A video posted on TikTok (@liamblak) by a Cuban in Mexico has gone viral, showcasing his astonishment at the abundance of products in a supermarket. The clip, shared by the user @liamblak from Zitácuaro, Michoacán, has received over 769,000 likes, more than 9,000 comments, and 28,000 shares.
In the recording, the young man walks through the hallways of the establishment while saying: “I am Cuban, in Mexico… is this normal for you or is it just me who is surprised?” He then adds: “You think it's something simple or normal, but believe me, when you come from another country, you notice these things. Ah, but then they say you are exaggerating when you compare, but those who know, know.”
The brief video, lasting just a few seconds, sparked an avalanche of reactions. Many users interpreted his words as a reflection on the differences between daily life in Cuba and Mexico, while others did not grasp the context or took it as criticism. Among the more empathetic messages, some commented: “Welcome everyone to Mexico,” “You’ve arrived in a country that is still abundant… I hope your country becomes so one day, enjoy our Mexico,” or “What joy that you can now buy what you once longed for.” Another user wrote: “A good Mexican always shares,” and one more added: “Welcome brother, enjoy everything and don’t forget to be kind.”
Many Mexicans acknowledged that they only understood the Cuban's reaction after researching what supermarkets are like in his country. "I had to look up supermarkets in Cuba and I understood the reason," wrote one user, while another commented, "I just watched a video about the supermarkets in Cuba and it makes sense they are surprised." A frequently repeated comment was, "I didn't understand until I searched for 'supermarket in Cuba'."
Some expressed sadness upon realizing the situation on the island. "You really feel it when you return to Cuba. The immense pain of having nothing," one shared. Another added, "It's so sad to see the supermarkets in Cuba; you can't help but feel bad seeing such scarcity." One user commented, "My aunt went to Cuba, and what she has told us is very sad. I'm glad you were able to come to Mexico."
However, not all the comments were understanding. Many expressed confusion or annoyance. Some wrote: “I didn’t understand anything,” “Was he surprised in a good or bad way? Is he criticizing us or comparing that there is nothing like that in Cuba?” or “I’m still lost, what happened?” There were also those who reacted with rejection: “Okay, but we want you to go back now,” “We are already many in Mexico: Venezuela + Cuba,” or “Mexicans expelling Cubans: yes.”
The creator of the video responded with calmness and humor. In one of his messages, he clarified: “The abundance that exists here.” In another, he commented: “Well, yes, my friend, but unfortunately not for one,” and later added: “It’s all good, it’s normal for a viral video to attract many negative vibes; those who know, know.” In response to a user asking for context, he simply wrote: “I just value what exists.”
Among the thousands of comments, several internet users tried to explain the meaning of the video to those who did not understand it. "For those who didn't understand the video, he refers to the fact that in his country it's not normal to see a supermarket full of basic staple products," wrote one. Another added: "For the ignorant ones who are criticizing, he is surprised by the number of products available in the country." One user summarized the overall sentiment of support for the Cuban by saying: "It's sad to see the comments; he is just a person looking for better opportunities."
The responses also included broader reflections. “Sometimes we don’t realize how lucky we are, bro,” someone wrote, while another commented, “Mexico is a very blessed country.” A Cuban resident in the country confirmed, “I’m Cuban in Mexico, it’s real, brother.” And a Venezuelan shared, “When I got here, I was really excited to see the supermarkets full and incredibly varied.” Another testimony highlighted, “When I left Cuba and saw a supermarket like that for the first time, I felt like a little girl amazed by everything.”
Several messages shifted towards political criticism. “Socialism doesn’t work; it only brings misery, hunger, and a loss of freedoms,” wrote one person. Another commented, “There’s always someone who doesn’t understand, but what he meant is that there’s nothing in Cuba.” Some added, “Cuba should be free” and “Morena wants us to be like Cuba.”
In the midst of the debate, the phrase that Liam Blak repeats in several comments, "he who knows, knows," became a sort of motto that many users began to adopt in support of him or to identify with his reflection.
The video not only captures a spontaneous reaction to the difference in realities but also serves as a meeting point between cultures and sensitivities. For many Mexicans, it was a reminder of what they take for granted; for Cubans, a reflection of what they still hope to achieve. In the comments, beyond confusion or disagreement, the contrast between the two countries was evident, along with the genuine emotion of a young person who, for the first time, could exclaim in awe: “This is normal for you, but not for me.”
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