A simple yet powerful reflection has connected thousands of people on TikTok. Lietty Piña (@liettypi), a Cuban now living in Mexico, shared her experience by comparing how everyday items like toilet paper, Coca-Cola, meat, and clothing are a part of daily life in Mexico, whereas in Cuba they are considered luxuries.
In his video, he talked about four everyday items in Mexico that, according to his experience, are luxuries in Cuba: toilet paper, Coca-Cola, meat, and clothing. His reflection has moved many and generated hundreds of comments filled with empathy, surprise, and humor.
“In Cuba, this is a luxury,” says Lietty, referring to toilet paper. “Not everyone can afford it because it's expensive or simply unavailable. What many people use are sheets of notebook paper, or one ends up washing themselves. Here in Mexico, we have paper in both bathrooms and napkins in the kitchen; it’s the most normal thing.”
Regarding Coca-Cola, Lietty recalled how, in her country, someone who had a can was considered fortunate: “In Cuba, whoever brought a Tu Kola to school either had money or relatives abroad. Now it’s almost impossible to drink a Coca-Cola. Here in Mexico, it’s something people drink every day. I’ve gotten so used to it that I’ve even stopped feeling the same pleasure I felt in Cuba.”
He also spoke about meat: "In Cuba, the most available meat is chicken. Beef is prohibited and pork is extremely expensive. There, one decides whether to have meat for lunch or dinner, but not both. Here in Mexico, it's common to enjoy meals with meat in all its forms: tacos, stews, barbecues."
Finally, she mentioned clothing: "In Cuba, most people can only buy clothes on special occasions, like birthdays or New Year's, because the priority is always food. In Mexico, people go to the tianguis or the plazas and buy clothes without thinking too much about it, even second-hand."
The video has accumulated over 25,700 likes and 923 comments, reflecting a variety of reactions. Some expressed gratitude for the insight: “In Mexico, we are rich and didn't know it.” Another wrote: “Thank you for sharing this, I now understand that we live in a country full of blessings.”
Others used humor to respond: “In my home, we use corn cobs”; “As a child, I wiped with newspaper, cheaper than notebooks.” Some reflected: “Sometimes we forget to appreciate the everyday”; “It’s shocking to realize that something as simple as toilet paper can be a luxury.”
There were also those who asked questions: "Why is beef prohibited in Cuba?" or shared their surprise: "I can't believe it, I thought you were exaggerating, but now I see that it's true."
This type of reflection, shared from a personal experience, not only sparks curiosity but also encourages a greater appreciation for the everyday. Lietty ended her video by saying, "If you want a second part, let me know in the comments."
Frequently Asked Questions about Luxuries in Cuba and the Comparison with Mexico
Why is toilet paper considered a luxury in Cuba?
Toilet paper is considered a luxury in Cuba because not everyone can afford it due to its high price or scarcity. In situations of shortage, Cubans resort to alternatives such as notebook pages or washing directly.
What is the availability of meat like in Cuba?
In Cuba, the availability of meat is limited. Chicken is the most accessible, while beef is prohibited and pork is very expensive. People often have to decide whether to eat meat at lunch or dinner, but not both.
Why is Coca-Cola a luxury in Cuba?
Coca-Cola is a luxury in Cuba because it is almost impossible to obtain. In Cuba, anyone who drinks a Coca-Cola is considered fortunate, as it is a difficult and expensive product to find, unlike in Mexico where it is commonly consumed daily.
How is clothing perceived in Cuba compared to Mexico?
In Cuba, clothes are usually purchased only on special occasions because the priority is food. In contrast, in Mexico, people can buy clothes regularly, even second-hand, without worrying as much about the budget.
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