The Cuban actress and influencer Eileen Morales, known as La Cubana de TikTok, launched a straightforward and candid reflection against those who downplay the hardships of life in Cuba, in response to comments she has received regarding her criticisms of the situation on the island.
"How is it possible for me to make a video talking about the reality of my country and have so many Cubans tell me ‘that’s not quite true’? What are you doing here, then?" questioned @lacubanatiktok, making her stance clear. With a firm tone, the influencer recounted the hardships she faced in Cuba: "I did go hungry, live in misery, without a refrigerator, with a small child" and highlighted the harsh reality endured on the island where "to eat beef, you had to do something illegal."
Eileen lamented that some try to deny the seriousness of the conditions in Cuba. "There are those who say ‘I never had a hard time’, but that’s because they either had well-connected families or were doing illegal things."
The message also included criticism of the lack of basic rights in their country of origin: "In Cuba, it is illegal to even fish, and if you kill a cow, you are imprisoned worse than a rapist."
Eileen not only defended herself against criticism, but she also reflected on her own journey of overcoming challenges in the United States: "Here I have become a person, I have been able to have my own businesses and help my family. I am happy to live in a country where you can earn a living honestly."
The video generated a wave of reactions on TikTok. Many supported his stance and shared similar experiences. One user commented: "That's right, in Cuba you had to steal to survive." Another noted: "In Cuba, I ate meat, but we never knew what kind it was, and praying that the one who stole it wouldn't get arrested."
However, there were also criticisms, such as that of a user who commented, "Every country has its problems; there’s no need to compare." Others, on the other hand, highlighted Eileen's bravery: "It needed to be said, and it was said. Thank you for using your platforms to talk about the Cuban reality."
The message from La Cubana on TikTok not only addressed those who attempt to downplay the hardships on the island but also offered a reflection on the importance of acknowledging the opportunities and the daily struggle that comes with emigrating.
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