The historical problem of the United States is to admit that it is a multiracial and multi-ethnic nation.

Much later in his life he commented that "The United States is very good at understanding itself and very bad at understanding others. " Fuentes also criticized Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez dubbing him "a tropical Mussolini". His politics caused him to be blocked from entering the United States until a Congressional intervention in 1967.

Carlos Fuentes Macías (November 11 1928 – May 15 2012) was a Mexican novelist and essayist. His many literary honors include the Miguel de Cervantes Prize as well as Mexico's highest award the Belisario Domínguez Medal of Honor.