"This is not Cuba," said a Cuban resident in the United States bluntly, using her social media to criticize those who arrive in the country expecting everything to be handed to them. In a direct and unfiltered video, the woman lashed out at the "ingrates" who receive assistance and, instead of making the most of it, end up criticizing and speaking poorly of those who helped them.
"People come with the idea that they're going to arrive here and be given clothes, food, shoes... No, my dear, that's not how it works here. Here, you come to fight, and those who aren't willing to fight should either stay there or not come at all," she expressed emphatically.
The creator, known on TikTok as @chinaalexa8, shared her personal experience upon arriving in the United States: "I was helped, and I went five months without working. Not because I didn't want to, but because I just couldn't find a job. I would clean houses, take care of dogs, and even pick up trash in condominiums to earn some money," she confessed. According to her, many people do not understand how expensive everyday life is in the U.S. and how one must contribute: "When you tell someone that they need to pitch in at home, they say, 'Oh, so-and-so wants me to give them money.' No, darling, you have to pay for many things here in the system. You're giving money to the system, not to me."
The video did not go unnoticed and sparked an avalanche of reactions on social media. Many users praised his words and identified with his experience. "It had to be said, and it was said. Everything is so true," commented one follower, while another person added, "I helped two people, and they didn’t even thank me; they left on bad terms with me." Others shared similar situations, like one person who recounted, "My brother-in-law stayed at my house for five months, slept until one in the afternoon, and didn’t want to work."
There were also those who acknowledged the harshness of the message but defended the truth behind the words: “Things are as they are. No one gives you anything here; you have to work," and “That’s why I don’t bring anyone else. The bad one is always you," several users said. One follower supported @chinaalexa8's attitude, adding, “I paid for everything of mine from day one. That’s how things are done.”
However, some criticized the tone in which he expressed himself, calling it excessive. "You’re right, but the way you said it doesn't help," one person commented, while another pointed out, "The world is full of ungrateful people, but there are ways to say things." Despite this, the support was mostly positive, and many agreed with his message. "They help you, and then they speak poorly of you. It’s the plain truth," and "Literally, I brought two people, and they made my life miserable," were other responses the video received.
For @chinaalexa8, what mattered was to send a clear message about the effort required to live in the United States and the respect that those who help deserve, regardless of the criticisms that may arise from her stance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Emigration and Attitudes in the United States
Why do some Cubans in the United States criticize the attitude of newcomers?
Some Cubans in the United States criticize newcomers for having unrealistic expectations about life in the country, hoping to be provided everything without effort. Many feel that these newcomers do not appreciate or acknowledge the help they receive, creating tensions within families and communities.
What are the main challenges facing Cubans who have recently arrived in the United States?
Newly arrived Cubans face challenges such as the high cost of living, the need to find employment quickly, and adapting to a new social and economic system. Additionally, they must meet the expectations of cooperation in the households that welcome them, which often leads to tensions if they struggle to establish themselves financially.
Why do family tensions arise between Cubans in the U.S. and their relatives in Cuba?
Family tensions arise when Cubans in the U.S. feel that their efforts go unappreciated, while their relatives in Cuba hold unrealistic expectations about their lives abroad. The lack of reciprocity and the perception that migrants are "ATM machines" for their families in Cuba contribute to these tensions.
How does emigration impact the quest for a better future for Cubans?
Emigration allows many Cubans to access better opportunities for life, such as quality education and healthcare that are not available in Cuba. However, this quest for a better future also involves facing adaptation challenges and continuing to provide financial support to their families on the island.
Filed under:
