A peculiar scene captured in the United States has sparked comments and laughter on social media. A Cuban woman recorded another drying her sneakers by placing them on the hood of a car, right in front of a laundromat—a gesture more common on the streets of Cuba than in the United States.
In the video shared by @helengonzalez808 on TikTok, the woman filming can be heard, clearly surprised, saying: "You’re in the United States, what are you doing hanging that up right in the middle of 'laundry'? Seriously, are you really going to do this in the United States? Look at the cars passing by and you’re in a tenement. She's not playing around, look. She's not joking. She hung her shoes up there. No girl, no. This is too much already."
The curious scene generated mixed reactions in the user comments, revealing diverse perspectives on the situation. Some criticized this type of behavior, believing it perpetuates inappropriate customs outside of Cuba: "I really don't see the appeal. Cubans want to impose the same things from Cuba in a country that is not ours."
On the other hand, some people took the episode with humor and identified with the protagonist of the video: "I did it, and my husband almost died when he saw me, but they just dry there while I finish washing" or "If you dry them with the dryer, the heat ruins them. I do the same thing, but on the windows."
The protagonist of the video also responded to the comments, justifying her makeshift drying rack: "Hey, old woman, let me be happy hanging my shoes out to dry. They have to dry because I need to go out tonight," or "Let it not be said that we are Cuban and that never leaves our blood."
These types of anecdotes reflect how certain customs and everyday practices from the island remain alive in exile, sparking both laughter and debates among Cubans themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Customs in the United States
Why do some Cuban customs generate controversy in the United States?
Cuban customs can spark controversy in the United States because certain everyday practices from the island, such as hanging laundry in public spaces or cleaning with excessive water, are not always well received in the American context. This may be perceived as inappropriate or out of place, leading to debates about the cultural adaptation of Cuban immigrants.
Is it common to see Cubans hanging laundry in public spaces in the United States?
Although it is not a common practice in the United States, some newly arrived Cubans may hang clothes in public spaces due to the deeply rooted custom of doing so in Cuba. This can elicit mixed reactions within the community, ranging from nostalgia to criticism for not adapting to local norms.
What reactions do Cuban practices on social media generate in the U.S.?
Cuban practices, such as hanging clothes to dry or excessive cleaning with water, provoke a wide range of reactions on social media. Some users embrace them with humor and nostalgia, relating to the customs of their homeland, while others criticize these actions for not aligning with local practices and deem them inappropriate.
How does culture shock affect Cubans in the United States?
Cultural shock can be significant for Cubans in the United States, as they must adapt to new social norms and practices that differ from what they are used to in Cuba. This adaptation process can lead to humorous situations, discussions about customs, and a reflection on cultural identity.
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