A video posted on YouTube has generated thousands of reactions by showing how the trauma of shortages in Cuba can follow Cubans even when they emigrate.
In the images, recorded in what seems to be a supermarket abroad, two young Cuban women are seen hoarding numerous packages of beans.
"Where are you guys going with that?" asks the man filming them, chuckling. The women, also laughing, reply: "In case we run out of beans."
The video, which is already circulating widely on social media, sparked amusing and reflective comments among internet users. “When you leave Cuba, but Cuba doesn’t leave you,” wrote one user, capturing the sentiment of many.
Other comments refer to the chronic scarcity on the island and how this experience permanently shapes the consumption habits of emigrants.
"My mom does the same," a young woman commented on TikTok. "Seeing beans on sale is an emotional trigger," another joked.
Beyond humor, the video has become a mirror of Cuban reality: a culture of hoarding born out of necessity, which many are unable to leave behind, even in lands where the shelves are always full.
Frequently asked questions about the impact of shortages on Cuban emigrants
Why do Cuban emigrants maintain hoarding habits?
Many Cubans who have emigrated continue the habit of hoarding products due to the trauma of shortages experienced on the island. This behavior is a response to the chronic scarcity they faced in Cuba, where basic goods were not always available.
How does the scarcity in Cuba affect the consumption habits of emigrants?
The scarcity in Cuba has left a deep mark on the consumption habits of Cuban emigrants. Even though they live in countries with abundance, the experience of scarcity leads them to hoard products out of fear that they will run out, reflecting a lingering trauma from their life on the island.
What does the viral video of the young women hoarding beans reflect?
The video of the young women hoarding beans reflects how scarcity in Cuba affects Cubans even after they emigrate. It is a demonstration of the psychological and emotional impact left by the culture of hoarding, born from the need and insecurity in accessing basic food items on the island.
How has the community on social media reacted to the video?
The video has generated a variety of reactions on social media, ranging from funny comments to critical reflections on the situation in Cuba. Users have highlighted how the trauma of shortages persists among emigrated Cubans, resonating with many who have lived similar experiences.
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