A young Cuban identified on TikTok as @soy_jesspilar sparked a wave of reactions on social media after posting a video in which she claims to feel "blessed" and "happy" about her life in Cuba, a message that many users deemed disconnected from the harsh reality faced by most inhabitants of the island.
In the video, Jess Pilar introduces herself as "a blessed and happy Cuban for being who I am," asserting that she feels "like a millionaire" for having time for her child, health, shelter, and a warm meal on the table.
"Happy even though there are blackouts, without shouting about misery or misfortunes... it's that the whole world has them!”, said the woman, advocating for an optimistic perspective amid the crisis the country is experiencing.
The creator claimed that her well-being is based on "working and having a business," and urged focusing on "reaching goals" instead of "envying those next to us." According to her, "that is how we should all think in order to get out of the holes and not remain in misery".
But her message, rather than evoking empathy, sparked controversy in the comments. Dozens of Cubans questioned the truth of her story and the possibility of leading a "blessed" life amid scarcity, power outages, and low wages that characterize daily life on the island.
"The question is, who supports you?" a user joked, while others pointed out that her speech sounded privileged.
"Everything was fine until she said that everyone has misfortunes. No, dear, what’s happening in Cuba is not normal," commented a user in one of the most reacted messages.
"Living in Cuba at the expense of someone who lives abroad," wrote another user, suggesting that her lifestyle would not be sustainable solely through local income.
Some comments even mixed sarcasm with social criticism. “Which leftist politician did you marry?” asked one user, laughing. Others, more reflective, lamented the lack of empathy: “You should have more empathy for those who don’t have it, because most people in Cuba don’t live like this.”
Despite the criticism, there were also voices that defended his stance. "Happiness comes from within and is not granted by any social or material position," stated a user, recalling that emotional resilience has been an enduring survival strategy for many Cubans.
Jess Pilar's video has sparked a debate about the limits of optimism in times of crisis and the various ways in which Cubans cope with scarcity, uncertainty, and the accumulated fatigue of a life marked by precariousness.
While some see in his message a display of conformity, others interpret it as an attempt to resist with positivity and gratitude. But the consensus in the comments seems clear: in today's Cuba, declaring oneself "blessed" is almost an act of provocation.
Frequently asked questions about life in Cuba based on testimonies on social media
What is daily life like in Cuba according to testimonies on social media?
Daily life in Cuba is marked by scarcity of basic products, frequent blackouts, and economic difficulties. Testimonies on social media show how Cubans face these conditions with resilience, although they also express frustration and hopelessness in light of the lack of significant changes and improvements.
What do Cubans think about happiness and optimism in the midst of crises?
There are divided opinions about optimism in Cuba. Some Cubans defend a positive and grateful attitude despite the difficulties, while others criticize this stance for being disconnected from reality. The majority agree that life on the island involves a constant exercise of resistance and adaptation.
Do living conditions in Cuba depend on foreign aid?
Yes, many families in Cuba rely on remittances and assistance sent from abroad to meet their basic needs. This economic dependence is a reality for many Cubans, who face a precarious economic system that does not allow them to live with dignity solely on local income.
Why do some émigrés decide to return to Cuba?
The reasons for returning to Cuba are diverse. Some return for family or economic reasons, while others seek to escape the high cost of living abroad. However, many confront the reality of a country with collapsed basic services, leading to a debate about the true possibilities of living with dignity on the island.
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