A young Cuban was approached for an on-the-street interview by YouTuber Camila Carballo, who posed a seemingly simple yet emotionally charged question: "Are you happy living in Cuba?" The young man's straightforward response has ignited a robust discussion on social media, not only for its bluntness but also due to his friends' immediate concern: "Watch out, man!"
The young man began with a firm denial: "No, from the bottom of my heart, I'm not happy. Because this country…" However, he was quickly interrupted by the worried warnings of his companions, who were anxious about the potential repercussions of speaking candidly in front of a camera in Cuba.
Unfazed by their caution, he continued with conviction: "I’m not afraid; there is freedom of speech, I can say whatever I want, it’s my word, and they can’t come after me for that. It’s hard to find happiness here, as so many things are restricted. People have life projects that could bring happiness, but the country blocks them in various ways."
Although he initially avoided political topics, he eventually highlighted the underlying issues: "Being young, you try to find ways to move forward, but you never really find them. I could be happy in a country with real opportunities. Here, everything is a lie—politically and socially. It's all false."
His words echo the sentiments of many young Cubans, who feel trapped in a nation offering little room to build a future. "I want a country where we have rights. Right now, just for saying this, I feel 'threatened.' If they see me, they might come after me. I don't care if they do, but... I’d like a country where one can be free, where one can establish a life project without facing insurmountable obstacles. That's all I want," he concluded.
The video has gone viral on TikTok, garnering thousands of comments supporting the young man and criticizing the oppressive environment many Cubans endure. In just a few minutes, the scene encapsulates the existential dilemma of an entire generation in Cuba, dreaming of a better life but fearing the repercussions of voicing their thoughts.
Understanding the Cuban Youth Struggle for Freedom
Why did the young Cuban feel unhappy living in Cuba?
The young Cuban expressed unhappiness due to the country's systemic restrictions and lack of real opportunities, which hinder personal and professional growth.
What concerns did his friends have regarding his statements?
His friends were worried about the potential consequences of speaking openly against the government, fearing repercussions for expressing dissent publicly.
How does the video reflect the broader situation of Cuban youth?
The video captures the frustration and aspirations of a generation that dreams of freedom and opportunities but is constrained by the country's restrictive policies.