A young Cuban used the social media platform TikTok to respond to the criticisms she receives for always keeping her nails well-groomed, in a context where many people question this kind of spending amid the economic crisis facing the island.
In the video, the user Darling Mores explained that she is often judged for supposedly spending between 150 and 250 dollars on getting her nails done, being accused of wasting money that should be used for food, gas, or meat.
However, she clarified that in Cuba, the actual price for a manicure service ranges from two to three dollars, and in her case, she almost never pays because her manicurist barely charges her.
"Many women criticize me for doing my nails, but I have never heard a man say that getting a haircut or using deodorant is a luxury. Men see it as a necessary expense, but among ourselves, we undervalue each other and believe that we don't deserve to look beautiful and elegant," she stated in her message.
The young woman argued that looking good is not a luxury, but a personal necessity: “I love to look pretty and take care of myself. For me, this is not a luxury, it’s part of my life.”
The video generated mixed comments on the platform, with several users supporting its stance, while others pointed out the contradiction between the country's difficult economic situation and spending on aesthetic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spending on Aesthetics in Cuba during the Economic Crisis
How much does it really cost to get your nails done in Cuba?
The price of a manicure service in Cuba ranges between two and three dollars. Despite the criticism regarding spending on aesthetics during the economic crisis, these prices are comparatively low compared to other countries. Additionally, some individuals, like the user Darling Mores, receive these services at an even lower cost due to personal arrangements with their manicurists.
Is it a luxury to have your nails done in Cuba during the crisis?
For some people in Cuba, doing their nails is not considered a luxury, but rather a personal necessity and a way to maintain self-esteem. In the context of an economic crisis, this practice can be seen as a means of emotionally resisting adversity.
Why is spending on aesthetics criticized in Cuba?
The spending on aesthetics in Cuba is criticized due to the contradiction between the country's difficult economic situation and the perception that these services are a luxury. In a context of scarcity, some believe that money should be allocated to basic needs such as food and medicine, rather than aesthetic services.
How does the economic crisis in Cuba affect people's perception of personal expenses?
The economic crisis in Cuba has intensified the debate over what is considered a necessary expense or a luxury. In the current context, the partial dollarization of the economy and inflation have caused products and services that are basic elsewhere to be perceived as luxuries on the island. This generates cultural tensions and criticisms between those who prioritize personal care as a form of emotional resilience and those who advocate for allocating resources to basic needs.
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