A Cuban woman living in Miami has gained viral attention on TikTok after posting a video where she criticizes fellow Cubans on the island who request food packages or "combos" as if they require no effort or sacrifice.
"I would like to know what those Cubans in Cuba are thinking when they say, 'Oh, send me a food combo, it costs you nothing.' Do you know what it takes to get up at five in the morning? Do you know what it takes to get on an expressway with terrible traffic to reach work completely stressed out? Do you know what it is to endure boss's mistreatment? What do you know about how much it costs me to send you a food combo?" expressed the young woman, identified as @dallanayroman, on her TikTok account.
The video, which has racked up thousands of views and comments in just a few hours, sparked a heated debate among Cubans both on the island and abroad. Many emigrants agreed with the young woman, highlighting that "earning a dollar in the United States is not easy," while others criticized her for lacking empathy towards those suffering from Cuba's economic crisis.
Moreover, the TikToker highlighted the lack of understanding she perceives from some family and friends on the island, who —as she explained— fail to grasp the effort involved in maintaining two lives: the life of an emigrant and the life of those left behind.
This discussion underscores a common reality within the Cuban community: the emotional and financial burden borne by those living abroad who support their families in an increasingly impoverished Cuba through remittances or shipments.
Cuban Community Challenges and Responsibilities
Why do some Cubans in the U.S. feel frustrated with requests from the island?
Many Cubans in the U.S. feel frustrated because they perceive that people on the island do not understand the sacrifices and hard work involved in earning money and maintaining a living abroad.
What challenges do Cuban emigrants face when supporting family back home?
Cuban emigrants often face emotional and financial challenges, as they try to balance their lives in a new country while supporting their family members who remain in Cuba, which can be a significant burden.