"Cubans are disconnected across generations of emigration," began TikTok creator @May_dolys in her response to a comment left on one of her videos. The comment read: "The hypocrisy we are witnessing is that those with papers believe they are superior. Immigrants are the same, just luckier for having arrived earlier."
In her video, May_dolys (@tts_beauty_fashion) reflected on what she sees as a lack of understanding among generations of Cuban migrants. She explained that some of those who are emigrating now do not truly grasp what it means to emigrate, as they assume the process is simpler than it really is. "I don’t know if a relative here lied to them and said, 'come over, and in a year and a day you’ll be back in Cuba, it's super easy,' or if they saw others doing it and believed it was easy, but emigrating in any country in the world is not easy," she stated.
He added that emigrating involves sacrifices and responsibilities, such as accepting that one does not know when they will be able to return to Cuba or embrace their family. In a reflective tone, he insisted, "If you're going to take the step, you have to be willing to take risks and shoulder all those responsibilities."
The video generated a variety of reactions. Some agreed with his stance: "It was always referred to as a 'definitive exit' and people couldn't come back"; "You are absolutely right; many arrive thinking this is easy and then they start complaining"; "In the 90s, leaving Cuba was a journey without return."
On the other hand, some questioned his words: "The current generation has struggled a lot to get here and has faced more difficulties than we did. It's better to support them before criticizing"; "It's not a disconnection; each generation faces different challenges"; "Today's Cuban does not emigrate; they seek political asylum because we are persecuted in our own land."
The comment that led to this much-discussed response was left by a user on a previous video by May_dolys, where she shared her thoughts on what she sees as a problem of victimhood among Cubans. In that initial clip, she stated: "The Cuban's blame does not lie with any historical moment; it lies with communism, which is the same as the victimhood we are seeing now among Cubans." She also criticized those who seek to blame other countries or presidents for the difficulties faced by Cubans. "It’s easier to point fingers at a historical moment, but the reason Cubans are in this situation is communism. And who brought communism here? We Cubans ourselves."
Although opinions on his words are divided, what is clear is that his reflections have addressed a sensitive topic for many, especially in the context of the challenges and expectations of the Cuban community abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Emigration and the Social Situation in Cuba
Why do some Cubans believe that emigrating is not as easy as it seems?
Emigrating is a complicated process filled with challenges. Although it may seem easy from the outside, immigrants face significant sacrifices, such as adapting to a new language, finding employment, and the uncertainty of not knowing when they will be able to return to Cuba or see their relatives again. Furthermore, misconceptions about a simpler life abroad complicate the adaptation process.
What is the perception of Cubans about life in the United States?
Many Cubans on the island have the mistaken perception that life in the United States is easy and prosperous. This is due to a lack of complete and realistic information about the difficulties that emigrants face, such as the high cost of living and the need to work hard to get by. The idea that the United States is a land of plenty can distort the expectations of those considering emigration.
How does Cuban emigration affect families on the island?
Cuban emigration creates an emotional and economic burden for the families left on the island. Emigrants often send money and resources to support their loved ones in Cuba, which creates expectations and, at times, tensions due to constant demands and the economic pressure on those who have emigrated. This situation can affect family relationships and generate conflicts.
What challenges do newly arrived Cubans face in the United States?
Cuban newcomers face various challenges, such as adapting to the language, finding employment, and establishing themselves economically. In addition, they may encounter prejudices and expectations from those who are already in the country, which complicates their integration and initial stability. These challenges reflect the complexity of the migration process and the need for strong support to overcome difficulties.
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