A recent YouTube video has sparked a wave of reactions by illustrating how the trauma of shortages in Cuba can continue to affect Cubans even after they emigrate. The footage, apparently shot in a foreign supermarket, shows two young Cuban women stocking up on an excessive number of bean packages.
"Where are you going with all that?" asks the man filming, chuckling as he does. The women, laughing as well, reply, "Just in case the beans run out."
The video, now widely shared across social media platforms, has inspired both humorous and thoughtful comments from viewers. "You leave Cuba, but Cuba doesn't leave you," one user aptly noted, capturing the sentiment shared by many.
Others referenced the chronic shortages on the island and how this experience permanently influences the purchasing habits of those who have left. "My mom does the same thing," remarked a young woman on TikTok. Another quipped, "Seeing beans on sale is an emotional trigger."
Beyond the humor, the video serves as a reflection of the Cuban reality: a culture of hoarding born out of necessity, a habit that many find hard to break, even in countries where shelves are always stocked.
The Effects of Cuban Scarcity on Emigrated Citizens
Why do Cuban emigrants continue to hoard items like beans?
Many Cubans have experienced chronic shortages on the island, leading to habits of hoarding that are hard to break even after emigrating.
How has the video been received on social media?
The video has gone viral, generating both humorous and reflective comments about the lasting impact of scarcity experienced in Cuba.
What does the phrase "You leave Cuba, but Cuba doesn't leave you" mean?
This phrase signifies that the experiences and habits formed in Cuba, such as hoarding due to scarcity, remain with people even after they leave the country.