"Socialism and communism only deprive, only command, only have synaptic connections in the heads of fools like this," begins saying in her video a Cuban residing in Brazil, known on TikTok as @studiodaysantoya. The creator reacted this way to a comment from a user who suggested that she acknowledge the “achievements” of the Cuban system in terms of free education.
In her speech, published with the message "Education and health in Cuba" and several hashtags such as #cubanosporelmundo and #cubanosentiktok, the young woman insists: "I owe nothing to anyone. My education I owe to three people: my mom, my dad, and myself." She elaborates: "My mom and dad know how much I ate, how they managed to put a plate of food in front of me, how they bought me a pencil, a backpack. It was never given for free."
It strongly questions the regime's narrative: “Everything you don’t pay, you pay with your life, with your time, with your freedom. [...] You are not free; you are still thanking that crap.” It adds: “Don't put us in the same bag, and don’t you dare put the rest of the Cubans in the same bag as yours. We are not the same.”
Her critique also delves into ideological foundations: “When I began studying psychology, I understood that this was a utopia. Equality did not exist. We are unique and unrepeatable beings, and socialism or communism goes against human existence itself.” For her, “human beings invest time, money, knowledge, everything in not resembling anyone.”
The reactions came quickly. One user wrote: “They still believe they owe something to the dictatorship; that mindset doesn’t change just because they leave Cuba. Mulata, don’t get worked up over those low-cost minds.” Another added: “Socialism and communism are the most destructive forces in the world. First it was Cuba, then Venezuela. My beloved Venezuela is not even a shadow of that prosperous and thriving economy. 25 years of misfortune.”
A woman commented: "I have a Cuban friend who lives in the U.S. She had to leave her daughter in Cuba because the girl's father refused to sign the travel permission. The girl told her that she no longer wanted to leave Cuba because there the school is public and in the U.S. she wouldn't be able to study. Total brainwashing."
Among the supportive messages, there were also those who celebrated the tone of the influencer: “You are sensational,” “I love the way you speak and explain,” “Thank you for responding to him,” “Nothing more to add. Bravo,” “Girl, it was about responding to him, not embarrassing him. Bully,” were some of the most notable.
Even in response to the claim from the person in question, who reproached her for calling him "idiot," she replied, "Everything you mention helps me. Thank you. Bye. Boca, repeat after me, it's pronounced ‘boca’."
This is not the first time that @studiodaysantoya has sparked debates with their testimonies from exile. In February, they reflected specifically on healthcare in Brazil, comparing it to that of Cuba and noting that, although there are resources, there is a lack of professional commitment.
Days before, he denied the phrase "Brazil is Cuba with food", stating that emigrating was not just about food, but for freedom and greater aspirations. "I came here to conquer the world, to grow, to seek economic freedom and quality of life," he said on that occasion.
He also shared the emotional reunion with his 60-year-old mother, who emigrated after decades in Cuba.
In this new publication, the Cuban reiterates her commitment to truth and criticism of the system she left behind. “I decided to burn the midnight oil. I would go to the Antonio Maceo square to study when the power went out. I chose to graduate, to improve, to keep going,” she affirms. And she concludes with a clear message: “I continue to make the most of today because today I am proving that it is indeed possible to grow even after leaving a communist island.”
Frequently asked questions about criticism of the Cuban education system and emigration
What is @studiodaysantoya's main critique of the Cuban education system?
@studiodaysantoya criticizes that the Cuban educational system is not truly free, as she believes that citizens pay with their time, freedom, and quality of life. She argues that her education was made possible by her family's effort and not by the "achievements" of the Cuban regime.
How does @studiodaysantoya describe their experience of emigrating from Cuba?
@studiodaysantoya describes her emigration as a pursuit of economic freedom and quality of life. She asserts that emigrating was not just about food, but for greater aspirations, such as personal growth and the quest for freedom, something she considers impossible under the Cuban regime.
What reactions has the critique from @studiodaysantoya generated on social media?
The critiques by @studiodaysantoya have generated numerous reactions, mostly supportive. Many users have praised their bravery and clarity in expressing disagreement with the regime, while others have shared similar experiences of emigration and rejection of the official Cuban narrative.
Filed under:
