A Cuban worker based in Miami has gained viral attention on social media for his assertive response when asked why he doesn't support communism. In a TikTok video shared by user @lariquisima7, a man named Carlitos, who works as a maintenance employee at a U.S. airport, recounts his personal ordeal with the oppressive Cuban regime before fleeing during the 1980 Mariel exodus.
"No, I am not a communist. I experienced communism and had a bitter experience with it, for 45 years," Carlitos stated, emphasizing that he has never returned to the island. "What would I go back for? My family and nephews are here. I'm without a homeland, but without a master. Homeland and life," he declared with determination.
The woman who uploaded the video, Carlitos' coworker, shared that he was expelled from schools and workplaces in Cuba due to his political stance. This persecution eventually led him to escape via Mariel. Since then, Carlitos has established his life in the United States, choosing not to return to his homeland.
"Carlitos is a colleague who suffered greatly because of communism. He was kicked out of school and jobs until he decided to come through Mariel. He's been here for 45 years without going back, and he explains that he's without a homeland but without a master. Down with communism! Homeland and life!" the user wrote in the video's description.
Carlitos' story has resonated with many on TikTok, where users praise him as a representative of the generation of Cubans who left the island in pursuit of freedom during the massive 1980 exodus.
Cuban Exodus and the Quest for Freedom
What triggered the Mariel exodus in 1980?
The Mariel exodus was initiated after the Cuban government announced that those wishing to leave the island could do so, leading to a mass migration of around 125,000 Cubans seeking freedom in the United States.
Why hasn't Carlitos returned to Cuba?
Carlitos has chosen not to return to Cuba because he experienced significant repression under the communist regime and has built a life in the United States where his family resides.
How do people on TikTok view Carlitos' story?
Many TikTok users have shown support for Carlitos, recognizing him as a symbol of the many Cubans who fled their homeland in search of liberty during the 1980 exodus.