The Cuban influencer Flor de Cuba, who has recently settled in the United States, sparked a reaction on social media with a video in which she criticizes the attitude of some Cuban immigrants who celebrate restrictions such as border closures and the end of CBP One.
"Gentlemen, I see all of this that has developed on social media regarding immigrants and how many Cuban immigrants are glad that the borders are closing, that CBP One is being removed, that no more Cubans are coming in. They even comment: 'No more coming in, they're making it worse, things used to be cheaper, those of us who are from here are worse off.' Gentlemen, you were once immigrants, your families were immigrants too."
Flor also pointed out the contradiction of criticizing the conditions on the island while rejecting those who seek to emigrate: "They are people who you can see are bothered by the misery in Cuba, and they go online attacking everyone who lives well in Cuba: 'That miserable country has oppressed people, and people are going hungry,' but they also don't want those people to come here and have a better future."
For the influencer -who has strongly defended her decision to help her people on the island despite the criticism-, these attitudes reflect selfishness and hypocrisy: "Patriotism is convenient; it’s patriotism when it suits me, but if my situation is bad, then no; but if they are suffering there, I also get upset. So, let's have some coherence because we were all immigrants, and no one dims your light. Salvation is personal, and each person's star is individual. Other people coming here won’t make your situation worse. You will struggle because of the decisions you make or what happens to you, not because someone else arrives."
Flor's message sparked divided opinions on social media. Many users supported her words: "It's sad, we turn against each other"; "Cubans are not easy; they show no mercy"; "There's no worse splinter than that from the same stick," some remarked. Others, however, questioned her stance: "One thing is being an immigrant and another is being illegal"; "You can't fit ten countries into one"; and "When you've lived here longer, you'll understand many things that you currently don't."
The reflection ended with a clear call from Flor: "I feel that we are selfish and hypocritical, because if you want people to improve, why don't you want them to be here?"
The debate remains open and has highlighted the tensions and contradictions within the Cuban community regarding the issue of immigration. The question many are asking is: does solidarity among Cubans prevail, or does selfishness and concern for individual well-being take precedence?
Frequently Asked Questions about Flor de Cuba's critique of "convenient patriotism"
What does Flor de Cuba criticize about some Cuban immigrants in the United States?
Flor de Cuba criticizes the attitude of certain Cuban immigrants who celebrate restrictive measures such as border closures and the end of CBP One, while at the same time complaining about the situation in Cuba. She believes that these attitudes reflect selfishness and hypocrisy, as many of these immigrants were immigrants themselves at one point or have relatives who are.
What does Flor de Cuba think about "convenient patriotism"?
Flor de Cuba believes that "patriotism for convenience" is a sign of inconsistency on the part of those who criticize the conditions in Cuba but do not want other Cubans to emigrate to improve their lives. For her, it is important to be supportive and consistent with the desire for others to also have a better future.
How have social media reacted to Flor de Cuba's message?
The message from Flor de Cuba has generated divided opinions on social media. While some users have supported her criticism by highlighting the lack of solidarity among Cubans, others have questioned her stance, arguing that there are differences between being a legal immigrant and an illegal one, as well as the impact of massive migrations.
Why does Flor de Cuba defend her decision to help her family in Cuba?
Flor de Cuba defends her decision to help her family in Cuba because she believes in the importance of supporting her own despite the criticism she receives from some users on social media. For her, solidarity and the well-being of her loved ones are a priority.
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