After a video went viral in which she expressed her frustration with life in the United States and stated that she preferred living in Cuba, a Cuban resident in Miami returned to social media to respond to the wave of criticism she received.
In a second video shared by various pages and profiles such as La Familia Cubana, the woman lashed out at those who criticized her for her opinions.
“People who lived in misery in Cuba are the ones who say that this country is the best. They are still struggling here and continue to insist it is the best country,” he said.
The Cuban woman denied being a lazy person, as some users labeled her, and stated that since her arrival in the U.S., she has not stopped working.
"You're criticized for being lazy, for not working, for only liking what is handed to you. Since I arrived in this country, I have been working like a mule, and what has it brought me? Nothing. Do you know why it hasn't brought me anything? It's $1,200 for rent, it's car payments, it's this, it's that, pay, pay, and pay, and what do you have left in your pocket? $100, which hardly gets you anything because by the time you go and buy whatever, those $100 are gone. Don't tell me you don't spend $100 just on food here," she asserted.
He also questioned the benefits of the assistance system in the United States, particularly in the state of Florida: "‘Not because they give assistance.’ Where is the assistance? Well, yes, there are many states that do provide assistance, I'm not saying they don't, in Miami, there are lines of desperate people waiting to get free stuff, and then they criticize me for liking freebies and they are the first ones to line up to get the handouts."
With evident annoyance, the woman asserted her personal effort and criticized what she sees as a double standard among other Cubans: “Just look at me and ever since I arrived, I have been working tirelessly in this country, my hands look like a man's because they are full of calluses, now go and see how many women out there have callused hands, none, because they all want OnlyFans or whatever, easy work. Whoever wants to do whatever they like with their life can do it, but don’t come calling me lazy because I am not.”
The video has sparked a new wave of reactions on social media, reigniting the debate among Cubans about the real challenges of emigrating and rebuilding life abroad, as well as the even greater hardships faced by those who remain on the island.
“I pay 1,200 in rent and now they're going to raise it to 1,791. I’m a single mother, I earn minimum wage, I pay for the car, insurance, water, electricity, and internet, I help my family in Cuba, I end up with not even a cent, but I still say God bless the United States of America”; “But you pay for the car, but you spend on food because there is food, but you pay rent where you live with dignity, but you have electricity, but you have water, but you have internet, but you have a job to pay for the necessities and live with decency, but if you don’t feel comfortable as is evident, your country, your nation, your land, welcomes you with open arms. WATCH out, bring a flashlight because there's never any light”; “My life thanks God that you have a job with which you pay rent, electricity, internet, that you pay for the car and other bills, and that in the end, you’re left with $100. You just described that you have a dignified life through your hard work. What job did you have in Cuba? What kind of life, what car. Let’s be more thankful first to God who gives us health and work and let’s be thankful to this country that lets us enjoy what our own country deprived us of,” some commented.
Others were even more vocal in their criticisms: “Get a ticket and go back to Cuba. Stop criticizing, everyone knows that you come here to work, and success doesn’t happen overnight, you have to work hard, so stop criticizing this great country that has given you opportunities that your own never would”; “Get ahead. I came to this country as a professional, worked in cleaning, hotels, and houses, and today I am a businesswoman. But I took courses, prepared myself rigorously, and now I have what I could never achieve in Cuba. I am very grateful to this country for making me who I am today”; “You should go back to your country where you don’t have to pay for anything because there is simply nothing… and the little that exists you can’t afford… and yes, this is the best country in the world. And if you can’t appreciate it, it’s probably not meant for you”; “No one is forcing you to stay here, just return to Cuba. This really is a great country whether you like it or not, and at least be thankful that you have 100 dollars left after you pay for everything because in Cuba, no matter how hard you work, you won’t even make 20 dollars to cover your expenses.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Emigration and Life in the United States
Why does the Cuban woman in Miami feel that her work in the United States has not been worthwhile?
The Cuban in Miami feels that her work has not been worthwhile because, despite her hard work, expenses such as rent, the car, and food leave very little money available, which makes her question the quality of life she can achieve in the United States.
What criticisms does the Cuban receive for her opinion about life in the U.S.?
The Cuban has received criticism from other Cuban émigrés, who suggest that she return to Cuba if she is not satisfied, arguing that in the United States, although the costs are high, one can live with dignity and there are job opportunities that do not exist on the island.
What does the Cuban woman think about the aid in the United States?
The Cuban questions the effectiveness of the aid system in the United States, especially in Florida, highlighting that in Miami, the aid is limited and the lines to obtain free goods are long, making it difficult for those who really need these resources to access them.
How does the Cuban woman confront accusations of being lazy?
The Cuban defends her efforts by asserting that she has been working hard since her arrival in the United States, highlighting the physical toll this has taken on her, which counters accusations of laziness from other Cubans.
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