A young Cuban in Brazil recounted on his social media the tense episode he experienced with a fellow countryman who, according to him, tried to intimidate him at his workplace and even threatened to report him to the police.
Ariel Steel, known on Instagram as perezzayas4, recounted that while he was working at a supermarket, a Cuban woman began to attack him with derogatory comments about his status as a newcomer.
She told me that while I was starving in Cuba, she was already a Brazilian citizen. She accused me of being friends with the manager so I could record my videos and even went so far as to say that the Cubans who entered Brazil were a plague, he recounted.
The young man claims that the situation escalated when he decided to confront her and ask her to stop talking about him. “Why did I say that... she called the manager, wanted to even call immigration police, but in the end, everything ended there,” he recounted.
According to Steel, the woman needed the job more than he did, and despite her attempts to undermine him, it was he who ended up getting promoted and gaining recognition within the Cuban community thanks to his content on social media.
Ariel's experience sparked reactions among his followers, many of whom pointed out that envy and rivalry among Cubans in exile are wounds that still affect the community.
“The Cuban is capable of going one-eyed just to see the other blind”, commented a user. Another encouraged him to keep going: “Forget about the rest, focus on progressing, that will crush them. You're doing well, and I admire you”.
Others recalled that emigrating does not always guarantee personal transformation: “One can be a citizen and everything one desires, but the ignorant and indoctrinated mindset remains the same. It is useless to leave everything behind to be free if your mind remains trapped.”
Ariel, however, focuses on the positive side of the story after turning a moment of harassment into an opportunity to grow and strengthen his connection with a community that supports him despite divisions.
Frequently asked questions about the experiences of Cubans in Brazil
How did Ariel Steel confront harassment at his job in Brazil?
Ariel Steel decided to confront the woman who was harassing him, asking her to stop talking about him. Although she tried to call the manager and the police, the situation did not escalate, and Ariel ended up being promoted at his job and gaining recognition in the Cuban community.
What challenges do Cubans face when emigrating to Brazil?
Cubans in Brazil face challenges such as racism, high living costs, and the need to adapt to a new work environment. Additionally, it is common to experience rivalries among compatriots and to deal with unrealistic expectations regarding immediate progress. However, many find opportunities to improve their quality of life compared to Cuba.
How does the rivalry among Cubans in exile affect their community?
The rivalry among Cubans in exile can create tensions and hinder unity and mutual support. Many Cubans have expressed that envy and competition are common issues, which often complicates collective progress and the strengthening of the community abroad.
Why has Brazil become a popular destination for Cuban migrants?
Brasil, especially the city of Curitiba, has become a popular destination for Cubans due to its relative stability and job opportunities. The migration restrictions in the United States have led many Cubans to seek alternatives, and Brazil offers a viable option for those who wish to improve their quality of life outside the island.
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