"You are not seeing someone weak, you are seeing someone brave", stated the Cuban creator @estibito_vlogs on TikTok in a video that has sparked extensive discussion on social media, after reflecting on the respect for emigrants and the difficult realities they face when leaving their home countries.
"Before criticizing an immigrant, think twice, because you don’t know what that person has gone through to get here," begins the young man, who resides in Spain and has gained notoriety on the platform for sharing his experience as a migrant.
In his reflection, he mentions specific cases such as Cubans, Venezuelans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, and Peruvians, and points out that many migrate not by choice but out of necessity. He also refers to the sacrifice of professionals who must start over in other countries: “Perhaps in their home country they were an engineer, teacher, lawyer, and today they are starting from scratch with the dignity of earning a living honestly.”
The publication ends with a call for empathy: “The next time you want to point out an emigrant, remember: you are not looking at someone weak; you are looking at someone brave, who left everything behind to fight for a better future.”
The reflection was widely discussed, generating both support and critical opinions. Some Spanish users responded with messages such as: “Welcome to Spain, your home” or “I’m Galician and have emigrant family; those who come to work are welcome.” Others praised the message by saying: “I never criticize emigrants. I put myself in the other person’s shoes.”
However, there were also responses questioning the approach of the video: “Good immigrants are not criticized; it’s those who complain and speak badly of the country that welcomes them who are criticized,” commented one user, while another wrote: “Don’t condemn everyone for the actions of a few; there are very bad people among both immigrants and non-immigrants.”
@estibito_vlogs himself responded to some of these comments, defending the tone of the video and clarifying that the message was not focused on any particular country: “In that video, there is no mention of Spain or any country. There are migrants in the United States, in Italy, in Spain, in the Dominican Republic, in Puerto Rico, in Guyana, everywhere.”
In response to another criticism, he added: “We are talking about the one who emigrates, the one who leaves their family behind to move forward, to succeed, to bear the weight of their entire family on their shoulders.”
This testimony adds to a growing wave of content where Cubans share their experiences as emigrants. In other videos, the same @estibito_vlogs has revealed the things that surprised him the most upon arriving in Spain, such as the respect for pedestrian traffic lights, the punctuality of public transport, the urban silence, or the elegant attire even for everyday tasks.
It has also recounted the most challenging cultural clashes of its adaptation, such as the fast-paced language, bureaucracy, or the necessity to learn to speak in a low tone.
Other Cubans have shared how they leave their professions behind to start over in other countries, facing criticisms and sacrifices that are not always visible to those who remain on the island.
A Cuban mother recounted the sacrifice of leaving her children in search of a better life, stating that "emigrating is not for cowards" and that often it is done precisely out of love for family.
Another young Cuban recalled in a video that emigrating is not the easy path, but a decision that involves leaving everything behind and facing emotional and material challenges in a foreign land.
These experiences, shared from a personal perspective, reflect the high emotional cost and sustained effort involved in starting a new life in another country, often summed up in one word: courage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Emigration and Its Challenges
Why is a Cuban emigrant considered brave?
Emigrating means leaving behind family, friends, and a familiar life to face an uncertain future in a foreign country. This decision is not made lightly and requires great courage, as emigrants must confront emotional, cultural, and professional challenges in search of a better future for themselves and their families.
What are the main challenges faced by Cubans upon arriving in Spain?
Cubans face several challenges, including adapting to the climate and culture, navigating Spanish bureaucracy, and learning the local variant of the language. Additionally, they must get accustomed to different standards of coexistence and services compared to those in Cuba, such as respecting pedestrian traffic lights and the punctuality of public transportation.
How do Cuban emigrants perceive the difference between life in Cuba and Spain?
Many Cuban emigrants highlight access to basic services such as transportation, electricity, and the internet as significant differences. Road safety education, respect for rules, and the ability to freely choose products in the market are aspects that surprise those arriving from a reality marked by scarcity and bureaucracy in Cuba.
What emotional impact does the migration process have on Cubans?
The migration process can be emotionally challenging, as it involves leaving loved ones behind and adapting to a new culture. Many emigrants experience feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and nostalgia, but they also find strength in community and in the pursuit of a better future for their families.
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