The energy crisis affecting Cuba continues to produce images that, while showcasing the creativity and resilience of its people, seem straight out of a dystopian novel.
A video is circulating on TikTok (@vivacubalibre01) where three Cubans, in the midst of a blackout, improvise to operate a lathe manually and finish a part.
"That's so they don't think we are going to give up. No one here surrenders," says one of the people in the video, highlighting the determination that many Cubans show in the face of daily challenges, from constant power outages to the lack of basic resources.
This act of "creative resistance" has generated various reactions, ranging from those who applaud the ingenuity and perseverance of the protagonists to those who question the submission and complacency reflected in these situations.
Recently, activist Irma Broek shared a video on Facebook showing a man filtering the black nectar of the white gods using a welding torch: “Here we are trying to make coffee because we have no electricity, no gas, nothing.”
The passion for steaming, dark coffee is so intense that, in times of scarcity, people turn to ingenious inventions to savor a sip—another example of what is known as “creative resistance.”
A few days ago, another Cuban showcased his ingenuity in the face of the energy crisis by finding a way to charge his mobile phone using the telephone lines.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis and Creativity in Cuba
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba deeply impacts the daily lives of its citizens, forcing them to resort to creative methods to carry out everyday activities such as cooking, charging electronic devices, or even working. Prolonged blackouts are common and affect both households and essential services like hospitals and public transport.
What examples of "creative resistance" have been observed in Cuba in response to blackouts?
In Cuba, "creative resistance" is manifested in actions such as brewing coffee with a welding torch, cooking with firewood or charcoal, and charging mobile phones using telephone lines. These solutions reflect the ability of Cubans to adapt to the lack of basic resources due to the energy crisis.
Why do Cubans turn to alternative methods to charge their phones?
Due to prolonged blackouts, Cubans are forced to find alternative methods to charge their mobile phones. Some use electric generators, while others have come up with homemade inventions that harness the voltage from telephone lines, highlighting the urgent need to maintain communication amid the crisis.
What role do social media play in the current Cuban crisis?
Social media has become a key channel for expression and activism in Cuba. Through platforms like TikTok, Cubans share their daily life experiences amidst the crisis, showcasing both their ingenuity in solving problems and their frustration with the lack of basic services, fostering a debate about the situation on the island.
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