A Cuban doctor (DG) shared a profoundly human and reflective message –while also being controversial– amidst the emotional exhaustion that a large part of the country is experiencing.
Her reflection stems from an intimate yet collective observation: while reviewing posts from friends, she noticed a pattern of anxiety, frustration, and discontent that manifests in a question that, according to her, echoes painfully: “Can anyone truly say this is life?”
Faced with that question filled with fatigue and despair, amidst one of the worst economic crises in Cuba's history, the healer provides an affirmative response, but from a position of resistance and dignity, which can also be interpreted as a stance of denunciation.
"Yes, this is life. Precisely because it hurts and you endure," he asserts.
What we experience tears you apart, but it does not defeat you, continues, with a tone that avoids condescension and emphasizes emotional validation and active hope.
The doctor argues that the pain we feel is not synonymous with weakness, but rather a sign that something within us is still alive and refuses to give in.
Instead of giving up, he proposes viewing each everyday act —no matter how small— as part of a collective resistance: writing, supporting others, denouncing injustices, sharing knowledge, protecting what remains.
"Your written search is already a tool of resistance," he writes and adds: "Every text you create from dignity is a map, a collective shout."
According to the author, change does not happen through a single grand gesture, but is built as a "mosaic of persistent actions," sustained by those who still refuse to accept the unacceptable.
The doctor also offers a piece of advice that many people can relate to: “Don’t burn yourself to ashes. Don’t let desperation consume you. Resting, crying, regaining strength... it’s not giving up. It’s strategy.”
In the face of dehumanization, he suggests finding beauty wherever possible: in friendship, in reading, in poetry, and he added, “It is an antidote against dehumanization.”
The publication concludes with a reassertion of the value of those who, even in exhaustion, continue to question, write, and uphold words and life with dignity.
"Do not underestimate the power of your tearing. Because it proves that something in you remains untouched. Rebellious. Alive," she emphasized.
Far from being just a slogan or a mantra, the doctor’s message is an invitation to look inward and toward others with compassion, memory, stubbornness, and commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Resistance and Dignity in Cuba
What is the main message from the Cuban doctor regarding the situation in Cuba?
The main message from the Cuban doctor is one of resilience and dignity. In her reflection, she states that the pain experienced in Cuba is a sign that something remains alive and refuses to succumb. She proposes viewing each everyday act as part of a collective resistance, suggesting that change is built through small, persistent acts of dignity and protest.
How is resistance related to dignity according to the article?
According to the article, resistance is viewed as an act of dignity that validates the suffering and daily struggle of Cubans. The Cuban doctor argues that pain and resistance are evidence that personal dignity remains intact, alive, and rebellious in the face of adversity. Resistance is not merely enduring, but maintaining dignity through everyday acts of support and protest.
What does the doctor propose as an antidote to dehumanization in Cuba?
The doctor proposes seeking beauty wherever possible as an antidote to dehumanization. She suggests finding beauty in friendship, reading, and poetry, and asserts that these acts are forms of emotional resistance that help maintain dignity in the face of difficult conditions on the island.
What impact does the economic and social situation have on the dignity of Cubans?
The economic and social situation in Cuba has reduced dignity to an empty slogan, according to the provided context. Cubans face chronic shortages, prolonged blackouts, and a lack of supplies that severely affect their quality of life. This has led to a disconnection between the official narrative and daily reality, where survival has become a form of resistance and a struggle to maintain personal dignity.
Why is it considered that the resistance in Cuba has been forced and not a free choice?
Resistance in Cuba is considered forced because it has been the only option for survival, not a free choice. The political system has normalized scarcity, indoctrination, and fear, leaving Cubans with no real alternatives. Resistance has become a way of life imposed by a system that does not provide pathways for change or improvement of living conditions.
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