uses the

workers reaction to illustrate a clash between their traditions and the new mechanized mode of

production. Ultimately, machines do replace the workers and destroys their comfortable routine.

The workers cannot help but hate the transition the cigar industry makes, as it threatens to

remove their role in the process, forcing them to work impersonal jobs without the physical

interaction of handling the tobacco. Cruz uses this to allude to the idea that the progression of
American society through industrialization has no place for the unique aspects of Cuban

tradition, and ultimately forces the Cuban workers to change their ways. The significant decrease

in handcrafted cigars is a testament to this alteration, showing the severity of this shift to

machines in order to quicken the manufacturing process. All in the name of profit and progress,

American society ignores any ill effects its growth has on others, as it blindly seeks to grow.

The time-honored traditions of cigar factory workers in Anna in the Tropics are harmed

by the introduction of machines to replace workers, revealing how American economic progress

negatively influences the identity of Cubans within this transition period. The removal of lectors

from factories was especially detrimental, due to the lectors strong influence on the workers, the

workers revered the lector. Each worker contributed to the lectors pay (Kite-Powell). It is

clear that the lector had a significant role in the factories, as they educated them through stories,

which the people highly valued, as seen through their payment to the lector. The lector offered

both educational and spiritual growth, Its not the same. We learn things. And the words he

reads are like a breeze that breaks the monotony of this factory (Cruz 52). The lector is highly

respected and treasured by the workers, as he not only educates them, but opens up their minds

and piques their curiosity and imagination. By protecting the lector from criticism, discreetly

stating the benefits, Cruz is conveying the level of power and authority the lectors have. When

lectors are removed from factories, not only are the workers losing the grounding presence of the

lector, but they are also losing an important tradition. Since lectors are considered valuable and

important people, removing them from factories is offensive and disrespectful to the traditions of

the workers, paying homage to the lack of consideration the American cigar industry had for its

workers. This ties into the larger idea that amidst the growth and expansion of society, people
cannot lose sight of those being harmed in the process, and that it is important to preserve the

individuality of all citizens.

As time passes, there are always new technological and economical advancements

society has made. While these changes are important for the progression of mankind, it is not

without its flaws. In an effort to constantly evolve and grow, society fails to recognize the impact

this has on the unique traditions of people within the population. Instead of viewing workers as

individuals with their own traditions and beliefs, the industry views them as just a means for

production. People must recognize that there are other traditions and cultures outside of their

own, in order to consider their own impact on others. A loss of cultural diversity to allow for a

quicker assimilation to American society is not a means to an end, as people have their own

beliefs and stability stemming from their traditions. If people are to be incorporated into society,

then all parties involved must be willing and capable of acknowledging one another, in order to

have a successful heterogeneous society.