"You came out of the mud to your chest, and now you're being so picky," responded Karlita, a young Cuban, amid criticism after sharing her astonishment at a mundane detail on the streets of Spain.
This Cuban recently arrived in Galicia, known on social media as Karlita (@yo_soykarlita), has sparked a strong conversation on TikTok after posting a video in which she responds to those who criticized her for being surprised by an aspect of life in Spain.
The first video, in which he expressed his astonishment at how cars stopped automatically when a button was pressed at the pedestrian traffic light, garnered thousands of views and hundreds of comments. However, what was meant to be an innocent observation from a newcomer ended up becoming the target of mockery and disdain, especially from other Cubans.
In her new post, lasting over four minutes, Karlita firmly defended herself. "I don't understand how there can be so many Cubans correcting me for saying ‘carro’ instead of ‘coche,’ as if they didn’t perfectly know what I’m referring to. And the worst part is that many act more Spanish than the Spaniards themselves," she said, not hiding her disappointment.
“Cuban, crazy, you came out of the mud to your chest… remember your roots,” she insisted, referring to the classism and selective amnesia that, according to her, some exhibit upon emigrating. She also questioned why many accused her of ignorance or ridiculed her surprise: “If when you arrived you didn’t make your rookie mistakes, tell me what you drank, the Coca-Cola of forgetfulness?”
The young woman explained that her intention was not to talk about politics or economic systems, as this is not the type of content she shares online. “I didn’t say it because cars should stop, but because of the small detail of the bell at the traffic light, which is completely new to me,” she commented, after being corrected by several users who clarified that this is not “capitalism,” as she had said, but simply road education or basic traffic rules.
Among the reactions to the new video, many Cubans shared similar experiences. “I waited 20 minutes for a cashier to give me a java, and she didn’t understand me,” confessed Arniel Chil. Another user, Reydier, mentioned that after two years in Spain, he still says “carro, guagua, and even Cupet for gas stations.” For Alexey Hernández Sol, “when someone criticizes you, it says more about that person than about you.”
Most agreed that adapting to the host country is part of the migration process, but that it shouldn't mean giving up one's identity. “There’s no worse splinter than that of the same stick,” wrote someone. “I have been away from Cuba for over 25 years, and I haven’t lost my accent nor will I, because those are my roots,” commented Graciela Fonseca. Felix Mario, for his part, pointed out that although he has adopted some local words, his way of speaking Cuban has not changed: “We get used to using the same words, but we don’t lose who we are.”
There were also messages of respect suggesting a focus on the positive. "To foolish words, deaf ears. Move forward and don’t look back," wrote one user. Another Spanish internet user expressed: "Never lose your roots, speak however you like... never be ashamed."
Despite the criticism, Karlita made it clear that she will not be affected. "I am doing very well mentally, I feel very loved, and no comments from people I don't know will impact me," she stated. Her message concluded with an invitation to reflect, both for Cubans who have been abroad for years and for Spaniards who, she said, do not always understand the context of those arriving from a country like Cuba: "I hope that just as there is road education, there is education on how to address… both an immigrant and a lady."
Frequently asked questions about the reaction of Cubans to cultural change and criticisms on social media
Why did Karlita's video on TikTok generate so much debate?
Karlita's video sparked debate because it reflects the cultural clash that Cubans face when emigrating, showcasing their astonishment at situations that may be mundane for others. Additionally, the criticisms she received from other Cubans on social media highlighted issues of identity and cultural adaptation.
What surprises newly arrived Cubans in Spain according to testimonies on social media?
Recently arrived Cubans in Spain are surprised by the road safety and respect for traffic laws, such as vehicles automatically stopping at pedestrian traffic lights when a button is pressed. This type of infrastructure and citizen behavior contrasts with the reality they experienced in Cuba.
How do Cubans react to criticisms of their cultural adaptation?
Cubans often defend their right to adapt without losing their identity. Many argue that adopting elements of the local culture is a form of integration and respect towards the country that hosts them, without this meaning forgetting their Cuban roots.
What aspects of daily life in Spain catch the attention of Cubans?
The infrastructure, the reliability of services such as electricity, and road safety education surprise many Cubans. These aspects, which can be considered basic in Spain, are very different from the reality in Cuba, where the precariousness of these services is common.
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