A Cuban individual was taken aback when he encountered a man in the United States asking for money with a rather unconventional sign. Instead of invoking sympathy with a tale of hardship or urgent need, the beggar's placard boldly stated: “I need $3 for beer.” The moment was captured on video by TikTok user @eleganteyor and has sparked a flurry of reactions across social media.
In the clip, the Cuban can't help but laugh, expressing his surprise and amusement: “Three dollars for a lager? Seriously? Is that for real, brother? What audacity! Why not ask for bread instead?”
The cultural contrast between expectations of begging and what this Cuban found in the United States elicited a mix of disbelief and humor. While in many countries, people who beg in the streets typically appeal to fundamental needs like food or shelter, this case drew attention for the candidness, and perhaps audacity, of the message.
The video has garnered thousands of views on TikTok, prompting a range of comments from users, from criticism to praise for the beggar's honesty. This unusual scene also invites reflection on the diverse realities one might encounter on American streets, and how Cuban migrants are often surprised by some of these experiences.