A video circulating on Instagram, shared by a Cuban user known as iamtraviezo, has sparked a variety of reactions as it captures a grandmother's surprising response when she thinks she's sending a message to the Cuban leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel. The scene unfolds with a casual tone and humor. "Cuban grandma gets scared and says nothing, hahaha the ending, honestly left me in 11 pro max mode," the young man captioned the clip.
In the video, he asks his grandmother to say a few words to Díaz-Canel. Initially bewildered, the elderly woman delivers a bold statement: "Give me the electricity," referencing the widespread power outages plaguing the island. However, her grandson reminds her that she has always criticized the government and complained about the power cuts.
At that moment, the grandmother dramatically changes her tune, in what many perceive as a blend of fear, sarcasm, and resignation. "I am very happy with the blackouts; they are necessary because the country has problems. We will overcome this. Homeland or death, we shall overcome," she concludes, leaving her grandson speechless.
Reactions quickly poured in. In the comments section, journalist Yusnaby Pérez remarked, "She is happy." Another user likened her to a political act at a school event, while a young woman noted, "Grandma knows irony." Many viewed the video as a stark representation of the fear lingering among many Cubans, especially the older generations. "Your grandmother's sarcasm is the best," commented a young man.
Not everyone found it humorous. A father shared a profound message: "Don't blame her, indoctrination of fear and dread, give me what I need to survive, it's the best choice for survival. In short, be thankful for what you have so you can see the light of a new day without hope. It's what we learned, what we were taught..."
A Cuban emigrant was more direct, expressing outrage: "What great harm has been done to an entire nation!... This is the reflection of the anthropological damage that the Castro-Canel dictatorship has inflicted on the Cuban people; the fear of speaking freely is exemplified in this video..." Others, while understanding the fear, voiced frustration: "Fear is understandable, but don't support that crap that's killing them. This video is embarrassing," stated a Cuban in exile.
The clip, though brief, has garnered numerous views and comments, becoming a vivid portrayal of the fear, forced irony, and pressure many Cubans feel when discussing the government, even within their own families. While some see it as a testament to Cuban humor in the face of adversity, many agree that the underlying message reveals a far more painful reality: fear remains a deeply entrenched mechanism of control in Cuban society.
Understanding Cuban Society's Fear and Humor
What prompted the grandmother's change in tone?
The grandmother's tone shifted dramatically due to a mix of fear, sarcasm, and resignation when reminded of her previous criticisms of the government.
How did the public react to the grandmother's statement?
Public reactions varied, with some appreciating the irony and humor, while others expressed concern over the evident fear and control in Cuban society.
Why is the video significant in understanding Cuban culture?
The video significantly illustrates the entrenched fear and coping mechanisms, like humor and sarcasm, prevalent among Cubans when discussing political issues.