The Cuban influencer Alexander Otaola has sparked controversy after criticizing what he perceives as the passivity of Cuban women in the face of the economic and social crisis affecting the island.
During a recent live broadcast of his show YouTube El Mañanero, Otaola expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of action from Cuban mothers in the face of the challenges affecting their families.
"When I was a child, mothers were different. I remember the Cuban woman, I remember a different type of woman, not one who resigns herself to having her child go to bed hungry. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong," Otaola said in the introduction to the topic.
"I can't believe that a mother would put her child to bed hungry with a hotel with everything just around the corner. I just can't understand it because even a dog, a dog that lacks reasoning, will go and kill a chicken to feed her hungry puppies. She learns to do it to nourish her young, she becomes a she-wolf," expressing an analogy that questions the resignation of many women on the island in the face of the economic crisis.
The presenter, known for his strong speech against the Cuban regime, also emphasized his frustration by pointing out that he does not understand how a mother can allow her child to go hungry when, according to him, there are ways to seek alternatives.
"I can't understand how you can resignedly put your defenseless child to bed, a child who didn't ask to be born, who came into the world because you weren't able to get a condom for your husband because there were no condoms available. I can't believe that you accept letting that little one go to bed hungry, while there is plenty on the corner."
Her statements have sparked extensive debate on social media. While some users agree with her stance and argue that despair has led many mothers to inaction, others believe that her criticism overlooks the context of repression and fear in which women in Cuba live.
The influencer's remarks come in the wake of the fourth blackout in six months, which left Cuba in the dark since the night of March 14, due to a breakdown at the Diezmero substation, located on the outskirts of Havana.
This incident caused a significant loss of generation in the western part of the country, leading to the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), affecting millions of Cubans.
Meanwhile, it was noted that several hotels and tourist areas continued to have electricity supply, which caused outrage among the population.
Otaola, who has been a fervent opponent of Miguel Díaz-Canel's government, has urged the Cuban diaspora on several occasions to pressure the regime. This time, his words were directed at civil society within the island, which he continues to call upon to awaken and demand change.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alexander Otaola's Critique of the Situation in Cuba
What did Alexander Otaola criticize about the attitude of Cuban mothers?
Alexander Otaola criticized the passivity of Cuban mothers in the face of the economic crisis, questioning how they can allow their children to go to bed hungry when there are resources around them that could be used. His statements aim to awaken Cuban civil society to demand changes against the current regime.
What was the community's response to Otaola's statements?
Otaola's statements sparked a debate on social media. Some users agreed with his criticism, while others argued that he overlooks the context of repression and fear in which women in Cuba live, making any action beyond daily survival difficult.
Why does Otaola mention hotels in his critique?
Otaola mentions hotels to highlight the inequality in Cuba, as while many families suffer from blackouts and lack basic necessities, hotels and tourist areas maintain a steady electricity supply. This generates outrage among citizens, who see how tourism takes precedence over the basic needs of Cubans.
What impact do Otaola's statements have on the Cuban diaspora?
Otaola's words have a significant impact on the Cuban diaspora, encouraging pressure on the regime and on civil society in Cuba to demand change. His critical stance is well-known among exiled Cubans, who often actively engage in the political debate concerning issues on the island.
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