Cuban influencer Brayan el Joker (@brayan_eljoke), who currently resides in the United States, has sparked a wave of reactions online with a video that humorously critiques a common practice among Cuban immigrants: asking each other how long they've been in the U.S. "I wonder why every time I meet a Cuban, they ask me how long I've been here, as if I were in prison," comments the content creator in his TikTok post, which has garnered thousands of views and comments.
In his monologue, Brayan criticizes the symbolic importance that many Cubans place on the duration of their stay in the U.S., as if it were some sort of rank or badge of honor. He mocks the notion that those who have been there longer are entitled to more respect. "I'm free, brother. I'm not counting. I'm here for good, not going anywhere," he adds. With a blend of irony and resignation, Brayan highlights how this recurring question seems like a way for immigrants to gauge who has been there longer and thus deserves more acknowledgment.
The post has triggered a flood of comments, mostly supportive and empathetic. "The older ones think they're better than the newcomers," remarked one user. Another joked that the influencer seemed like he was "in the military, with people lining up," referring to the hierarchy that forms between newcomers and those who have been settled for years. Some suggested humorous responses: "You should say 'I was born here,' that always works," one follower recommended. Meanwhile, others related to the sentiment: "I identify completely. Very good and funny reflection, my friend."
The Deeper Conversation Among Cuban Exiles
Beyond the humor, Brayan's video touches on a sensitive issue within the Cuban exile community: the tendency to rank migration experiences based on time or means of arrival. This phenomenon was previously addressed by fellow Cuban Carelis Conde in a video released last November, where she called for an end to comparisons among migrants. "Is your immigration situation any less painful than mine?" Conde asked at the time. Her message advocated for a more empathetic and less competitive perspective, emphasizing that everyone who emigrates, regardless of how, faces emotional challenges and a tough adaptation process.
Conde also condemned the judgments and dismissive comments among migrants: "Those who came with parole don't know what it's like to struggle" or "I was a rafter; what are these airplane arrivals complaining about?" Her reflection was widely shared and celebrated by those who agree that comparing migration stories only deepens divisions within a community already burdened with shared challenges and pains.
Both Brayan and Carelis bring to light, from different angles, an ongoing conversation among Cubans in exile: the need to replace competition with empathy and understand that everyone deals with their own journey.
Understanding Cuban Migration Dynamics
Why do Cuban immigrants ask each other about their time in the U.S.?
This question often serves as a way to gauge status or experience among Cuban immigrants, with a longer stay sometimes being associated with more respect or seniority.
What is Brayan el Joker's view on this common question?
Brayan el Joker finds the emphasis on time spent in the U.S. unnecessary and compares it to being in prison, promoting the idea of living freely without counting years.
How has the video been received by the Cuban community?
The video has been met with a largely positive response, with many viewers expressing support and relating to Brayan's humorous yet poignant message.