nterviewing Osvaldo, they were discussing what had gone on in Cuba before, and now that Osvaldo had seen what went on there he was ready to try and use Cubas trials and errors as a model in how to change Nicaragua to socialism. Our task, over the long run, will be to develop production within the confines of a mixed economy, political pluralism, and international nonalignment. And we will do so with as much social equity as possible, so that everybody has work, food and dignity (Lancaster, 1992; pg. 128). Osvaldos dedication to his country, his ability to have faith in God and go to church after all he has gone through is the product of the New Man. A machista in his position would have more likely turned to the bottle for consolation for the hardships in life. Instead, Osvaldo tries to keep bettering himself and his country.Jaime and Osvaldo are the new ideals of men in Nicaragua as compared to the old traditional male role of violence, aggression and drunkenness. Machismo had been embedded into Nicaraguan men for a long time, and used to be the ideal social norm for men and/ or husbands. Jazmina described her late husband as a good husband, even though he was a machismo, bearing the old ideals of good husbands, and although he was an alcoholic, he provided well for the family and gave them the small luxuries he could afford. He was a good provider, and in most ways he was a good husband. But because Nicaraguan men are machistas, they almost all drink too much. He was an alcoholic. He drank a lot(Lancaster, 1992; pg. 179). Before the revolution, such actions of excessive alcoholism and gambling would have been common. It was not until the Revolution that men were moving away from machismo, helping out with family work and household chores, or perhaps studying instead of sucking on a brew all day long. The New Man had a cause and a purpose to keep him busy, active, and away from alcohol, gambling and abuse.Traditional Nicaraguan wome...
