The Cuban YouTuber Anita Mateu, based in Galicia, Spain, posted a video on TikTok in which she reflects on various stereotypes that persist about Cubans outside the island, asserting that not all of them correspond to reality.
"I come to debunk a few things because you all think everyone is the same," she says at the beginning of the video. She then mentions the notion that all Cubans know how to dance well. "I do know how to dance, but there are many Cubans who don't. I deeply envy those who know how to dance casino... I never learned, and I regret it deeply," she admits.
Regarding language, he notes: “Not all Cubans use profanity or curse words, nor do we all say the typical phrases like ‘asere qué volá.’ I don’t usually say that one, for example.” He explains that although he uses them sometimes, like in moments of anger, it’s not a constant habit, and that his mother scolded him for using such language in his childhood.
She also mentions that it's often assumed that all Cubans are cheerful and enjoy partying. "I am, but not everyone is. I know many people who don’t like to party; it's normal, we are just normal people," she adds. Finally, she questions the prejudice that Cubans always seek "the easy life." "Maybe marrying a foreigner... and then they call you a jinetera," she criticizes. "In my case, I left because of my work on YouTube, and even then, many accuse me of having taken another route. As if I couldn't achieve anything on my own," she expresses.
In the comments of the video, many users expressed feeling identified with his words, especially regarding dancing. Several people acknowledged that they do not know how to dance casino or salsa, while others shared that they also envy those who master that popular Cuban style.
Another group of users commented that they have had to explain multiple times that not all Cubans have dark skin, emphasizing that the Cuban population is diverse. Some stated that in various parts of the world they have been told phrases like "you don't look Cuban" because of their light skin.
There were also testimonials from Cubans who claimed not to be party-goers, not to consume coffee, or not to use the most popular expressions associated with Cuban speech. Others rejected being judged for their personal lives, such as marrying foreigners or living abroad.
A theme present in other viral publications
This type of content is not isolated. A Cuban TikToker based in the United States sparked debate on social media by posting a video in which she defended the idea that men born on the Island are thoughtful, family-oriented, and hardworking, in an attempt to dismantle negative stereotypes. Her content received support from some users, while others questioned the generalizations. The video garnered thousands of reactions on TikTok.
From Europe, a Cuban creator residing in Italy spoke with irony about how Cubans are expected to be physically attractive, have dancing skills, and be charismatic. In another video, he questioned the sexual fame attributed to Cubans and suggested that such labels reinforce stereotypes that are far from the reality of millions of people.
In Mexico, another Cuban YouTuber highlighted the prejudices faced by migrants from the Island, such as the notion that they marry local citizens for convenience. He advocated for the right to work, integrate, and build a life in the country without being stigmatized.
Cultural differences have also been a reason for viral content. A Cuban-Mexican couple joked in a video about the way Cubans speak, reigniting the debate about the popular language of the Island and how it fuels stereotypical perceptions in other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stereotypes and Realities of Cubans Abroad
Are there really stereotypes about Cubans abroad?
Yes, there are numerous stereotypes about Cubans living abroad that often do not correspond to reality. Anita Mateu, a Cuban YouTuber in Spain, debunks some of these clichés, including the idea that all Cubans know how to dance well or that they constantly use certain popular expressions. These stereotypes are common and are often perpetuated in different cultures outside of Cuba.
Do all Cubans know how to dance and are they party enthusiasts?
Not all Cubans can dance or are party lovers. Although some, like Anita Mateu, do enjoy parties and dancing, she herself acknowledges that she did not learn to dance certain popular styles like casino. Furthermore, she emphasizes that she knows many Cubans who do not share this taste, thus debunking the idea that all Cubans are naturally cheerful and fond of festivities.
Is it true that Cubans are always looking for "the easy life"?
No, not all Cubans seek "the easy life". This is another stereotype that Anita Mateu criticizes, stating that many emigrate for work or personal reasons, and not necessarily to seek marriages of convenience. She herself claims that she moved to Spain to work on her YouTube channel, refuting accusations that she did so through other means.
How is the cultural diversity of Cubans perceived outside the island?
The cultural diversity of Cubans is recognized, although often misinterpreted. Many Cubans abroad have had to explain that not everyone has dark skin, as the Cuban population is very diverse. Stereotypes simplify and distort this reality, leading to comments like "you don't look Cuban" due to physical characteristics that don't fit the stereotypical image.
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