A Cuban living in the United States has become a TikTok sensation after posting a video that sharply addresses requests for money and phone recharges from those on the island, who ask as if it were a trivial matter.
The video, shared by user @osmelfl, features the man clearing snow from his car while elaborating on the hard work required to earn the money that many in Cuba request without appreciation.
"Friends in Cuba text me saying, 'Bro, send me a little recharge, that's nothing for you.' No, buddy, it's not nothing—look at this! Cotton is falling from the sky," the Cuban remarks, showcasing the snow covering his vehicle and his freezing hands.
Clearly exhausted, he emphasizes that in the United States, the 20 dollars that many on the island consider insignificant are actually the result of considerable effort.
"In America, 20 bucks are 20 bucks. When a relative sends you money, thank God for giving them the health to keep helping you because many go through hardships to send those 20 dollars," he added.
The Cuban underscores that many people in the U.S. sacrifice meals and rest to support their families back in Cuba, urging more respect and gratitude for the emigrants who financially sustain numerous households on the island.
"Don't tell anyone else that 20 dollars in the U.S. is nothing. It's a lot, it's sacrifice. People age quickly here, working like horses," he concluded, offering blessings to those who assist their families from abroad.
The message has sparked hundreds of comments on TikTok, where countless Cubans echoed his sentiments and criticized the lack of empathy shown by some family members in Cuba towards the struggles of emigrants.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Emigrants in the U.S.
Why do Cubans in the U.S. find it difficult to send money back home?
Cubans in the U.S. often face financial struggles themselves, working long hours and making sacrifices such as skipping meals or leisure to save money. Sending money back to Cuba involves a lot of effort and is not as trivial as it might seem.
What is the significance of 20 dollars for Cubans in the U.S.?
In the U.S., 20 dollars represent hard-earned money that requires significant effort to obtain. It is not a negligible amount, especially for those who are supporting themselves and their families both in the U.S. and back in Cuba.