Spanish content creator @adriana_hest sparked intense controversy on social media after posting a TikTok video titled "Things That Horrified Me About the United States," in which she shares her experience of 10 days in various cities across the country.
She reported that she visited New York, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Washington, and felt impacted by various social, urban, and cultural aspects. She mentioned seeing numerous people using drugs in public spaces and expressed concern about the lack of assistance for those facing addictions or living on the streets.
Another situation that made him uncomfortable was the tipping system: “You’re paying those people’s salaries because their damn bosses don’t pay them,” he remarked. He also questioned the high cost of living in comparison to wages and the precariousness he observed in some environments.
During his stay, he also noted having perceived a stark social contrast: “It is a first-world, developed country, the richest country in the world… but they have a social inequality that is normalized.” He stated that he saw people living on the streets in very precarious conditions, many of them with visible health issues.
Regarding the urban environment, he referred to the presence of trash in the streets and unpleasant odors, especially in New York. He also mentioned the lack of visible political messages in public spaces, something he compared to what is usually found in Europe.
In Washington, she recounted an awkward moment when a woman confronted her about her clothing. "She told me I was dressed like I was naked, and she said it in such a disgusting way that I insulted her... but in Spanish, so she didn't understand," she remarked.
The video generated thousands of reactions. While some users agreed with what was shared, others accused her of generalizing or exaggerating after a brief visit. Comments also came from people living in the U.S. who shared similar or opposing experiences.
The testimony of @adriana_hest adds to others that have sparked debate about daily life in the United States.
On TikTok, the Puerto Rican @camilleenespana explained why she decided to move to Spain after feeling exhausted by the fast-paced lifestyle in the U.S. and "losing her joy" while pursuing the so-called "American dream."
The creator @betyimarperez recounted an incident with rats in New York and shared that, on one occasion, she preferred to run down the middle of the road rather than confront one of them.
A Cuban woman in Detroit expressed her disappointment when comparing the cleanliness in Florida with the urban neglect she found in Michigan, stating that she had “never seen so much dirt even in Cuba.”
Other testimonies, on the other hand, show different perspectives. The Spanish user @david31glez shared the details of the medical bill he received after breaking a bone in the U.S., which reignited the discussion about the healthcare system in the country.
The Cuban @niurki2107, after moving from Spain to the U.S., stated that it was the best decision of her life, despite the challenges of the migration process.
Shared experiences on social media reflect diverse perceptions of the United States, shaped by personal factors, context, and expectations. This type of content continues to fuel the debate about quality of life, inequality, and the contrasts that coexist in many of its cities.
Frequently asked questions about the experience of living in the United States according to influencers on TikTok
What were @adriana_hest's most striking impressions of the United States?
The Spanish content creator @adriana_hest highlighted several aspects that horrified her during her 10-day visit to the United States. Among the most shocking impressions, she mentioned the presence of people consuming drugs in public spaces and the lack of assistance for those facing addiction or living on the streets. She also criticized the tipping system and the high cost of living compared to wages. Additionally, she expressed surprise at the social inequality and the dirtiness of the streets in some cities, such as New York.
Why does the tipping system in the United States generate controversy?
The tipping system in the United States generates controversy because, according to @adriana_hest, it seems that customers are paying the wages that employers do not cover. Many visitors and residents find it unfair that customers must take on this responsibility, as in countries like Spain, service staff salaries tend to be more comprehensive and the tipping system is not as essential for their economic support.
What aspects of the urban environment in the United States surprised the visitors?
Several content creators on TikTok have shared their impressions of the urban environment in the United States. Aspects such as street filth, the presence of rats in New York, and urban neglect in cities like Detroit have surprised many. They have also pointed out the contrasts in infrastructure and cleanliness between different states, as well as the lack of visible political messaging compared to Europe.
How do expectations about the "American Dream" affect the perception of life in the United States?
Expectations about the "American Dream" can significantly influence how life in the United States is perceived. Some people, like Camille, have shared that pursuing this dream can lead to a loss of quality of life and peace of mind. In contrast, other migrants have found opportunities and improvements in their personal situations, although the process is not always easy or free of challenges. Experiences vary and depend on each individual's personal context and prior expectations.
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