The Cuban creator @studiodaysantoya, based in Brazil, shared an extensive reflection on TikTok regarding the popular phrase among emigrants: “You drank the Coca-Cola of forgetfulness”.
"'You took the Coke of forgetfulness,' is the most well-known phrase among Cubans when we meet and acknowledge that someone hasn't remembered enough, or has forgotten the friends and family left behind, right?" he explained in a video posted from the northern coast of São Paulo, where he is spending a few days on vacation.
The influencer questioned the cultural weight of that expression and argued that, in many cases, it is not about forgetting, but rather about new circumstances: "What if we really do take it, and what if it’s not a lie, and if we really do take that Coca-Cola, right? Sometimes the new situations, the new opportunities, the new countries, the new cultures in which we are living warrant, yes, that sometimes we take that Coca-Cola, even without intending to.”
In his testimony, he revealed that after nearly eight years in Brazil, he no longer misses anything: “I had the opportunity, I fought, I worked, I sacrificed myself, to be able to bring my loved ones here, so today I basically have what matters to me here with me, that’s why I don’t miss anything.”
@studiodaysantoya went further and made it clear that even if there were a political change in Cuba, she would not return to live on the island: “If the dictatorship falls, I probably wouldn’t come back, but that doesn’t mean I don’t continue to love it. And I wouldn’t return because to rebuild a country, especially Cuba, it takes 30, 40, 50 years, how many generations, and I am not willing to spend 30, 40 years of my time waiting for a country to be reconstructed so I can continue with my life.”
The creator emphasized that it is not a rejection of her roots, but an adaptation to a new reality: “I love my Cuba, I love my homeland (…) but sometimes we cling to things that don’t make sense (…) the dictatorship falls and we will support in whatever way we have to support, but I wouldn’t go back because I don’t want to keep wasting time in my life.”
The message has sparked dozens of reactions on TikTok, where emigrants from countries like Chile, Uruguay, Spain, and the United States resonated with his words: “Thank you very much for such a thoughtful reflection. I've been away from Cuba for a year, and I miss even the bad things,” wrote one user. Another added, “Life changes in every aspect because we can't stop; life goes on, and if you don't take advantage of it, you lose it.”
It is not the first time that @studiodaysantoya has deeply moved Cuban emigrants. Last January, his video “The towel is never thrown away” went viral as it depicted the moment he welcomed his mother in Brazil:
"Three days ago, I welcomed my mother at the airport, and I was privileged to do so. This was not an ordinary trip; this is the final journey of a 60-year-old woman who decided to take her last hopes, her final strength, pack them into a suitcase, and set out for a country without knowing what the future holds."
In that same message, he recalled the sacrifice involved in emigrating: “We were those foot soldiers, the ones who went to the front lines of the battle; we had to be the ones to move forward and take that step to help those who were left behind. And those who were left behind are counting on you.”
The debate over the "Coca-Cola of Forgetting" was also fueled by the Cuban Maylay Carmona, who resides in the United States. She expressed in another reflection published on TikTok: "It's not that they forgot about you, it's that real life gets tough (...) Between paying rent, the car, health insurance, and not having enough time".
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Coca-Cola of Forgetting" and Cuban Emigration
What does "taking the Coca-Cola of forgetfulness" mean among Cubans?
The expression "to take the Coca-Cola of forgetfulness" is a common phrase among Cubans that refers to the perception that those who emigrate forget their family and friends in Cuba. However, many emigrants explain that it is not about forgetfulness, but rather adapting to new circumstances and responsibilities abroad.
Why do some Cubans abroad decide not to return to Cuba, even if the political regime changes?
Some Cubans, like the creator @studiodaysantoya, claim that they would not return to Cuba even if the dictatorship collapsed, due to the time it would take to rebuild the country and the lack of immediate opportunities. They prefer to continue their lives abroad, where they have found stability and opportunities.
What challenges do Cuban emigrants face when adapting to a new country?
Cuban emigrants face several challenges abroad, such as learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and managing economic and job pressures. These factors can make it difficult to maintain the same family connections and friendships they had in Cuba.
How does emigration affect the family and friendship relationships of Cubans?
Emigration can significantly impact family and friendship relationships, as emigrants often face challenges in staying in touch due to the demands of their new lives. Many express that, although they miss their loved ones, responsibilities and adjusting to a new environment limit their ability to communicate.
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