With over 700,000 views, the video of a Cuban woman reuniting with her family on the island went viral on TikTok, not for the joy of the family reunion, but because the young woman arrived in a rented car and her mother was waiting outside a wooden house.
The criticisms that Milena, the name of the young woman, received were endless, most questioning her decision to rent a car instead of using that money to help her family build a house with better conditions.
Milena took advantage of this same platform to respond to several of the negative comments she received. There were even those who criticized her for flaunting luxury in the United States while her family lives that way in Cuba.
"How people talk without knowing", she told her followers, before explaining that renting a car in Cuba is the most viable option if you want to take a trip or solve problems for your family. She also mentioned the existing situation in Cuba regarding gasoline and the high costs of paying a private driver for a trip.
He also clarified that wearing a chain in the United States or having a car is not synonymous with luxury; the latter is a necessity.
In response to the criticism regarding the wooden house seen in the video, she clarified that her mother lives in a concrete house next door, but her family has chosen not to tear down the wooden house due to sentimental reasons. That was the house her grandfather built many years ago, and she herself lived there until she was over 20 years old.
There were even those who labeled her as cold for not crying when embracing her mother: “My people, it's been less than a year since I went to Cuba, just a little while ago, why should I throw myself on the ground, I don’t understand (...) also, each person channels their emotions in a different way and expresses their feelings in a different manner.”
Beyond the avalanche of criticism, Milena showed in several videos that she greatly enjoyed her trip to Cuba, especially the warmth of her mother and family. In the images, she is seen drinking coffee and cooking with her mother, and even at the beach in Varadero.
And as if that weren't enough, all the criticism helped him go viral on TikTok and gain a few more followers on that social network.
Frequently Asked Questions about the viral reunion of a Cuban and the criticism received
Why was Milena criticized for renting a car in Cuba?
Milena was criticized on social media for renting a car during her trip to Cuba, as many users believed that the money spent on the rental could have been used to improve her family's living conditions. However, Milena explained that renting a car was the most viable option for getting around and addressing family issues, given the difficulties with transportation and gasoline in Cuba.
How did Milena respond to the criticism about her family's wooden house?
Milena clarified that the wooden house holds sentimental value for her family, as it was built by her grandfather and is where she grew up. Although her mother lives in a concrete house next door, they have decided not to demolish the wooden house for emotional reasons.
How does the economic situation in Cuba affect the decisions of Cuban emigrants like Milena?
The economic situation in Cuba, characterized by a scarcity of basic resources and difficulties in transportation, significantly influences the decisions of Cuban emigrants. Many choose to rent cars or spend on goods and services that facilitate their stay and that of their families, prioritizing functionality over other considerations.
What impact did Milena's video have on TikTok?
The video of Milena went viral on TikTok, reaching over 700,000 views. The controversy arising from the criticism boosted her popularity, attracting both negative comments and supporters who understood her personal choices and valued the family reunion over material appearances.
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