Kevin Hernández, a young YouTuber and digital creator, opened Pandora's box when he shared a video on his social media showing how much he spends in a month in Cuba as an independent individual.
According to Kevin, his main expense is rent, 200 dollars, living in the center of Havana in a place that “isn't very big, but it's fine because the electricity doesn't go out on me”, where he lives with another young person and his pet.
The second important expense is food and hygiene products, and while showing her full freezer, her Colgate toothpaste, Lenor beads for laundry, toilet paper, a bag of imported rice, and stating that she buys a box of chicken for the month and five liters of oil, she assures that she allocates about 150 dollars for all of this.
In general, Kevin and his partner spend about 480 dollars a month in Havana, but the question many have is where their high dollar income comes from.
The video sparked a wave of criticisms and questions from Cubans on the island: “Tell me the name of your dad and your mom, and I'll tell you who you are; besides, you are not the only one, there are all the children and grandchildren of the power elite living just like him”; “You need to explain where you get 500 dollars or more a month”; “What I want to know is how he manages to have all that income”; “I don't know what image you want to portray, my friend, that is not Cuba”; “Sells a reality that doesn't exist”; “What a way to make Cubans feel poorer with your video,” some commented.
These types of videos are really made to tell someone else, I do what you can't even dream of doing. In a country where everyone knows that more than 90% of the population doesn't have these opportunities, which, while completely normal in the world, is a luxury in Cuba. A bag of rice, a gallon of oil, and let's not even talk about the Lenor beads for laundry; "I don't criticize your content nor do I want to be disrespectful, but everything you're saying is nonsense, I'm from Vedado and no rent costs that, let alone the money you spend on toiletries and food, and I've been living alone for three years"; "The contrast... in a video before yours, I came across a woman who must fan her baby because there's no electricity all day except for one hour... cooking with charcoal since there's no gas and praying for water to arrive so she can wash by hand before going out to see if she can get some bread... Then your video pops up, and it's the complete opposite. Suggestion. Have some empathy for your surroundings,” other internet users questioned.
Kevin, who claims that his income comes from his work as a YouTuber and content creator, responded to the criticism by emphasizing that his intention with this video was to inspire others to see that it's indeed possible to achieve their dreams: “Don’t let envy blind you; the most beautiful thing is to learn and be inspired by others.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Expenses and the Economic Reality in Cuba
How much does an independent young person spend in Cuba per month?
A young independent person in Cuba spends approximately 480 dollars per month, according to YouTuber Kevin Hernández. This expenditure includes 200 dollars for rent and 150 dollars for food and hygiene products, among other expenses. However, these amounts have sparked debate, as many believe they do not reflect the reality of most Cubans.
Why did Kevin Hernández's video generate criticism on social media?
The video by Kevin Hernández sparked criticism because many Cubans believe that it does not reflect the economic reality of the majority of the population on the island. In a country where most people do not have access to such spending levels, portraying a lifestyle that seems luxurious by Cuban standards has been perceived as a lack of empathy for the general situation.
What is the perception of Cubans regarding the cost of living in Cuba?
The perception of many Cubans is that the cost of living in Cuba is unsustainable for most, due to low wages and inflation. Testimonials from people living on the island show that monthly income is not enough to cover basic needs, forcing many to rely on remittances from abroad.
How does the cost of living in Cuba compare to other countries?
The cost of living in Cuba is perceived as highly disproportionate compared to incomes. In countries like the United States, although costs can be high, incomes allow for a greater margin of savings and access to basic goods. In contrast, in Cuba, even basic products are considered luxuries due to scarcity and high prices in relation to wages.
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