The young Cuban, identified on TikTok as @caliope128, firmly responded to a follower who accused her of "supporting the dictatorship" after she posted a video showing which products she had managed to buy with 5,600 Cuban pesos.
"Come fight for Cuba," wrote the creator in the video where she responded to user HRuben, who had previously criticized her in a comment for promoting the Cuban regime. "I already live in freedom and escaped," said the follower, who also claimed that her videos "promote the dictatorship more than anything else."
The young woman answered directly, claiming that she does not promote any dictatorship, and defended her right to create content as a means of support for herself and her family.
He assured that no one sends him money from abroad, and that his livelihood comes from the platforms where he posts his videos. "I am creating content to feed myself, feed my daughter, and feed my grandparents, because no one sends me anything," he stated. He also criticized the demand for him to protest from within the island while others who have already left the country did not do so at the time.
The video has generated numerous reactions. Most comments were in support of the young woman, who was defended by many and highlighted the inconsistency of demanding from those living in Cuba what was not done before emigrating. Some comments pointed out that many of the critics never confronted the system while they were on the island, while others encouraged the creator to continue her work on social media. There were also those who rejected the term "bill slave" used by her, although they agreed that both realities are difficult.
The comment that this Cuban firmly concluded came from a video where she showed what she could buy in Villa Clara with 5,600 pesos: a pack of chicken thighs for 1,500, five pounds of brown sugar that cost over 1,000, a ham for 2,600, a bottle of oil for 1,000 pesos, and a pack of five bars of soap for 500. In that video, she explained that prices vary by province and that in Villa Clara they are often higher than in Havana. The post, aimed at highlighting the high cost of products, was interpreted by the user HRuben as a supposed way to justify the regime, which sparked his harsh initial criticism and subsequently the viral response from the young woman.
User @caliope128 has gained recognition on social media for her experiences and testimonies regarding the Cuban reality. In previous posts, she has highlighted the shortage of food, the charging of electricity bills amidst blackouts, and the lack of water for over 50 days in her community.
He also warned emigrated parents in the United States about the risks of sending jewelry to their children on the island, due to the rise in assaults on minors. In another video, he shared that he had to cook on a makeshift stove with alcohol during a power outage, eating a three-egg tortilla, which individually cost 300 pesos.
Last December, he expressed his frustration about not being able to access basic products like cheese, and he has humorously confessed that he would give anything to eat a beef steak, a food that is almost unattainable on the island.
From the high prices of rice, cheese, and pork, to issues with electricity and water, their posts reflect the daily life of many Cubans. His straightforward style has sparked divided opinions, but his popularity is growing among those who seek an honest view of what is happening inside the island on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic and Social Situation in Cuba According to TikTok
How does the young Cuban @caliope128 respond to the accusations of supporting the Cuban regime?
The young Cuban @caliope128 responds to the accusations by asserting that she does not promote any dictatorship. She defends her right to create content on TikTok as a means of support for herself and her family, arguing that her posts reflect the economic reality she faces in Cuba.
What products could @caliope128 buy with 5,600 Cuban pesos in Villa Clara?
With 5,600 Cuban pesos, @caliope128 was able to buy a package of chicken thighs for 1,500, five pounds of brown sugar for over 1,000, a piece of ham for 2,600, a bottle of oil for 1,000 pesos, and a pack of five soaps for 500. Prices in Villa Clara are often higher than in Havana.
What is the economic situation in Cuba according to testimonies on TikTok?
The economic situation in Cuba is precarious, characterized by a shortage of basic goods and a high cost of living. Average incomes do not meet basic needs, and many rely on the informal market or remittances from abroad. Testimonies on TikTok reflect the difficulty in accessing food and essential products.
What criticisms do Cubans face when sending aid from abroad?
Cubans who send aid from abroad often face criticism for "supporting the dictatorship." However, many defend their decision as they feel satisfaction in helping their loved ones. They also experience pressure from relatives on the island and engage in the debate about economic dependency.
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