A young Cuban living in Cartagena, Murcia, shared a daily experience on TikTok regarding the internet service in his home, which served as a point of comparison for reflecting on the differences between Spain and Cuba, especially concerning consumer options and state control over basic services.
In the video, which is just over three minutes long, @el.profesor.cubano recounts that one Friday morning his router started malfunctioning and he lost connection. After checking that everything was properly connected, he contacted the telephone company, which promised to send technicians within two hours. However, by evening, the issue remained unresolved.
It was then that his wife, whom he refers to as "la Anto," wrote to the company announcing that she would be terminating the three contracts they had with them, filing a formal complaint, and leaving a negative review. Shortly after, the technicians arrived at the house and replaced the faulty router.
"That may be very normal for you who have lived here your whole life, but not for me," says content creator @el.profesor.cubano, who has previously used everyday anecdotes to explain how the system works on the island.
“In Cuba, everything belongs to the government, absolutely everything,” he asserts. He also criticizes the fact that most of the population on the island does not have access to Wi-Fi at home, and that the few who do must pay high prices for a limited service with no alternatives: “In Cuba, there is only one phone company, and if someone goes out on the street and says ‘freedom,’ they shut down your internet. You’re done,” he comments in the video.
The video, which features the text overlay "Long live freedom!", was recorded in a colloquial tone, without stridency or political calls, and has been well received by dozens of users who left comments expressing identification, support, or sharing similar anecdotes.
"That's right. Thank you, God, for allowing us to live in freedom," wrote one user. "That's how it should be in any normal country. Here, the customer is in charge," added another.
Some recalled similar situations with Spanish operators, while others shared their own strategies for making complaints or changing providers. There were also warnings about contracts with permanence clauses.
This content creator, son of the Cuban comedian Antolín El Pichón, has gained notoriety for his straightforward and everyday manner of highlighting the differences between life in Cuba and the one he now leads in Spain. In previous posts, he has compared, for example, the range of pet products available in supermarkets with the scarcity of basic food items on the island, as seen in his video about how “here a dog can eat better than a Cuban”.
It has also addressed issues such as the lack of freedom of expression or the risk of losing internet access after expressing a political opinion, something that had already been mentioned in a previous video titled “What happens in Cuba is a crime”, in which he spoke about repression, blackouts, and hunger.
His videos are part of a growing narrative among Cuban emigrants who, from various locations in Spain, use social media to share the cultural shock between their previous life and their current one. Testimonies like his join those of other Cubans such as @estibito_vlogs or Yexela González, who have reflected on the value of things as simple as freedom of movement, stable electricity, or the ability to take a child to the park.
What is normal for many is still a source of wonder for a Cuban who has lived under state control. Sharing it has become a way to make visible a reality that continues to weigh on millions on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Life of Cubans in Spain and the Situation in Cuba
What differences exist between living in Cuba and in Spain for Cubans?
The content creator @el.profesor.cubano highlights that in Spain there is greater freedom and options for consumers. In the case of internet services, for example, in Spain you can switch providers if you are not satisfied, whereas in Cuba everything is controlled by the government and there are few options available. Additionally, in Cuba the internet connection is limited and expensive.
How does the lack of freedom in Cuba manifest in everyday life?
The lack of freedom in Cuba is evident in various aspects of daily life, such as the restriction of internet access and political censorship. Cubans who express political opinions may lose access to the internet and face retaliation. In addition, there is only one state-owned provider for services like internet and telephone, which limits options and service quality.
What role do social media play in denouncing the situation in Cuba?
Social media has become an essential tool for Cubans in exile who wish to denounce the situation on the island. Creators like @el.profesor.cubano use platforms like TikTok to highlight the differences between life in Cuba and in other countries, and to share testimonies about repression, resource shortages, and the lack of basic freedoms in Cuba.
What are the main criticisms of the Cuban government according to emigrants?
Cuban emigrants criticize the government for political repression, censorship, and the scarcity of basic resources such as food and electricity. They denounce the lack of freedom of expression and the reprisals faced by those who express political opinions. Furthermore, they highlight that state control over basic services limits development and quality of life on the island.
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