A Cuban who emigrated to the United States used the social media platform TikTok to share her experience comparing life in Florida with the city of Detroit in the state of Michigan, where she currently resides.
"When I lived in Cuba, I dreamed of the United States as if it were a perfect place, and upon arriving here, I faced reality," the young woman confessed in the video, which quickly went viral on the platform.
The user, identified as @aniskaruizjimenez, explained that at first she lived in Florida, a state she considers "the exception to the rule" due to the significant presence of Cubans who, according to her, keep their homes and streets clean and in good condition. However, she stated that her perception changed after moving to Michigan.
"I live in the state of Michigan, in the city of Detroit, and anyone who has been here knows what I'm about to say. Everything here is quite ugly, everything is pretty dirty, at least in the city of Detroit," he commented.
The young woman pointed out that the city is characterized by deteriorating houses, neglected gardens, broken streets, and battered cars. “95% of the cars are damaged. (…) Here you can see burned houses that are not demolished, and they just remain there,” she lamented.
He also criticized the lack of cleanliness in public spaces and workplaces, especially in factories, and denounced that many residents carelessly throw garbage in the streets.
"I believe that it is we Latinos who take care of cleanliness; for the nationals, those born here, it doesn't matter to throw a piece of paper or a box out of the car window," he asserted.
Despite the criticism, the Cuban woman clarified that she is grateful to live in the United States and to have found opportunities in this country.
"I feel incredibly blessed to live in the United States, and I am extremely grateful that this great country has opened its doors to me, but I have eyes and I see," she stated, asking for respect for her opinion.
The testimony has sparked debate among his followers, some of whom agreed with his views on Detroit, while others questioned it due to his comparison with Cuba and Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experience of Cubans in the United States
Why does the Cuban in the video consider Detroit to be a dirty city?
The Cuban in the video claims that Detroit is a dirty city due to the neglected state of the houses, overgrown gardens, broken streets, and damaged cars. According to her testimony, the lack of cleanliness is evident in public spaces and workplaces, which contrasts with her previous experience in Florida.
How do living expenses in Detroit compare to those in other cities in the U.S.?
Living in Detroit comes with a high cost of living, similar to or even exceeding that of cities like Miami. The Cuban who shared her experience on TikTok noted that, although they have a monthly income of $7,000, fixed and variable expenses consume most of their earnings, including rent, utilities, financing, and auto insurance, as well as food.
What do Cubans think about living conditions in the U.S. compared to Cuba?
There are divided opinions among Cubans regarding living conditions in the U.S. compared to Cuba. Many assert that, despite economic difficulties, they prefer the opportunities and access to services available in the U.S., while others long for the tranquility or family environment they had in Cuba. However, most agree that the Cuban regime does not provide the same opportunities for advancement.
What are the main criticisms of Americans made by Cubans?
The main criticisms of Cubans towards American society include the high cost of living, pollution, and in some cases, the lack of human interaction in large cities. There is also criticism of excessive consumption of plastic products and the lack of regulation on environmental issues, as seen in the use of plastic bags and vehicular pollution.
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