The Cuban content creator Katy Catarina, known as Aprendedora (@aprendedorajeje), sparked a wave of reactions on social media after firmly responding to a comment from a Spanish user who claimed that life in Cuba was better than in his own country, despite the extended power outages. In a TikTok video, the young influencer challenged the user's arguments, who, in his defense, compared Cuba's situation to other regions worldwide, asserting that people "in Africa have it worse."
"Come on, friend, this isn't the poverty Olympics. The goal was to live with dignity, you know?" the influencer ironically replied, questioning the logic of justifying the island's hardships through comparisons with other crisis-stricken regions.
The TikToker also highlighted the harsh living conditions in Cuba, including extended power outages, lack of access to potable water, stores that sell in dollars while salaries are paid in Cuban pesos, and the scarcity of basic cooking resources.
The Spanish commenter claimed he had learned about life in Cuba using Chat GPT, to which Aprendedora invited him to ask the AI questions like: "When was the last time my grandmother had water at her house?" or "How do you cook without electricity and gas?"
Highlighting the Reality of Everyday Cubans
Aprendedora clarified that she considers herself privileged within Cuba due to her work as a content creator, which allows her access to food and a decent home. However, she emphasized that this is not the reality for the majority of Cubans. "In Cuba, there are hotels, restaurants, bars, and a rich culture, but that doesn't negate the other side. Unfortunately, that's not the life most people experience," she stated.
Her words resonated with thousands on the platform, many supporting her stance and pointing out the lack of empathy from those commenting from privileged contexts without understanding the daily reality on the island. "There's nothing worse than someone telling you what it's like to live in your country while they're in the comfort of their privileges," a user commented, capturing the sentiment shared by many Cubans facing the constant deterioration of living conditions under the socialist regime.
Inviting Critics to Experience Cuba Firsthand
The influencer concluded her message with a direct invitation: "To all who think like you, I invite you to move to Cuba. Houses are going for $5,000, fully furnished. You know, because of the migration issue."
Her response, beyond the controversy, reignites the debate over Cuba's situation and the contrast between official propaganda, idealized views from abroad, and the reality faced daily by millions of citizens.
Understanding Cuba's Current Situation
What are the living conditions like in Cuba according to Aprendedora?
According to Aprendedora, living conditions in Cuba are harsh, with extended power outages, lack of access to potable water, and scarcity of basic resources. Despite her own privileges, she emphasizes that this is not the reality for most Cubans.
How did Aprendedora respond to the Spanish user's comment about Cuba?
Aprendedora responded with irony, questioning the logic of justifying Cuba's hardships by comparing them to other regions' crises. She highlighted the goal of living with dignity, dismissing the idea of the "poverty Olympics."
What invitation did Aprendedora extend to her critics?
Aprendedora invited those who hold idealized views of Cuba to move there, noting that houses are available for $5,000, fully furnished, due to migration issues.