The Mexican journalist Esteban Román pointed out three myths that some segments of the Latin American left still hold regarding the Cuban Revolution, Ernesto Che Guevara, and Fidel Castro, dismantling the propaganda narratives with data that might unsettle more than a few.
In a video lasting just three minutes, on his TikTok account Rompexsilencio, Román challenges the notion that the Cuban people "chose" socialism.
“That's what was imposed by those who overthrew the dictator Fulgencio Batista, only for them to turn into a new dictatorship themselves, this time not supported by the United States but by the Soviet Union,” he argued.
Another highly debated point in the video is the so-called "blockade", which the young man labels as a linguistic myth. He clarifies that it is an economic embargo, not a military siege, and argues that the use of the word “blockade” is intentional to victimize the regime in Havana in front of the world.
“Are you really outraged by the applauders of Cuba who say that the socialist regime cannot use dollars? Is it due to a lack of access to American banks that Cuba cannot prosper?” he asked.
It also demystifies the idea that the embargo is to blame for the current multisystem crisis, mentioning the constant blackouts and the system's inability to maintain its outdated energy infrastructure from the Soviet era.
He also questioned the discourse surrounding the high educational level on the island: “The reality is that it doesn’t matter how many engineers your universities produce if they are not able to create the industries that can pay those engineers and provide them with the materials they need to update and improve.”
The video has sparked a flood of reactions, especially from Cubans who see in its narrative a silenced truth. “We Cubans did not choose to be communists,” wrote one user. “Fidel Castro forcefully imposed Russian communism, manipulating the people,” another denounced.
“I'm Cuban and it's exactly as you describe,” commented a user named Miguel Ochoa, who referred to socialism as “a fallacy of a system that destroys nations in the name of the poor.” Digna Elena was clear: “Let them look closely within Cuba to see how far communism takes a prosperous people.”
Other commentators criticized the hypocrisy of the regime's supporters. “It’s easy to support what one does not live,” wrote José Manuel. “The left praises Cuba, but none of them would move there to live,” remarked another.
Critics also pointed to the lack of coherence in the speeches: “The top leaders of the left end up sending their family to the United States, the very country they claim to hate.”
Some, like Máximo, were more incisive. “Fidel ended up being more Batista-like than Batista himself; he dealt a second coup to the Constitution and left it suspended de facto.”
While those on the island strive to keep the revolutionary epic alive, social media reflects a different reality: Cubans and Latin Americans weary of the myths, double standards, and the glorification of a model that, after 66 years, only exports nostalgia, misery, and Che t-shirts.
Is that what those who want statues of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara in public squares aspire to? concluded Román, referring to the recent removal of both images from a public square in Mexico City.
The removal of the sculptural ensemble, officially known as the Monument Encuentro—though commonly referred to as The Bench of Che and Fidel—occurred at the decision of local authorities after irregularities in its placement were detected and numerous complaints from residents were received.
The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, criticized the decision of the mayor of Cuauhtémoc, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, describing the action as “illegal,” “intolerant,” and “hypocritical.”
The federal government has requested the delivery of the sculptures for their relocation to another space, in order to resolve the conflict "in an institutional manner."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Myths of the Cuban Revolution and the Embargo on Cuba
Is it true that the Cuban people chose communism?
The Cuban people did not choose communism. According to journalist Esteban Román, communism was imposed by those who overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista, becoming a new dictatorship themselves, supported by the Soviet Union.
Is the U.S. embargo on Cuba the main cause of the crisis on the island?
The embargo is not the main cause of the crisis in Cuba. Although the embargo imposes economic restrictions, many voices, such as that of Esteban Román, argue that the true cause of the crisis is the Cuban socialist system and its inability to maintain and update the infrastructure inherited from the Soviet era.
Why is the term "blockade" used instead of "embargo" when referring to the U.S. sanctions on Cuba?
The term "blockade" is deliberately used by the Cuban regime to portray itself as a victim to the international community, even though it technically refers to an economic embargo, not a military siege.
Is the educational level in Cuba really high?
The educational level in Cuba is questionable in terms of practical utility. Although the education system produces engineers and professionals, the lack of industries and job opportunities on the island prevents these professionals from applying their knowledge and improving their living conditions.
How do dollar stores affect the Cuban population?
Dollar stores in Cuba deepen economic inequality. Only those who receive remittances or foreign currency can shop in these stores, which excludes most Cubans who earn in pesos, widening the economic gap on the island.
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