A young Cuban who identifies on social media as @onvibez has generated numerous reactions after posting a video on Instagram in which he openly discusses the risks of criticizing the political system in Cuba and advocates for the need to speak out.
In the video, shared through a reel, the young man acknowledges that speaking out publicly about the reality of the country can have consequences.
"We knew that making videos against the dictatorship and talking about what is happening in Cuba would put us at risk, but we accepted the consequences anyway," he states in the recording.
According to the explanation, among the reactions received on social media, there are also comments where some users claim that he might face problems for expressing his opinions.
"You might find two or three people in the comments telling us that they're going to imprison us for expressing nothing more than what we think," he adds.
Still, he emphasizes the need for dialogue among those who desire change in the country: "We are willing to meet and talk with anyone who is against this dictatorship and wants to seek change; just tell us when," he says in the video.
The young man accompanied the post with a message questioning the silence surrounding the country's situation and stating that fear should no longer dictate the Cuban society.
"Silence has never changed anything. If expressing our desire for freedom, dialogue, and a different future leads some to believe that it warrants imprisonment, then it becomes clear what the real problem is."
In the same text, he added: “We are willing to sit down and talk with anyone who opposes this dictatorship and wants real change for Cuba. Fear can no longer govern the people.”
The post has generated numerous reactions among users of the platform. Many of the comments express support for the young man's message and highlight the role of young Cubans in the public debate about the country's situation.
Among the responses, messages such as “I feel proud of this youth that doesn’t stay silent,” “The youth raise their voices for Cuba,” and “A youth that got tired of being silent” can be read.
Other users also emphasized their stance with comments such as "Brave" or "That's the way! No more can be done!"
There were also messages celebrating what they consider to be greater participation of young Cubans on social media to express their political opinions. "More and more young people are speaking their minds; the youth are making history," noted another comment.
In recent years, social media has become one of the spaces where many Cubans share complaints, criticisms, and opinions about the reality of the country, despite the pressures or possible consequences that those who speak out publicly sometimes face.
Filed under: