CubaHeadlines

A Cuban Mafia Exploiting People's Suffering: Activists Deliver a Powerful Message Online

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 by Edward Lopez

The independent project El4tico, led by young Cuban activists and creators, has released a compelling video on social media. It critically examines the nature of Cuba's totalitarian regime and exposes the corrupt and oppressive character of the leaders who have ruled the nation for over sixty years.

"Power in Cuba isn't rooted in courage, but in fear," one member of El4tico, known as @erejun_peo, asserted, blending a reflective tone with social criticism. "Those in power are not brave; they're fearful cowards. They're afraid of losing control, being judged, and of the day when the people might rise up. And I say rise up, because right now, they keep the people on their knees."

The message delves into the logic of authoritarianism, highlighting how the leaders' fear transforms into repression. "Power becomes a shield: the more it is wielded, the less accountable they become," the video articulates.

The video also explores the phenomenon of "moral dissonance," a form of cognitive dissonance that causes psychological tension or discomfort when individuals hold two conflicting ideas, beliefs, or values, or when their actions don't align with their beliefs. In essence, it describes how those causing harm need to maintain a belief in their own goodness.

Furthermore, the video condemns how, in closed systems like Cuba's, "empathy becomes a hindrance," and leaders stop seeing the population as individuals, viewing them instead as a mass to be controlled.

The discourse concludes with a statement that has echoed across social media: "They'd rather be hated than vulnerable. They prefer to perpetuate the old story of the misunderstood hero than to admit what they truly are: a mafia exploiting the suffering of a people."

The material has been widely shared by activists and users both inside and outside Cuba, who commend its moral strength and bravery in the face of totalitarian censorship.

Understanding the Message Behind El4tico's Viral Video

What is the main focus of El4tico's video?

El4tico's video critically examines Cuba's totalitarian regime, highlighting the corrupt and oppressive nature of its leaders and how they maintain power through fear.

How does El4tico describe the leaders' use of power?

The video suggests that the leaders use power as a shield, becoming less accountable as they exercise more control, driven by fear rather than courage.

What is "moral dissonance" according to the video?

"Moral dissonance" is described as a form of cognitive dissonance that occurs when individuals hold conflicting beliefs or values, or when their actions don't match their ideals, leading to psychological tension.

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