A video shared on Instagram by the Cuban user identified as iamtraviezo has sparked various reactions, as it shows the shocking response of his grandmother when she believed she was being recorded to send a message to the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The scene begins casually and with a joking tone. "Cuban grandma gets scared and says nothing, haha the ending, honestly I was left in 11 pro max mode," wrote the young man when he posted the clip.
In the recording, he asks the elderly woman to say a few words to Díaz-Canel. The woman, who initially appears confused, delivers a powerful statement: "Let them bring back the power," referring to the blackouts affecting the entire Island.
However, the grandson reminds her that she has always criticized the government and complained about the power outages.
At that moment, the grandmother completely changes her tone, which many have interpreted as a mixture of fear, sarcasm, and resignation.
"I am very happy with the blackouts; they are necessary because the country has problems. We will get through this. Homeland or Death, We Will Overcome," she concludes, leaving her grandson astonished.
The reactions were swift.
In the comments section, journalist Yusnaby Pérez stated: "She is happy." Another user commented: "The grandmother stood out; it seems like a political act at a primary school graduation," while a young woman noted: "The grandmother really knows about irony."
Several people interpreted the video as a clear reflection of the fear that persists among many Cubans, especially those from older generations. "Your grandmother's sarcasm is the best," remarked a young person.
But not everyone found it amusing.
A father left a profound message: "Don't blame her, fear and dread are taught doctrines, give me what I need to live, it's the best decision for survival. In short, be grateful for what you have, so you can see the light of a new day without hope. It's what we learned, what we were taught...".
A Cuban émigré was more direct in sharing his outrage: "What a great harm they have done to an entire nation!... This is a reflection of the anthropological damage that the Castro-Canel dictatorship has inflicted on the Cuban people; the fear of expressing oneself freely is exemplified in this video...".
Others, while understanding of the fear, expressed their frustration: "The fear is understandable, but they should not support that crap that is killing them. What a shame this video," stated a Cuban in exile.
The clip, lasting only a few seconds, has garnered numerous views and comments, becoming a vivid portrayal of the fear, forced irony, and pressure that many Cubans feel when discussing the government, even in the presence of family.
Although some see it as a reflection of Cuban humor in the face of adversity, many agree that the underlying message reveals a much more painful reality: fear remains a deeply entrenched mechanism of control in Cuban society.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fear and Social Control in Cuba
Why are many Cubans afraid to express themselves freely?
The fear of expressing critical opinions about the government in Cuba is a deeply ingrained mechanism of social control. This fear arises from the reprisals that those who criticize the regime may face, including the possibility of persecution, arrest, or social exclusion. The video of the grandmother changing her statement is a reflection of this widespread fear.
What is the current situation regarding blackouts in Cuba?
The situation regarding blackouts in Cuba is critical, with power outages lasting over 48 hours. This energy crisis is due to a lack of maintenance of electrical infrastructure, the obsolescence of thermoelectric plants, and fuel shortages. The government, without providing clear solutions, partly blames the U.S. embargo, while the population continues to face serious difficulties in their daily lives.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely impacts all aspects of daily life. Prolonged blackouts disrupt the water supply, hinder proper food refrigeration, and complicate meal preparation due to the lack of gas. Furthermore, the absence of electricity affects nighttime rest because of the heat and mosquitoes, exacerbating the stress and frustration of the population.
What role does sarcasm play in expressing discontent in Cuba?
Sarcasm is a tool that many Cubans use to express their dissatisfaction with the government. In the face of fear of direct retaliation, sarcasm allows people to voice their criticisms indirectly and often humorously. The video of the grandmother pretending to be happy about the power outages is an example of how sarcasm is used to reflect resignation and widespread discontent.
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