A Cuban resident in Miami shared on TikTok an experience she had outside the city, reflecting on cultural differences and the treatment Latinos receive in different parts of the United States. In her account, the young woman (@marlan_estudio) expressed how, despite not fully mastering English, she found support and empathy from an American couple—something she states is not often experienced in Miami.
The incident occurred at a waffle shop located in a remote area. While waiting for her order, an American woman asked her a question in English that she didn’t fully understand. The discomfort was evident, but instead of mocking her, the woman sought out her husband, who spoke Spanish, to help resolve the situation. “I was missing my caramel macchiato, and the lady’s husband took care of asking and helping me,” the young woman recounted.
This gesture prompted her to reflect deeply on the treatment she receives in Miami. “In Miami, people often make fun of me for not speaking English, but here, that lady realized I was going through an uncomfortable moment and decided to help me,” she remarked. The experience was so impactful that she concluded with a strong statement: “Definitely, at some point, I’m going to leave Miami. I don't like it here.”
Marlan became emotional while recounting this anecdote. "It moved me because you realize that those who are not of your nationality help you more than those who are," she commented, visibly touched.
The video quickly went viral and sparked an intense debate in the comments. While some users supported the viewpoint, arguing that in Miami there is not always support among Latinos, others defended the city.
Some comments said: "I left Miami 13 years ago and it was a huge change"; "Miami is not the United States, it's a mix of the bad habits of Latin Americans"; "I have been living in Miami for 29 years and I have never been treated badly, thank God"; "The best thing is to work with Americans and stay away from Cubans and Latinos in general"; or "Americans are very good people, they make an effort to understand us and don’t mock us."
The publication highlighted a recurring issue among Latinos living in Miami: the lack of empathy and mutual support within the community. It also emphasized the importance of solidarity and empathy—values that transcend nationalities and are often found where they are least expected.
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