Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, a young Cuban woman, has openly addressed the backlash following her viral video where she criticized Cuba's economic situation and the restrictions on free speech on the island. In a follow-up message, she expressed gratitude for the support she's received, stood firm on her right to voice her opinions, and rejected the notion that having basic comforts undermines her grievances.
"I've got my diploma... thank you all for the support," the 20-year-old began, before launching into a critique of what she perceives as the normalization of mediocrity and poverty in the country. Benítez Silvente sarcastically responded to those who, judging by images of her home, accused her of overstating her hardships. "My one-dollar guitar, my one-dollar sofa, my one-dollar television... and my one-dollar fridge, which right now is full of six pounds of continuity and four kilos of resilience," she remarked.
Through this metaphor, she argued that owning a television or a refrigerator "does not invalidate my right to express my thoughts or aspire for more." She questioned, "Would my words be more credible if I stood under a bridge in tattered clothes?" She clarified that none of these amenities were provided by the revolution and that, while she receives some help from an emigrated sister, she and her mother manage their daily needs themselves.
Benítez Silvente criticized what she sees as a societal expectation regarding remittances: "Cubans are too accustomed to the idea that when a family member emigrates, that person must support the family back home. It shouldn't always be that way." She emphasized her hope for a nation where education and personal work afford a dignified life, independent of external aid.
She also highlighted the impact of the crisis on educational continuity and young professionals' motivation: "Selling croquettes earns more than a surgeon, an engineer, or a scientist," she noted, clarifying that she doesn't look down on popular trades, but the imbalance drives many to abandon their careers.
In her view, love for one's country should stem from "results, experiences, and history," not from "fear and indoctrination." Benítez Silvente also exposed the political and workplace pressures hindering public expression: "Here, you can't say what you think... Many tell me, 'I agree, but I can't like or share your post because I work somewhere that could get me in trouble.'"
She criticized how "voluntary work" becomes mandatory—with threats of pay cuts or losing benefits—and how state meetings are conducted with "filtered topics and manipulated figures." "Just like my fridge... it looks nice but is empty inside," she compared.
In her conclusion, the young woman reiterated the importance of freedom of thought and expression (Article 54), urging people to keep debates focused on ideas rather than personal attacks. "There is only one reality, one truth. You can't cover the sun with a single finger," she declared, once again thanking those who supported her.
Ana Sofía Benítez Silvente had previously spoken out on social media to urge her university to correct an error on her college diploma. After doing so, she faced threats, was summoned to her Faculty, and was subsequently informed that her academic diploma "is now ready." Licensed as a Higher Technician in Dental Prosthetics, she explains that she hasn't been able to work in her field due to a name error on her diploma, despite graduating in February 2025.
Because of this, and with a mother facing health issues, she has taken up other jobs to support her household economically. Following her public statements, threats were directed at the young woman. Online users sent her messages claiming she would be imprisoned for her remarks, while others questioned her decision to expose such hardships.
Despite the critics, her testimony resonated with thousands, sparking immediate responses and reigniting the debate on free expression, basic services, and institutional responsibility in Cuba.
Key Issues in Cuban Society and Expression
What is Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente's main criticism of the Cuban government?
Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente criticizes the Cuban government for its economic policies, limitations on free speech, and the expectation that emigrants must support family members in Cuba, arguing for greater self-sufficiency and dignity through local opportunities.
Why does Benítez Silvente believe owning basic amenities doesn't invalidate her opinions?
Benítez Silvente argues that having basic amenities such as a TV or refrigerator does not negate her right to express her thoughts or strive for better conditions, as these are not provided by the revolution and do not equate to overall well-being.
How does Benítez Silvente view the relationship between education and professional motivation in Cuba?
She highlights that the economic imbalance in Cuba discourages young professionals, as jobs like selling croquettes can be more lucrative than skilled professions, leading many to abandon their careers.
What societal expectation regarding remittances does Benítez Silvente challenge?
Benítez Silvente challenges the belief that emigrated family members must financially support those in Cuba, asserting that this should not be an obligation and advocating for self-reliance through local opportunities.