A Cuban identified as @maoma1421 went viral on TikTok after posting a series of videos explaining his decision to return to Cuba from the United States. The posts have generated thousands of comments and sparked a debate among Cubans both on the island and abroad.
In his first video, apparently recorded in the United States, the young man announces: “I’m going to Cuba, criticize me. Yes, Cuba is bad, there are viruses, hunger, and needs, but I have my family there, which is worth more than the few pesos I could earn here.” He adds that he misses “being able to see them, hug them, live with them” and complains that “they are treating us all the same, as if we were criminals.”
"We came to this country seeking a future, seeking freedom, and we have none of that. Freedom? That does not exist in this country. Don't let yourselves be deceived anymore; there is no freedom here," she says in the same video.
Shortly after, he published a second recording in which he expands on his message: “There is no freedom here, because if there were freedom, none of this that has been happening for some time now would have occurred, where you are hunted like prey. It's tough, very tough. That’s why I made the best decision of my life, and I won’t regret it.” He insists that “millions and millions of people” will criticize him, but others will identify with him. “The only country where one can truly live in this world is not the United States. Don’t fool yourselves. I’m leaving, no matter what they say to me, I’m going with my family; I will be able to hug my mom again, my grandmother, the loved ones I cherish, and this country won’t take that away from me.”
In a third video, recorded from Cuba, he responds to those who doubted his return. “This is for everyone who says I'm going to go back to the United States. I give the United States away to anyone who wants to stay. Look, my happiness is this—look at my mom, my family, that is my happiness. It's worth more than chasing after a few dollars. In the end, I don't ask anyone for my happiness; I create it myself.” In the footage, he is seen embracing his mother and repeating with laughter, “Look at my happiness, that is my happiness, my family.”
The reactions to his posts were numerous and diverse. Several users expressed empathy or support. "Being by your mother and family side is priceless," wrote one person. Another commented, "Returning to your homeland is not going backward or failing; it's a conscious decision." Some stated that "happiness has no place or moment; each person decides where and how to be happy," while others shared similar experiences: "When you lose your mother, nothing is the same" or "there's no money in the world that can buy love for family."
Other users, on the other hand, were critical. "I wouldn't be able to live in that communist hell again," someone wrote. Another pointed out, "You should have thought about that before; this country isn't for everyone, it's for true fighters." There were also comments defending the United States: "If there's one thing you can find in this country, it's freedom. The problem is that there's a very fine line between freedom and license," said one of the most shared comments. Another noted, "You're going to get tired of the lack of food, electricity, water, freedom, and medicine."
Among the more moderate opinions, some users insisted that their choice should be respected. "Everyone does what they want with their life. The day that people learn to respect that, they will be happy," one wrote. Another commented, "There’s no need to give explanations to anyone; people get offended if someone doesn't like living in the United States."
Others reflected on Cuban migration and the sense of belonging. "One always returns to where they were happy," noted an internet user, while another summarized: "Not everyone knows how to live outside of Cuba, but not everyone wants to return either. Some bring their families here and live peacefully, while others prefer to stay there with their own. Everyone has their own story."
The case of @maoma1421 has once again brought to the forefront a recurring issue among emigrated Cubans: the expectations regarding life abroad and the impact of family distance. Her statement that “the only country one can live in this world is not the United States” has sparked discussion, both among those who support her and those who oppose her.
Beyond interpretations, her publications reflect an individual experience that has resonated with many, both inside and outside of Cuba, due to their emotional tone and the contradictions they raise about freedom, family, and belonging.
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