The Cuban creator @dailenysnb, residing in the United States, became a trend on TikTok after posting a video in which she firmly responds to a comment accusing her of "promoting communism and dictatorship" for sending school uniforms to her sister-in-law in Cuba, who is about to start secondary school.
In the recording, which features a close-up of the TikToker with the on-screen message "As long as my parents are in Cuba, I'm going to send them everything they need," she confidently defends her stance. She explains that her shipments are not monetary transfers that could end up in the hands of the government, but rather products purchased by her and sent through private channels.
Dailenys assures that she will not stop helping her parents and her grandmother as long as they live on the island. “They are not to blame for living where they do or for the scarcity. I will continue to send them everything they need,” she stated in the video. She also took the opportunity to question those who criticize her: "If you have family in Cuba and do not send them anything, you are shameless because that does not reach the dictatorship, it reaches your families."
The clip generated an avalanche of reactions, mostly supportive. Users from different parts of the world backed its message and shared similar experiences. "Family is sacred, I send everything my loved ones need, wise words, girl," wrote an internet user. Another commented: "Stopping the support won't bring down communism," emphasizing that direct aid to family members has no political impact.
There were also those who took the opportunity to ask for details about the purchase of the uniforms. Dailenys responded that she chose white polo shirts with collars, similar to those used in Cuba, so that they could have the corresponding insignia placed on them on the island. In this way, she demonstrated that her assistance is planned and designed to meet specific needs.
Messages of solidarity continued to come in, reinforcing their argument. “One helps the family, not the dictatorship. It's the people who are facing difficulties,” commented a user. Another expressed: “As long as my parents are in Cuba, they will lack nothing.” For many, the discussion should not focus on whether to help or not, but rather on how to do it to ensure that support reaches the right hands directly.
The case of @dailenysnb reflects a recurring debate within the Cuban diaspora: how to maintain the bond and support for family on the island without it being interpreted as backing the current political system. For the creator, the answer is clear and unequivocal: the priority is family, and no criticism will change her approach.
Frequently Asked Questions about Supporting Family Members in Cuba from Abroad
Why are some Cubans abroad criticized for sending aid to Cuba?
Some Cubans abroad are criticized because it is perceived that their assistance may be sustaining the Cuban regime, indirectly fueling the dictatorship. However, many of them argue that their remittances are exclusively for their families and have no political impact.
How do Cubans abroad justify sending remittances to their families in Cuba?
Cubans abroad, like @dailenysnb, justify sending aid by stating that their families are not to blame for living in a system of scarcity. They claim that their shipments consist of specific products and not money that could benefit the Cuban government.
How does sending aid affect family relationships between Cubans in exile and their relatives on the island?
The sending of aid can create tensions and unmet expectations between families in exile and those living in Cuba. Some feel that the assistance is not sufficiently appreciated or that the expectations of the recipients are disproportionate to what can be sent.
What types of products do Cubans often send from abroad to their families in Cuba?
Cubans living abroad often send products that are scarce or very expensive on the island, such as food, personal hygiene items, clothing, and other everyday consumer goods. This is done to improve the quality of life for their loved ones in Cuba.
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