A Cuban woman living in the United States, known on social media as Ríete con Ary, sparked a significant stir after she posted a TikTok video passionately denouncing what she perceives as a growing trend of audacity and exploitation. She claims that individuals from the island, upon learning of her plans to visit Cuba, inundate her with requests for various items, ranging from clothing to branded shoes. "Don't let need make you lose your dignity and the little shame you have left," @rieteconary declared in her outburst, which triggered a wave of reactions on social media in less than 24 hours.
Trust Misused
In her narrative, Ary recounts how an old acquaintance—whom she hadn't communicated with for over a decade—recently reached out through social media, initially to greet her, but then to ask if she could bring a suitcase full of items for her daughter, who is studying at the Lenin school. At first, Ary responded politely, but her tone shifted when the acquaintance assumed she would deliver the items without question. "I've faced 500 storms and 400 hurricanes, and I haven't seen you with an umbrella to cover me," she expressed. The final straw came when she was asked for size 11 shoes. "What shoes and what commitment? We haven't spoken in years," she retorted, visibly upset.
Overwhelming Reactions: "I've Experienced the Same"
The video unleashed a flood of testimonies. Among the hundreds of comments, many echoed a shared experience: old friends or family members resurfacing only to make requests, ranging from medications and clothes to money and paid trips. "She asked me for a phone recharge, and when I couldn't, she blocked me," one user recounted. Another shared that she was asked for "500 to cover a debt." Many mentioned that contact was reestablished solely to fulfill material requests. Phrases like "they don't even write on my birthday anymore" or "we're treated like ATMs" were commonly echoed in the comments.
A Recurring Debate
Such complaints have frequently surfaced on social media. Months ago, Ary was featured in another video where she broke down in tears discussing the island's crisis and the powerlessness felt by those outside in trying to help their loved ones, who are affected by blackouts and food shortages. At that time, she expressed her frustration over the dire situation faced by many in Cuba.
The irritation over excessive demands has been the topic of other viral videos as well. A young woman in the US complained that "nothing ever seems enough" for her relatives. Another lamented feeling like an "ATM." From Spain, a content creator humorously illustrated how she must travel "with 12 suitcases" due to overwhelming requests.
"My Money, My Effort"
In her latest video, Ary emphasizes that the issue isn't about selfishness but about setting boundaries: "It's my little bit, and with that little bit, I can help those who truly matter to me." She recounted how those who demand the most often were the least present during her tough times. In her candid sharing, many found a voice for their feelings, realizing that their efforts from abroad have been misunderstood and reduced to an automatic duty they are no longer willing to accept without mutual respect.
The impact of her message not only generated empathy but also encouraged others to speak up and share their own decisions to halt a dynamic they perceive as unjust. Some even decided, after watching the video, to stop announcing their trips or to cease bringing gifts that go unappreciated.
Understanding the Burden of Requests from Cuba
What sparked the viral response to Ary's video?
Ary's video resonated with many who have experienced similar pressures from acquaintances and relatives in Cuba, leading them to share their stories of being overwhelmed by material requests.
Why are such demands from Cuba seen as problematic?
The demands are considered problematic as they often come from people who haven't maintained relationships and can be perceived as exploitative, reducing the person abroad to a mere provider of goods.