After a video went viral on social media of a young Cuban showcasing what she eats in a day while living in Cuba, including the strawberries she grows in her own garden, many influencers and content creators have come out to criticize her harshly.
Some, however, have followed their example and showing all possible satire and sarcasm have created their own videos that are ridiculous in the Cuban context and completely out of place
“This is what I eat in a day living in Cuba,” is heard from video creator Anarelys Abascal before moving on to the more delicious meals that exist only in her imagination.
“Since I didn't have anything nice to eat for breakfast at home, I headed to the hotel on the corner and had my little coffee that you all know I can't do without, along with these toasts”. It's worth mentioning that in many places in Cuba, coffee and even bread have become luxuries, not to mention the hotels that the average Cuban can only dream of.
For the meal, I ordered this lobster, which is nothing new; you all know that I eat this every day because I absolutely love seafood. (...) I was also having this drink that I adore; in fact, the one serving it to me is the restaurant owner because we are really close,” she adds, emphasizing the irony felt in every part of the video by adding a ‘really’ to each sentence.
In the comments, there was everything, from those who laughed at the joke and understood that it was all a mockery, to those who couldn't identify the sarcasm and took offense, believing the video was serious.
“Those who are envious will say it wasn't you”; “My mom told me that you were my cousin, so I'm going to your house for a few days”; “Delicious, if only the Granma yacht had sunk”; “I'm glad you enjoyed that nice moment and didn't wake up from the dream”; “And that’s when the sound of the fan woke you up”; “For tourism because the people are dying of hunger without medicine, water, or electricity”; “The hotel on the corner... I have a garbage dump on my corner”; “To live in Cuba, you can't complain, you live a life of luxury”; “Thank goodness there is poverty in Cuba”; “Unfortunately, not all Cubans can eat that,” some commented.
Something is very clear for those who understood his satire: the videos of millions of Cubans showing what they eat on any given day would be extremely different.
Frequently Asked Questions about Food and Reality in Cuba
What is the food reality like in Cuba for the average Cuban?
The food reality in Cuba is very challenging for the average Cuban. Basic food items are often scarce and expensive, and the economic crisis has exacerbated the situation, forcing many Cubans to devise ways to survive with limited resources.
What criticisms do Cuban influencers face when showcasing their daily meals?
Cuban influencers who showcase their daily meals face criticism for not reflecting the reality that many Cubans experience. Some videos display foods that are not accessible to most, leading to skepticism and comments about the disparity in access to food on the island.
Why do videos by Cuban influencers generate so much debate?
Cuban influencers' videos generate debate because they often contrast with the reality of scarcity that most of the population in Cuba experiences. These contents often showcase lifestyles that are not representative of the average Cuban, leading to reactions of disbelief and criticism.
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