The Cuban content creator known on TikTok as @el.profesor.cubano, who resides in Cartagena, Murcia, has once again generated hundreds of reactions after posting a video in which he reflects on the life he left behind in Cuba while walking through a bazaar in Spain.
"I've been living in this country for over two years now, my friend, and I still find myself surprised by things," he says while looking at shelves filled with tools. As he moves along, he recalls: "Getting this in Cuba is... phew," and he immediately confesses: "I think a lot about my grandfather."
In the video, shot "in a Chinese store, in any Chinese store on any corner," it shows pliers, clamps, hammers, keys, and screws, and repeats: "I think of my grandfather, buddy, I think." Throughout the journey, he describes how his grandfather —already elderly— would walk down the street and pick up nails, screws, or any useful piece because there was nowhere to buy them. "There's no hardware store, there's nothing... you can't say 'give me so many nails,' 'give me this'... there's none of that."
He also remembers the fervor with which his grandfather guarded his few tools: “He didn’t like to lend them out, and if he did lend you one, it was ‘return it immediately.’”
The video has generated an avalanche of reactions from both Cubans and Spaniards. Some expressed admiration for his humility: “What a grateful and humble man. Good luck, friend,” while others warned about the dangers of political systems that, in their opinion, lead to poverty: “Socialism and its wonders: it multiplies the poor at breakneck speed,” “Cuba has been suffering from the leftist legacy for decades,” or “Here we go straight ahead.”
The post also received responses from other Cubans abroad who felt identified. “I have been here for 10 years and I still go into the Chinese stores, and I’m still very surprised,” wrote one user. Another person added: “You are telling the story of all our grandparents and parents... every detail mattered.”
This testimony adds to others shared by the same creator, such as the video published in March where he explained what can be purchased in Cuba with a monthly salary of approximately 20 euros. “Everything I’m saying is when it’s available, it’s not that I always go and buy it,” he said at that time, while showing basic products such as wet wipes or a bag of rice, which are often inaccessible even with cash in hand.
Also, remember the case of the Cuban known as @robertalbavlogs0, who in January shared another video from a Mercadona supermarket: “Whenever I go to this market, I can't help but think of my homeland. It's truly sad to see everything available in these supermarkets while in Cuba there are families who do not have at least the basic products needed to live.”
The stories of both reflect a constant among Cubans who have emigrated: the lasting memory of those who remained on the island and the painful contrast between abundance and scarcity. “I think of my entire family —@el.profesor.cubano concludes— but above all, I think of my mother and my grandfather.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Scarcity in Cuba and the Experience of Emigration
Why are Cubans surprised by the abundance of products abroad?
Cubans who emigrate are surprised to find a wide variety of products in foreign supermarkets, which contrasts with the scarcity they experienced in Cuba. In many cases, the mere availability of tools, food, and basic items is a source of awe and excitement, as these items are difficult to obtain on the island due to supply and distribution issues.
How does the scarcity of tools affect Cubans on the island?
The scarcity of tools in Cuba forces people to reuse and make the most of the few they have. As the Cuban content creator mentions in his video, his grandfather would collect screws and nails from the street due to the impossibility of buying them. This situation reflects the creativity born of necessity, where each piece holds significant value and is carefully preserved.
What impact does socialism have on the Cuban economy according to the testimonies of emigrants?
According to the testimonies of emigrated Cubans, socialism has significantly contributed to poverty in Cuba. Many of them criticize that the political system has multiplied poverty and limited opportunities to improve living conditions. These testimonies highlight the economic difficulties and chronic shortages that citizens on the island face.
What feelings do Cubans express when recalling their relatives on the island?
Cuban emigrants feel a deep sense of nostalgia and concern for their relatives who still live on the island. Often, they compare their new reality with the one they left behind, which intensifies their feelings of sadness and longing. These emigrants frequently express their hope that their loved ones in Cuba may one day enjoy the same opportunities and quality of life that they have found abroad.
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