Heilen Alemán, a young Venezuelan woman who emigrated to the United States six years ago, broke her silence on TikTok about a topic that has deeply impacted her: the criticism she has received for speaking with a Cuban accent.
In an emotional video shared on her account @heilenaleman26, she recounted how the Cuban people helped her when she arrived in the country and why she feels proud that her way of speaking reflects the culture that embraced her.
"Cubans were my family when no one else was."
"I wanted to talk about this a long time ago, but there came a point when I stopped caring. However, these were comments that hurt me deeply, coming from my own people, from my nationality," she began. She explained that she chose to address it now because she has seen how others are experiencing the same thing.
He recalled his arrival in the United States and how, from the very first moment, it was Cubans who extended a helping hand to him. “I arrived in this country six years ago. I remember that from day one, the person who helped me get to another place, even though I didn't have $50 to my name, was a Cuban friend. However, when we got to her friends' house, those people, without knowing me, gave me clothes, food, and a roof over my head for the night because I had nowhere to go.”
Over time, his social circle became almost entirely composed of people from Cuba. "When you meet a Cuban, you end up getting to know their entire family, all their friends, and then your social circle becomes them, because that's just how Cubans are, folks."
Even her love life was influenced by her closeness to the Cuban community. “In the first year I was in this country, I met a Cuban, and I had a relationship with him for a year. And with my Cuban husband, I have been married for five years.”
"They help one another."
Heilen highlighted the solidarity and sense of brotherhood among Cubans. "They are truly such sensitive and family-oriented people. They help each other."
One of the aspects that impresses him the most is the equality with which Cubans treat one another, regardless of their economic situation. "There is something I greatly admire about Cubans, and that is that they sit down to eat together at the same table, from those who have the least to those who have the most. And they treat each other as equals, helping one another and extending a hand."
"Before criticizing, inform yourself."
In the video, she also responded to those who have criticized her for her accent. “Before offending someone, you can educate yourself and read a little. This has a name, and it's called phonetic convergence. It happens due to social acceptance, affiliation with the other person, or better communication. Sometimes it occurs consciously, but many times unconsciously.”
She assured that, far from feeling ashamed of her way of speaking, she feels grateful. “I don't feel bad at all about having adopted the accent of my friends and my husband, because they are people I care about very much. For me, Cubans are very special people; they are beautiful individuals with wonderful feelings, and I have nothing negative to say about them.”
"We need empathy."
Finally, she called for empathy and recalled that when she arrived in the United States, many of her fellow countrymen were not there for her. “Many of the people who helped me when I came to this country were mostly Cubans. Meanwhile, I reached out to many Venezuelan friends from my hometown, and no one responded.”
"Before making a comment you might later regret, ask first. Let's be more empathetic, and before judging, let's put ourselves in other people's shoes."
Reactions on TikTok
Heilen's video has received thousands of comments from Cubans, Venezuelans, and people of other nationalities who relate to her story. "I am Puerto Rican and have a Cuban accent, I lived in Miami for 37 years, and I love them," wrote one person. Another user commented excitedly: "The Venezuelan is so lovely, long live Cuba and Venezuela."
Many highlighted the unity and support of Cubans. “The problem is that we Cubans were taught that there is no class distinction or racism. We help and treat everyone equally. You are beautiful.”
Some shared similar experiences with other cultures. “I am Mexican in Texas and I have friends from Cuba, very hardworking and respectful, that is my experience.” Another user recounted: “I have been married to a Cuban for seven years, and it’s impressive how his Cuban friends welcomed me as if I were one of the family.”
There were also Venezuelans who identified with her testimony. “It’s true, I am Venezuelan and I have Cuban friends, and they are really great people. I care about them a lot too.”
One of the most praised comments emphasized: “We Cubans have big hearts and we help without looking at where the person comes from. It’s something that defines us by nature.”
The reactions have mostly been positive, filled with gratitude and similar stories that reflect how an accent is merely a sign of coexistence and brotherhood among cultures.
With this video, Heilen Alemán not only defended his identity but also delivered a powerful message about the brotherhood among Latinos and the impact that a community can have on the life of someone in need.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Cultural Influence in the Venezuelan Community in the U.S.
Why does Heilen Alemán speak with a Cuban accent?
Heilen Alemán speaks with a Cuban accent because she was helped and embraced by the Cuban community upon arriving in the United States. Her social circle is primarily made up of Cubans, who have become her family abroad, which has influenced her way of speaking.
How has Heilen responded to criticism regarding her Cuban accent?
Heilen Alemán has responded to criticism by explaining that her accent is a demonstration of phonetic convergence, a phenomenon that occurs due to social acceptance and affiliation. She does not feel ashamed of her accent and is grateful for the positive influence of her Cuban friends.
How does Cuban solidarity manifest itself according to Heilen Alemán?
Heilen emphasizes that Cubans are very sensitive and family-oriented individuals who help each other regardless of their economic situation. He admires the equality and solidarity with which Cubans treat one another, gathering together to eat without distinction.
What final message did Heilen Alemán share in his TikTok video?
Heilen Alemán made a call for empathy, reminding that many of the people who helped her upon her arrival in the U.S. were Cubans, while many Venezuelan compatriots did not respond to her request for help. She urged people to educate themselves before criticizing and suggested that we be more empathetic and put ourselves in others' shoes.
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