A young Cuban woman, known on TikTok as @danycblike_10, has sparked a lively discussion online by sharing a video highlighting the surprising differences she encountered after relocating from Europe to the United States. "Things that surprised me about the U.S., as a Cuban Spaniard, and I'll explain why," she begins in the two-minute clip. The post, which has garnered numerous reactions, touches on topics such as the environment, consumer habits, and pollution.
One of the most talked-about issues she highlights is the excessive use of plastic bags in American supermarkets. "If you buy 10 products, you practically end up with 5 plastic bags without paying for them. When did you ever see that in Europe?" she questions, contrasting it with her experiences in Spain: "In Europe, if you got a plastic bag, you had to pay for it; I remember at Mercadona, or if you went to Lidl, they gave you paper bags."
The TikToker also voiced concerns about environmental impacts: "What about the turtles here? Didn't they show them that they suffocate with bags? Apparently not, they don't care."
Environmental Concerns and Vehicle Pollution
Another topic she discussed was vehicle emissions: "Sometimes I'm driving, and cars are releasing these black fumes that make you think... If it's in front of me, it's going to stain my car," she remarked. She compared this to Spain, where technical inspections like the ITV are mandatory: "Here, they don't perform ITV like in Spain."
She also commented on the size of consumer goods in the U.S.: "Sometimes you go to buy a pack of cookies, and the pack is much larger... cereals, things like that, they're extremely big."
Cultural Differences and Public Reactions
The video prompted a variety of responses from other users. Some noted that experiences differ based on the state or city. "I'm in Florida, good to know it's different in TX," the creator replied to a comment about Texas supermarkets no longer providing free bags. She also mentioned, "The only place that doesn't give me bags is Costco, but I usually bring my own because I got used to it in Europe."
In a previous post, the same creator shared her experiences with Miami traffic, emphasizing the differences in road etiquette and pedestrian treatment between Spain and the U.S. In another viral video, she compared everyday aspects such as the use of dryers, public transportation, and work schedules, which also led to mixed reactions from viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Comments on her videos often reflect divided opinions: some agree with her critiques or share similar experiences, while others defend cultural differences or challenge her viewpoint. Despite the controversies, her posts have opened up a dialogue about the adaptation of Cuban migrants to various realities abroad.
Understanding Cultural and Environmental Differences in the U.S.
Why do American supermarkets use so many plastic bags?
American supermarkets often use numerous plastic bags due to their convenience and the lack of regulations requiring payment for bags, unlike in many European countries.
How do vehicle emissions in the U.S. compare to Spain?
In the U.S., vehicle emissions can be higher due to less stringent inspection requirements compared to Spain, where vehicles must pass regular ITV inspections to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
What are some notable cultural differences between the U.S. and Spain?
Cultural differences include variations in consumer habits, environmental awareness, public transportation usage, and work-life balance, with the U.S. often having larger product sizes and different regulatory practices.