"It’s not that they forget about you; it’s that life really gets tough," says Cuban Maylay Carmona in a viral TikTok video, where she dismantles the popular saying among Cubans that those who emigrate "drink the Coca-Cola of forgetfulness."
In his reflection, recorded while driving along a highway in the United States, Carmona recalls how in Cuba many believed that emigrated relatives forgot about them after arriving in "Yuma." However, with sincerity and emotion, he reveals that it's not about forgetting, but about a difficult adaptation to a new way of life.
“The Coca-Cola of forgetfulness is not that the uncle came out forgotten by one… The uncle was complicated. Between paying rent, the car, health insurance, and not having enough time,” he states.
The young woman explains that upon arriving in another country, immigrants face not only a new language and a different culture but also the pressure to survive in an environment that does not always offer respite.
"The Cuban emigrates even to the Himalayas. We don't just go to any country," he says with humor, while pointing out that life on the Island is "like living in a literal pasture."
During the video, Carmona explains that many emigrants endure exhausting days filled with jobs, debts, payments, and responsibilities that leave them little time for themselves. In this context, it becomes nearly impossible to maintain the same connection with the family or friends they left behind in Cuba.
"The Coca-Cola of forgetfulness is that time compresses you, that many times the economic and mental situation overwhelms you, and life just isn't enough."
Honestly, he also admits that now many emigrants become "that guy" who was previously talked about in Cuba: "We are that cousin who supposedly drank the Coca-Cola of oblivion... Tell me how it goes when the 24 hours of the day are not enough, when you have to wipe away tears and go out to work."
The TikToker concludes her reflection by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to live in the United States, but makes it clear that she would not return to Cuba as long as the current system persists, which she describes as "a dictatorship characterized by human misery and a lack of freedom."
The video has generated hundreds of comments from emigrated Cubans who relate to his experience. “Thank you for putting into words what many of us feel,” wrote a follower.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Coca-Cola of Oblivion" and Cuban Emigration
What is the "Coca-Cola of forgetfulness" and why is it relevant for Cuban emigrants?
The "Coca-Cola of forgetfulness" is a popular saying among Cubans that refers to the perception that those who emigrate forget their family and friends in Cuba. However, Maylay Carmona explains that it's not about forgetting, but rather about the tough adaptation to a new way of life abroad, where daily responsibilities and stress can make it difficult to maintain the same connection with loved ones left behind.
What are the main challenges faced by Cuban emigrants in the United States?
Cuban emigrants face challenges such as language barriers, cultural adaptation, and economic and labor pressure. Maylay Carmona emphasizes that life in the United States involves paying rent, health insurance, and other responsibilities that can be overwhelming. Additionally, time is limited, making it difficult to maintain relationships with family members in Cuba.
Why do some Cubans abroad feel pressure to provide financial support to their relatives in Cuba?
The pressure to provide financial help comes from the needs and expectations of families in Cuba, who often rely on remittances sent by emigrants. Many emigrants feel that there is an expectation for them to provide ongoing support, which can be emotionally draining and lead to tensions, as reflected in the testimony of Maylay Carmona and other Cubans on social media.
How does the Cuban political system affect the relationship between emigrants and their families on the island?
The Cuban political system, described by Carmona as a "dictatorship with human misery and lack of freedom," influences the perception that emigrants have the responsibility to assist their family members. The regime instills the idea that emigrants are responsible for the well-being of those who remain on the island, which exacerbates the economic and emotional pressure on emigrants.
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