Viva Che!

I finally saw the movie “Che.” Soderbergh and Del Toro did a great job. But more than anything the movie had me inspired by Che himself.
I have wondered why Che has become resurrected? It’s been over 40 years since his assassination and he has come alive again as a pop culture icon. I’m sure the socialist would turn in his grave if he saw the T-shirts, ash-trays, posters and pins being sold across the capitalist market. I was most shocked to see his popularity with white, return-missionaries at BYU. Wondered if they knew he was a Marxist, a guerilla war lord, an executioner, on the right hand of Fidel Castro. I couldn’t understand his appeal. But even still it was very clear that as of lately Che’s legend was being romanticized.


I think more than anything his popularity reveals the world’s desperate need for a hero. Coming from the ultimate hero enthusiast, America is begging for a hero of their own. (Maybe Obama will step up to the plate and be that.) How can one not respect Che’s undaunted revolutionary idealism? How can one not appreciate his belief in and love for humanity? Or be inspired by his passion? When his troops betrayed him, his asthma almost killed him, while he was fighting despite his obvious failure he never wavered from his principles. He walked away from power, fame and money. Whether you agree or not with his politics one can’t help but recognize Che as a hero. Or at the least, acknowledge the potential of a better grade of individual if we shared his same dedication for a cause and for human kind.

During times of change like today, whether you’re hopeful or anxious we all need assurance that we can control our own destiny.

And in all honesty, I can’t help but find the warlord pretty attractive. VIVA CHE!