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an understanding of the economic and political system. While this
group consists predominantly of young males and is not representative
of the 1980 group as a whole, it has received a great deal of at
tention from the Cuban-American community as well as the press. These
apprehensions are reminiscent of Gallagher's findings in 1974 that the
existing community was concerned the new arrivals would lower property
values in the district.
Llanes (1982) documents that Cubans who came during the Family
Reunion stage were concerned about being observed and identified as in
formers. In one of several passages where he emphasizes concern, he
quotes one of the composite characters as saying, "I am bothered by the
thought of possibly being accused in public by people who got here two
months before me, who now have the authority to label me, to put me on a
list or to circulate a rumor. My paranoia knows no bounds" (p. 32). The
composite character continues, "An older man behind me sees my anxiety
and clears my doubt, 'Chivatos, mi hijita,' (Spies, my daughter). "It
doesn't matter whether they work for Fidel, Batista, or Kennedy. Watch
out" (pp. 32-33). The fear that there are always spies, always watching
and reporting, has been stated by both Cuban-Americans and Cubans.
While preoccupation with this watching and being watched is very real,
it appears to have intensified in the 1980 group. One can observe it
in talking to a 1980 Cuban who has something negative to say. There is
the usual glance to the left and the right, and the bending close to be
heard only by the intended one. It can also be observed in a casual
walk down Southwest Eighth Street. Whether this behavior is habitual
reaction ingrained as a means of self-protection or real fear, it is a