A Cuban based in Italy, Yannys Herrera, has sparked laughter and reflection with a video he posted on TikTok (@yannys_real) and Instagram, where he discusses the stereotypes Cubans face in Europe. With humor and great sincerity, Yannys says, “The bar for being Cuban here in Europe is set really high; I don’t know who set it so high, honestly.”
In addition to being a content creator, Yannys is the founder and CEO of the clothing brand Rytt Dustin, but this time, his video was not about fashion; it was about how Europeans idealize Cubans. “They think all Cubans are attractive, that we know how to dance, that we are passionate, as they say,” he commented. He also pointed out how these expectations elevate the social perception of Cubans: “You have a friend who says, ‘No, I know a Cuban,’ nobody knows who it is, but they already imagine he is one of those Cubans.”
In a humorous tone, Yannys talked about the consequences of not meeting the standards. “If you don’t know how to dance salsa or bachata, you’re going down: you start at 100, right? ‘Teach me to dance bachata,’ ‘No, I don’t know how,’ 70. ‘Well, how about salsa,’ ‘Well, I…,’ 40.” As advice for his compatriots in Europe, he added: “Dude, hit the gym; if you don’t know how to dance, learn to throw your hallway.”
The video quickly filled up with comments, with many users confirming what Yannys expressed or sharing their own experiences. One user wrote, “When I say I’m Cuban, they react poorly”; another confessed, “In Spain, we are also very well-liked.” There were also those who joked, “I don’t know how to dance, hahaha they look at me and say ‘Nooo’ hahaha.”
On the other hand, some shared their thoughts on how Cubans are perceived in Europe. "Here in Russia, I'm the chalk; they see me as a god"; "With all due respect, I don't know how to dance salsa or bachata, even though I have a mix of Valencia." Amid jokes and pride, it became clear that being Cuban comes with a "high standard," but also with a lot of personality.
Frequently asked questions about the perception of Cubans in Europe and cultural stereotypes
Why does Yannys Herrera say that the bar for being Cuban is high in Europe?
Yannys Herrera claims that Cubans in Europe are idealized, perceived as attractive individuals, excellent dancers, and possessing a vibrant personality. This perception creates heightened expectations regarding how Cubans abroad should behave or what skills they should possess.
What stereotypes do Cubans face in Europe according to Yannys Herrera?
Cubans in Europe are viewed through stereotypes, such as being all attractive, knowing how to dance salsa or bachata, and having a "hot-blooded" personality. These stereotypes create high social expectations for them, which can be difficult for some to meet.
How does the perception of Cubans in Europe affect their daily lives?
The idealized perception of Cubans in Europe can create pressure to meet certain standards, such as knowing how to dance or having a specific physical appearance. This can impact their daily lives as they face comments or judgments based on these stereotypes.
What advice does Yannys Herrera give to Cubans who do not fit these stereotypes?
Yannys Herrera advises his compatriots to go to the gym and learn to dance if they do not meet the stereotypes of knowing how to dance salsa or bachata. This is presented as a way to confront social expectations and boost their self-confidence in the European environment.
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