The Cuban TikToker Randely Valdés, known on TikTok as @randely29, has gone viral after sharing a video in which she lists a number of aspects she considers luxuries in Cuba, but which are part of everyday life in the United States.
In the post, which has generated thousands of reactions and comments, the influencer highlighted the difficulties Cubans face in their daily lives. In her list, she mentioned that food is a luxury, as there is never any certainty about what will be available in the stores on the island. Electricity and drinking water are also rare privileges, with constant outages and irregular supply.
Another aspect that stood out was the difficulty in owning a vehicle, due to the high cost and lack of fuel, which forces most people to rely on public transportation that operates infrequently. Toilet paper is another scarce item in Cuba. Furthermore, it was stated that a decent salary is a utopia, as even doctors earn amounts around 50 dollars a month. Other items on the list include air conditioning, hot water for bathing, toys for children, medicines, paved roads, and finally, opportunities for advancement, which is why many young people choose to emigrate.
In the video, Randely concluded her list with a phrase that struck many: "I ran out of makeup and there are still things left on the list," reflecting the endless scarcity that Cubans face in their daily lives. Her testimony has sparked the interest of thousands of users, who have not hesitated to share their own experiences or make comparisons with their countries of origin.
The video has sparked a wave of comments and reactions, primarily from Venezuelan users, who have compared their country's situation to that of Cuba. Some pointed out that Venezuela also faces difficulties, but basic goods are still available, albeit at high prices. “For those who say Venezuela is the same, there is everything here, the hard part is getting the money,” commented one user. Others, however, asserted that the Venezuelan crisis is similar to the Cuban one in many aspects. “I am Venezuelan, but don’t compare. Cuba is much worse than Venezuela, there is everything here, what’s lacking are good salaries,” stated another follower.
The post also generated reactions from users in other Latin American countries, such as Nicaragua and El Salvador, who identified with the reality described by Randely.
Another notable response came from a user who expressed disbelief: "Omg, how do people survive there?" To which Randely herself replied with a simple yet powerful, "I don't know." Additionally, one user pointed out the extreme precariousness with an ironic comment: "You need about 6 more videos to be close to the end." These types of responses reinforce the idea that the shortages in Cuba seem endless and generate surprise among those who are unfamiliar with the reality of the island.
Frequently asked questions about daily life in Cuba compared to other countries
What are the basic "luxuries" that Randely Valdés mentions as inaccessible in Cuba?
In her video, Randely Valdés lists several everyday aspects in the United States that she considers "luxuries" in Cuba, such as the availability of food, constant electricity, and drinking water. She also mentions the difficulty of acquiring a vehicle, access to toilet paper, air conditioning, hot water, toys for children, medicines, paved streets, and opportunities for progress. These elements are part of daily life in the U.S., but in Cuba, they are privileges that are hard to attain.
Why is a dignified salary considered a utopia in Cuba?
Randely Valdés indicates that even doctors in Cuba earn around 50 dollars a month, which is insufficient to cover basic needs. In Cuba, salaries are low and do not correspond to the cost of living or the needs of the citizens. This makes a decent salary seem like a utopia for many Cubans.
How did users from other countries react to Randely Valdés's statements?
Randely Valdés's statements generated a wave of reactions, primarily from Venezuelan users, who compared the situation in their country with that of Cuba. Some pointed out that in Venezuela there are basic goods, albeit at high prices, while others claimed that the Cuban crisis is even more severe. Users from Nicaragua and El Salvador also identified with the shortages described by Randely.
What impact do shortages in Cuba have on the decision of young people to emigrate?
The lack of opportunities for progress in Cuba is one of the factors motivating many young people to emigrate. The deficiencies in basic services, insufficient wages, and the lack of prospects for improvement lead many Cubans to see emigration as an option to seek a better future.
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