A peculiar narrative has been circulating on social media platforms like TikTok and X, formerly known as Twitter, linking the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro to an unexpected domain: basketball. The buzz suggests that Castro, alongside images of him playing basketball, was the originator of the “Euro step,” a popular basketball move. But is there any truth to this claim? Let’s dribble through the facts and uncover the origin of this viral theory.
The Genesis of a Social Media Sensation
Fidel Castro, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 90, was a dominant figure in Cuban politics for decades. Beyond his political life, Castro was known to be an avid basketball enthusiast. He once confided in his biographer Tad Szulc that basketball, with its demands for anticipation, speed, and dexterity, mirrored the skills required for revolution, as reported by the New York Times. Indeed, photos exist showcasing Castro engaged in the sport, and these very images have inadvertently fueled the now-viral myth surrounding his supposed connection to the Euro step.
The spark that ignited this viral theory can be traced back to a satirical blog post titled “How Fidel Castro Invented the Euro Step: A Brief Oral History,” penned by sports writer Micah Wimmer. In this humorous piece, Wimmer fabricated a fictional account of Castro’s deep affection for the basketball maneuver.
Adding a layer of comedic depth, Wimmer even included a fictitious diary entry attributed to Che Guevara, where Guevara purportedly criticizes Castro’s use of the “Step.”
“In his frequent basketball matches, Fidel has started using a new move he simply calls ‘The Step.’ It is undeniably effective, yet is its goodness equally undeniable? As revolutionaries we must not merely pay attention to ends, but to means. I worry that this flash and pomp is not befitting of the revolutionary leader. It serves to separate him too much from those caught in the chains of a maudlin life, marred by oppression and economic strife. Yes, it leads to a basket, but at what cost to the communal spirit?”
This concocted narrative, blending Castro’s supposed invention with Guevara’s fictional disapproval, resonated strongly online, swiftly gaining traction across the internet.
Fact vs. Fiction: Debunking the Euro Step Myth
Despite its viral spread, the notion that Fidel Castro invented the Euro step is unequivocally false. Micah Wimmer himself, the author of the satirical piece, has expressed amusement and bewilderment at the theory’s widespread acceptance, acknowledging that he fabricated the entire story.
I’m the person who wrote this and I know I made it up but I’ve seen it spread so many times that I’m starting to wonder if this actually did happen and I just mysteriously tapped into some previously unknown eternal truth
— Micah Wimmer (@micahwimmer) February 29, 2024
The reach of this fictional tale extends even further. Wikipedia’s entry on the “Euro step” includes a paragraph dedicated to debunking the Castro myth, highlighting its unexpected prominence. The anecdote even found its way into David Hollander’s book, “How Basketball Can Save the World,” illustrating the surprising impact of this internet-born fabrication.
Therefore, while the image of Fidel Castro performing a Euro step might be a fun and intriguing internet meme, it remains firmly in the realm of fiction. For those seeking accurate historical accounts, it’s crucial to disregard this entertaining but untrue story.
In conclusion, Fidel Castro was indeed a basketball fan, but the Euro step is not part of his legacy. The viral theory is a product of internet satire that playfully took on a life of its own. While it’s a testament to the power of online narratives, it’s important to remember to separate fact from fiction, even when the story is as captivating as the idea of a revolutionary leader pioneering a basketball move.
