The Cuban influencer Lucy María González Machado (@thezhoufam) has gone viral again on TikTok after posting a video in which she humorously reviews the cultural similarities between herself and her husband, who is of Chinese origin.
"Things that my husband's culture and mine have in common, and no, it's not communism, so please don’t throw that little joke at me," she says at the beginning of the video, which has generated dozens of comments.
In the clip, the creator based in Switzerland states that rice is an essential element in both Cuba and China: “The Cuban is born in rice, grows and develops in rice, breathes in rice, if rice were to become a type of blood, then we would have the same.”
It also mentions a well-known product: “Every Cuban born on the island has had this at home, they've applied it anywhere on their body for anything, know that if you have used the Chinese ointment, you are already entitled to citizenship over there my love.”
Finally, it emphasizes the shared value of family respect: “I feel that respecting and honoring our parents is something we culturally share (...) that hierarchy within the family can be said to be quite similar to that of Cubans.”
The comments came pouring in. Some internet users reacted with humor and nostalgia: “The Chinese ointment is real,” “I have my Chinese menthol,” or “Completely true.” Others took the opportunity to praise the influencer: “That hair color, so beautiful,” “I love how that hair color looks on you.”
The video is part of a series of viral posts that have solidified the digital presence of Lucy María González Machado, a Cuban who has managed to connect with the migrant community from a everyday, familial, and unfiltered perspective.
In May of last year, she shared a video in which she talked about her experience in Switzerland, highlighting quirky aspects such as the presence of bunkers in residential buildings, the quality of life of cows, and the reliability of electrical service. “The cows that you eat have a better quality of life than you and me,” she commented at that time.
He also shared moments of cultural shock, such as his experience in a mixed sauna in Switzerland. “My Latin modesty doesn't allow it, it doesn't permit me,” he stated in that video, which garnered thousands of views and comments from users who felt identified.
Other viral content from her includes teaching her husband expressions from Cuban slang, as she demonstrated in this video where her partner learned to say “You are my girlfriend, buddy,” and sharing how her son only listens to her when she scolds him in Spanish, as she recounted in another viral post.
With over 1.8 million followers on TikTok, this Cuban creator has managed to make her personal experiences resonate with a diverse audience, blending humor, culture, and migration experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cultural Similarities between Cuba and China according to Lucy María González Machado
What cultural similarities does Lucy María González Machado find between Cuba and China?
Lucy María González Machado highlights rice as an essential common element in both cultures, as well as the use of "pomadita china" in Cuban households. She also emphasizes family respect and hierarchy within the family unit as shared values.
How has Lucy María González Machado managed to connect with her audience on TikTok?
Lucy María has connected with her audience through the use of humor, culture, and migration experiences, sharing personal anecdotes that resonate within the migrant community. Her relaxed and approachable style has allowed her to gain a large following.
What impact has Lucy María's presence had on social media?
Lucy María's presence on social media has been significant, not only for her ability to generate viral content but also for her capacity to connect with a diverse audience. She has managed to make her personal experiences seen as a reflection of the Cuban migrant experience abroad.
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