A viral video on social media shows a young Cuban posing in front of a luxurious Mercedes Benz and a motorcycle freshly imported from the United States, while wearing gold chains and displaying a message that reads: "Cuba for the crooks, the yuma for the chickens".
This type of content, published by accounts that highlight the return of Cuban emigrants to the island with luxury goods, has sparked an intense debate on social media.
Controversy on social media
User comments reflect a division of opinions on this phenomenon. While some applaud the audacity of those who manage to emigrate and return with ostentatious properties, others harshly criticize the attitude and implicit message in these videos.
"The scoundrels don't return to Cuba, only the weak ones like you do. The USA is too much for you," a user commented sarcastically. Another added: "Cuba is for those who can't make it here in the USA. This country is for the strong."
Some users expressed skepticism about the feasibility of keeping these assets on the island. "That Mercedes shines in the United States, in Cuba it looks sad. The roads where the tires will wear out", commented one user. Another warned: "When the government wants it, they take away your toys".
On the other hand, there were those who congratulated the young man for his success. "Congratulations champion, enjoy what is yours even if it's in Cuba", commented a follower. However, there were also direct criticisms: "Returning to the country that forced you to escape is mental and human misery".
Sociocultural context
This type of content highlights a contrast between Cubans who have emigrated in search of better opportunities and those who choose to return, arguing that they prefer to enjoy their assets in Cuba without paying taxes or facing the high cost of living in the United States.
However, in a country marked by economic crisis and inequality, the display of luxury evokes resentment among segments of the population that barely manage to meet their basic needs.
The phrase "Cuba pa' los pillos, el yuma pa' los pollos" encapsulates a controversial stance on the priorities and life choices of some Cuban emigrants.
While some see these returns as a sign of success, others perceive them as acts of vanity and disconnection from the reality of the country. The truth is that this phenomenon reflects a growing tension between personal progress narratives and the challenges of an environment marked by precarity.
The "toys" of Sandro Castro and the imagery of the "new rich" in Cuba
The display of these luxury goods recalls the controversial statements made by Sandro Castro, the grandson of the late Fidel Castro, who went viral in 2021 after showing off his car while speeding down a Cuban highway.
In his video, Sandro stated that "we are simple people, but from time to time, we need to bring out these little toys we have at home", a phrase that sparked criticism for its elitist tone and disconnection from the reality of most Cubans.
Similarly, the "toys" featured in these new videos reinforce the perception of inequality and ostentation, sparking intense debate among those who view them as a personal achievement and those who see them as an affront to the country's socioeconomic context.
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