The Cuban creator @michelcronicas went viral on TikTok after posting a video in which he reproaches some compatriots living in Mexico for their criticisms of the country that welcomes them. In his message, shared with the phrase "Count to a thousand before criticizing Mexico", the influencer urged the Cuban migrant community to reflect and express gratitude.
"The truth is, it gets really tiring to see Cubans criticizing Mexico, Cubans who live in this country, who don't show gratitude and keep complaining," he said in the video, visibly upset, urging people to think before speaking ill of the neighboring country. "If you are Cuban and you are in Mexico, and you want to criticize something, anything—food, culture, a landscape, whatever you can think of, the traffic, whatever comes to mind—count to 1,000, please count to 1,000 before criticizing Mexico, because we come from a country, from Cuba that is... I'm not going to say the bad word," he insisted.
At another point in the video, he added: “If you are Cuban, count to 1,000 before criticizing Mexico, take the time to appreciate all the opportunities this country has given you.”
The post prompted an avalanche of reactions among TikTok users, many of them Mexican, who celebrated his attitude. “Thank you, Michel, for defending your country MX”; “Thank you for speaking in favor of our friendly country. Enjoy yourself and your wonderful family”; “You truly understand the importance of being grateful, which is why you do well in life”; “Michel, gratitude is the word you understand perfectly”; “Brother, welcome to your home, which is Mexico,” were some of the responses.
There were also Cubans who expressed feeling identified with the message. "I am Cuban living in Mexico and very grateful for having been welcomed"; "I agree with you, I am a naturalized Mexican Cuban and I love this landscape."
Other reactions ranged from skepticism to reproach. "There are many who only seek friendship out of self-interest and then disappear"; "Unfortunately, we all pay for the actions of a few"; "Enjoy it while you can, because Mexico is on its way to becoming like Cuba."
Some users defended the right to express opinions without it meaning a lack of respect: “Or to criticize respectfully. This can also be. Not everything in Mexico is perfect, and it’s valid to complain about what is wrong. Regardless of where you come from.”
The video by @michelcronicas joins a growing wave of content published by Cubans in Mexico who express gratitude for the life they have been able to build outside the island. One of them is @andyrousmc, who declared himself “millionaire” in Mexico for being able to have cereal for breakfast, have electricity, and feel free.
In that same vein, @kelu_gb celebrated her Mexican naturalization by dancing with her certificate in hand and saying, “I can feel the güey running through my veins, I can taste the habanero chili in my teeth, look at my Mexican earrings.” The Cuban wrote in her post: “Pov: I’m no longer an immigrant.”
Other testimonials have moved people with their simplicity. @lile_pozo8 emotionally showcased their first pots purchased in Mexico and stated, “Here I am going to cook fulfilled dreams.” “These pots are pots of dreams,” they expressed.
@la.china.color.ca shared the purchase of her first house in Mexico City and stated, “We are achieving a step that only those who truly focus on what they want and are objective can accomplish.”
There have also been calls for mutual respect. @josepalacios794 criticized other Cubans who question Mexican food and stated, “We didn’t come here to judge food; we came to work to help our families.” “I have never gone to my Mexican friends' table and told them that I don't like tortillas.”
The messages from these creators emphasize the importance of respect, gratitude, and effort as fundamental values for those who have migrated. In every case, the posts have been well received and have generated thousands of reactions, especially among Mexican users who appreciate the recognition.
In a previous video, @michelcronicas compared his usual breakfast in Mexico with what he considered an unattainable luxury in Cuba. “In Cuba, having breakfast like a decent person is quite a luxury,” he stated while showing fruits, bread, eggs, coffee with milk, and cheese. “Here I can actually have two eggs... with two slices of bread,” he said.
His new publication seems to reinforce that line of thinking: the acknowledgment that, despite the difficulties, he has found living conditions and freedom in Mexico that he did not have on the island. "Count to a thousand before criticizing Mexico," he reiterated.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Migrants in Mexico and Their Experiences
Why do some Cubans criticize Mexico, according to Michel Crónicas?
Michel Crónicas, a Cuban content creator, criticizes his fellow countrymen for speaking poorly of Mexico while enjoying the opportunities this country offers them. He urges Cubans to reflect and be grateful before criticizing the country that embraces them. According to Michel, Cubans should count to a thousand before making criticisms and remember the difficulties of Cuba to appreciate what they have in Mexico.
How did TikTok users react to Michel Crónicas' video?
The video by Michel Crónicas sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok. Many Mexicans celebrated his attitude and thanked him for defending Mexico, while some Cubans identified with his message of gratitude. However, there were also criticisms and skepticism, with users defending the right to express opinions and pointing out that not everything in Mexico is perfect.
What do Cubans living in Mexico highlight about their experience in the country?
Several Cuban creators in Mexico have shared their positive experiences in the country. They highlight the freedom, the abundance of products, and the job opportunities that they did not have in Cuba. Some consider themselves "millionaires" for being able to enjoy everyday things like having cereal for breakfast or having constant electricity, which contrasts with the scarcity they faced on the island.
What message does Michel Crónicas convey in his videos about life in Mexico?
Michel Crónicas uses his videos to compare living conditions between Mexico and Cuba, highlighting the freedoms and opportunities he has found in Mexico. His message revolves around gratitude towards the country that has welcomed him and criticism of the Cuban regime, emphasizing how life outside of Cuba has allowed him to access a better quality of life.
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