A young Cuban woman in Spain has raised her voice on social media in response to attacks she has received for sharing aspects of her life as a migrant and pointing out cultural differences between the two countries. In a video posted on TikTok, the user @legmy_ expressed her frustration with recurring comments such as "if you don't like it, go back to your country" or "you didn't even have food."
“I’m tired of hearing all these comments on all my videos,” said the Cuban at the beginning of the clip. “When someone tells you ‘if you don’t like it, leave,’ that person isn’t defending a custom; they’re using your background to invalidate your opinion. And that, that’s no longer a cultural debate, that’s xenophobia,” she declared.
The young woman explained that her content on social media is limited to showcasing her everyday reality, without any intentions of belittling or idealizing any country. “I’m not saying that one thing is better or worse, they are simply different,” she clarified, while also remembering that “Cuba has a dictatorship, a lot of resource scarcity... and we all know the current situation.”
She also defended her right to express herself as a migrant: “For some, being a foreigner means not being able to express an opinion, not even on everyday matters.”
In the text accompanying the post, @legmy_ made it clear that those who accuse her of "continuing to vote for communism" in Europe are profoundly mistaken. "No one who has suffered under communism votes for communism. We come from that mess, we fled from it... Do you think we want the same for the place where we live now?" she wrote in the video description. The post, accompanied by hashtags like #CubansAroundTheWorld and #CulturalClash, has sparked mixed reactions.
The comments range from support and empathy to openly discriminatory expressions. "What you have is called racism," one user replied to another who disqualified Cubans for "coming from the jungle." Others, however, defended the young woman: "Don't let yourself be silenced by those who don't know how to live or can't stand others living. Speak up more every day. The good ones support you," wrote another.
"Cubans have an incredible ability to adapt... your content is respectful and it’s your opinion, and that is freedom," commented another follower.
This is not the first viral testimony from the young Cuban. Days earlier, in another video, she recounted her grandmother's illness in Cuba and the impossibility of traveling to be with her. “I feel in my heart what I’m about to say, but being Cuban is a misfortune that follows you wherever you go,” she expressed at that time.
Both publications have resonated with dozens of migrants who see a shared reality in their words: family separation, the challenges of integrating, and the emotional burden of living far from the island.
The experience of Cubans abroad is as varied as its protagonists. In May, Cuban Franklyn (@franklyn_botanica) shared a very different testimony from Madrid. He stated that he has always been treated kindly in Spain, and that “at least in my experience, it has been incredible.” His video also sparked a debate about the treatment of immigrants and the importance of personal attitude in the integration process.
In Mexico, other Cuban migrants have experienced similar situations. The young Maryfra (@maryfra.21) responded from Quintana Roo to those who insist she return to the island: “I love Mexico and I am happier here than ever, so going back, my life, not even to gain momentum.” Her video received widespread support from Mexicans who defended her right to stay.
Similarly, the Cuban Gleydis García (@gleydis_garcia23) condemned the offensive comments she received after sharing a video about Mexican food. "We do not harm anyone here for them to say that to me," she stated. In her testimony, she explained the distressing situation many families in Cuba are facing, and called for respect and empathy towards those who are compelled to migrate.
Cases like these highlight how complex it can be for many Cubans to share their everyday experiences outside the country, amidst various opinions on their presence and integration into other societies.
Frequently asked questions about the experiences of Cuban migrants in Spain
Why does the Cuban woman in Spain consider the comments she receives to be xenophobia?
The young Cuban identifies the comments as xenophobia because they use her origin to invalidate her opinion, instead of engaging in a cultural debate. She explains that phrases like "if you don't like it, go back to your country" do not defend a custom, but rather aim to discredit her for being an immigrant.
What is the main message from @legmy_ regarding Cubans who have experienced communism?
@legmy_ emphasizes that no one who has suffered under communism votes for it. She clarifies that those who have lived under the communist regime in Cuba seek to prevent the same conditions from repeating in their new countries of residence, such as Spain.
How has the testimony of the Cuban in Spain impacted the migrant community?
The testimony of the Cuban has deeply resonated among other migrants, especially those facing similar challenges of integration and family separation. Her story connects with the reality of many who have had to leave their loved ones and are struggling to adapt to new cultures.
What are the main difficulties faced by Cubans when emigrating to Spain according to the collected testimonies?
Cubans in Spain face challenges such as family separation, integration into society, and cultural shock. Additionally, many must cope with the emotional burden of being far from Cuba, and at times, with xenophobic attitudes that try to silence their opinions and experiences.
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