In a Cuba plagued by power outages, shortages, and both physical and emotional exhaustion, the concept of normalcy has taken on the guise of luxury. For many, getting a good night's sleep, taking a shower with running water, enjoying a hot meal, or simply having a few moments of worry-free leisure have become elusive privileges. The country's dire situation has reached a point where even the simplest gestures—once taken for granted—are now rare exceptions. This is the reality of a "progressing" Cuba that brings profound pain.
Journalist Guillermo Carmona Rodríguez, from the official newspaper Girón in Matanzas, captured this collective feeling of fatigue and resignation in a Facebook post that went viral. In an article titled "Luxury Item," Carmona uses irony and despair to describe the stark reality, drawing inspiration from a poem by Hugo Hodelín. Carmona suggests that enjoying a cold glass of water, savoring a warm soup, sleeping uninterrupted, watching a soap opera without blackouts, or having time to love without the country's burdens are now unattainable luxuries.
"Everything is lukewarm: the soup, the coffee, the spirits," he notes. In his depiction, the oppressive heat crushes desire, fatigue piles up like an old dream, and food is so scarce that a decent steak is not only impossible but unthinkable. Written from within the official framework, this piece touches on the daily struggles of many Cubans, rarely acknowledged by state-run media or pro-government voices.
"There are too many luxury items, and all I have in my pockets is lint," Carmona concludes, using a metaphor that encapsulates the widespread deprivation endured by a population more focused on enduring than living. Shared multiple times on social media, the text has resonated with messages of empathy, sorrow, and collective catharsis. Rather than a direct denunciation, it serves as an intimate portrayal of a country living in a state of perpetual crisis.
This isn't the first time Carmona has used his platform within the state apparatus to highlight the everyday hardships faced by Cubans. In a recent chronicle, he recounted the obstacles his family encountered following his grandmother's death, when fuel shortages and state disorganization nearly prevented her timely burial.
Cuba's Struggles: Frequently Asked Questions
What are considered luxuries in Cuba today?
Simple everyday actions such as sleeping well, taking a shower with running water, eating hot meals, and enjoying uninterrupted leisure time are now considered luxuries in Cuba.
Why has life in Cuba become so challenging?
Cuba faces significant challenges due to power outages, shortages of basic goods, and systemic inefficiencies, all of which contribute to the physical and emotional exhaustion of its population.
How do Cuban journalists portray everyday struggles?
Some Cuban journalists use their platforms to candidly depict the daily challenges faced by citizens, often employing irony and personal anecdotes to highlight the harsh realities.