A Cuban woman who identifies on TikTok as La Beche (@_labeche) has gone viral after sharing a video in which she critically reacts to the song "Lo Que Pasó a Hawaii," part of the new album by Bad Bunny, Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
La Beche questions the artist's approach to the loss of identity in Puerto Rico, comparing the situation of the island with the Cuban reality.
"Do you want to know what Puerto Rico could have been? Take a little trip to Cuba to see for yourself, because they even have the same flag. Look at the schools, the streets, the people with nothing to eat, the hospitals, and everything destroyed by communism. You haven't lost any identity," said the Cuban to the singer.
In her video, La Beche expresses her surprise at Bad Bunny's narrative, which addresses gentrification, displacement, and the loss of cultural roots in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States with Commonwealth status and self-government.
The Cuban woman asserts that if Puerto Rico were not linked to the United States, "it would have become another Cuba," pointing out that Puerto Ricans enjoy freedoms and opportunities that Cubans do not have, such as traveling the world with a U.S. passport, studying at U.S. universities, having good food throughout the year, and living in a democratic system, far from a dictatorship.
The album by Bad Bunny has sparked extensive debate over its political and social content. It has over 150 million streams. I Should Have Taken More Photos moves away from traditional reggaeton to explore sounds from Puerto Rican folk music, such as plena, salsa, and bomba.
In "What Happened to Hawaii," Bad Bunny reflects the concerns of some Puerto Ricans about the overexploitation of the island, comparing it to the gentrification process that Hawaii experienced after its annexation to the United States.
La Beche has also faced criticism on TikTok for "talking like a Puerto Rican," despite being Cuban. However, in her other videos, she maintains a distinctly Cuban accent, which has sparked a debate about identity and cultural influence on social media.
The controversy highlights the differences between the experiences of Cuba and Puerto Rico, two Caribbean territories shaped by contrasting political and social histories.
While Bad Bunny voices the concerns of a Puerto Rican generation struggling to maintain its identity, La Beche offers a critical perspective from the Cuban reality, where the fight for freedom and opportunities holds a very different meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Controversy between Cuba and Puerto Rico in Bad Bunny's Music
What criticism does La Beche have of Bad Bunny?
La Beche criticizes Bad Bunny for his approach to the identity of Puerto Rico, arguing that if the island had no ties to the United States, it could have ended up like Cuba, with fewer freedoms and opportunities.
Why has Bad Bunny's song "Lo Que Pasó a Hawaii" sparked debate among Cubans?
The song has been used by some Cubans to express nostalgia for Cuba, although it was written for Puerto Rico. This has sparked criticism about whether its content is relevant to the Cuban situation, highlighting the differences between both realities.
How is Bad Bunny's new album connected to the political situation in Puerto Rico?
The album "I Should Have Taken More Photos" by Bad Bunny addresses political and social issues, particularly in the song "What Happened in Hawaii," where he critiques gentrification and displacement in Puerto Rico, comparing it to Hawaii.
What has been the public's reaction to Bad Bunny's new album?
The album has been a resounding success on streaming platforms, reaching millions of streams and standing out on global charts. Fans praise its boldness in experimenting with new genres and its tribute to Puerto Rican culture.
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