“Stop deceiving yourselves and telling lies, gentlemen.” With this phrase, a Cuban residing in the United States delivers a direct critique on TikTok to those who claim they were better off on the island than abroad.
The user @yurisai25 begins the video with a statement that she says she often hears from other migrants: “Look, I lived better in Cuba than here, I’m not going to argue that with anyone.” But she does not present it to validate that perspective, rather to dismantle it.
“How many times have you not heard that? You run into every character on the street and you’re left shocked and confused,” she comments. Then she questions: “If you had so many opportunities in Cuba, why did you come to this country? What and who were you looking for? You should have stayed in Cuba.”
The young woman wraps up her speech with a statement full of sarcasm: “There are a bunch of frustrated millionaires here. And now come and attack me all you want, because I’m going to read you all. Bye.”
The video, which has garnered hundreds of comments, sparked a very active debate among Cuban emigrants. Many agreed with the critique, stating that many of those who romanticize their life in Cuba were supported from abroad or were not working.
"In Cuba, they didn't do anything; they lived off the money sent to them," commented one user. "The only thing they had was free time, but there wasn't even water to bathe," added another person. Some pointed out that those who often repeat these phrases tend to be the ones who now rely on social assistance in the United States: "Here, they criticize everything, but they're living off the government."
Others nuanced the issue, arguing that "living better" can mean having peace of mind or being close to family. "In Cuba, at least I could sleep peacefully," one person said. "There are those who had a home, food, and while there was no freedom, there was a certain stability," reflected another. There were also those who mentioned that on the island they enjoyed their time and social life, although they acknowledged that there were no opportunities.
In contrast, some argued that many people emigrate under false pretenses: "They came thinking that everything here was easy and realized that they have to work three times harder." Others pointed out that "nobody leaves their country willingly; something must be wrong if you had to leave."
Criticism also emerged towards those who insist on saying that they lived better, but do not consider returning. “They say they were better off in Cuba, but they don’t go back,” wrote one person. “Now that they have to pay rent, food, and work, their dream has ended,” said another voice.
This intervention adds to other viral content that debunks idealized narratives about Cuba. Days earlier, the tiktoker @robelcasa reacted to those who claim that "in Cuba, there is everything", denouncing from the U.S. the real precariousness that Cubans live in: “There’s not even toothpaste. There are no factories, no water, no electricity, no dignity.”
On social media, romanticized versions of life on the island are increasingly met with responses highlighting the lack of freedoms, the collapse of services, and the contradictions of those who emigrated and now downplay the reasons for their departure. The debate remains open, and this time, it does not go unnoticed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Migration and Life Abroad
Why do some Cubans say they lived better in Cuba than abroad?
Some Cubans claim that they lived better in Cuba because they associate their life on the island with less pressure and responsibilities, as well as the free time they had thanks to financial support from abroad. Others believe they had a more peaceful life close to family, even though they acknowledge that there were no opportunities or freedoms.
Why do Cubans who say they live better in Cuba not return?
Despite claiming that they lived better in Cuba, many Cubans do not return because, although they miss certain aspects of their life on the island, they acknowledge that economic opportunities and personal development are greater abroad. Additionally, some do not return because they actually do not wish to face once again the limitations and shortages of Cuba.
What are the main difficulties that Cubans face when immigrating to the United States?
Cubans who emigrate to the United States face challenges such as adapting to a new environment, the need to work hard to cover basic expenses and send support to their families in Cuba. They also experience cultural shocks and the challenge of integrating into a different labor and social system, which can lead to frustration and anxiety.
What is the perception of Cubans about the living conditions in the United States?
Many Cubans in the United States acknowledge that, although there are more opportunities and access to basic goods, life can be demanding and expensive. The need to work to maintain a stable standard of living involves sacrifices and often a sense of emotional isolation due to the expectations of their families in Cuba.
How do family expectations affect Cubans living abroad?
Family expectations can be a significant emotional burden for Cubans abroad, who often feel pressured to send money and maintain constant contact, despite their own difficulties. This can lead to tensions and misunderstandings, as life abroad is often idealized by those who remain in Cuba.
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