A Cuban woman, known as @caliope128 on TikTok, fiercely responded to a follower who accused her of "supporting the dictatorship" after she shared a video displaying what she managed to buy with 5,600 Cuban pesos. "Come fight for Cuba yourself," she retorted to user HRuben, who had previously criticized her content as favorable to the Cuban regime. "I live in freedom now and I escaped," the follower noted, adding that her videos "primarily promote the dictatorship."
The young woman was straightforward in her response, clarifying that she does not endorse any dictatorship, and emphasized her right to create content as a means to support herself and her family. She highlighted that no one sends her money from abroad and that her earnings come from the platforms where she shares her videos. "I am creating content to feed myself, my daughter, and my grandparents because no one sends me anything," she asserted. She also criticized the expectation for her to protest from within the island when others who have left did not do so during their time there.
Response Sparks Support and Debate
The video has sparked numerous reactions, with most comments supporting the young woman and pointing out the inconsistency of demanding from those in Cuba what was not done before emigrating. Some comments noted that many critics never confronted the system while they were on the island, while others encouraged her to continue with her online work. However, some disagreed with her use of the term "slave to the bills," though they acknowledged the challenges of both realities.
The comment from this Cuban TikToker came in a video showing her purchases in Villa Clara with 5,600 pesos: a pack of chicken thighs for 1,500, five pounds of brown sugar costing over 1,000, a pork shoulder for 2,600, a bottle of oil at 1,000 pesos, and a pack of five soaps for 500. She explained that prices vary by province and are often higher in Villa Clara than in Havana. The post aimed to highlight the high cost of goods but was misinterpreted by HRuben as an attempt to justify the regime, prompting his initial harsh critique and subsequently the young woman's viral response.
Growing Influence and Realities of Cuban Life
@caliope128 has gained recognition on social media for sharing her experiences and insights into Cuban life. In previous posts, she has shown the scarcity of food, the billing of electricity amid blackouts, and the lack of water for over 50 days in her community. She has also warned emigrant parents in the United States about the dangers of sending jewelry to their children on the island, due to increasing assaults on minors.
In another video, she recounted having to cook on an alcohol burner during a power outage, eating a three-egg omelet, with each egg priced at 300 pesos. Last December, she voiced her frustration at not being able to access basic products like cheese and humorously admitted she would do anything for a beef steak, a nearly unattainable food on the island.
Her posts, which cover issues from the high prices of rice, cheese, and pork to problems with electricity and water, reflect the daily life of many Cubans. Her direct approach has divided opinions, but her popularity is growing among those seeking an honest perspective on life in Cuba through social media.
Understanding Cuban Social Media Dynamics
What did @caliope128 purchase with 5,600 Cuban pesos?
She bought a pack of chicken thighs for 1,500 pesos, five pounds of sugar for over 1,000, a pork shoulder for 2,600, a bottle of oil for 1,000 pesos, and a pack of five soaps for 500 pesos.
Why did @caliope128 criticize some Cuban emigrants?
She criticized them for expecting her to protest from within Cuba when they did not do so before leaving the country.
How does @caliope128 support herself and her family?
She supports herself and her family through the content she creates and shares on social media platforms.