In just a few hours, a recent post by Cubadebate garnered over 140,000 views and sparked a flood of comments from Cubans. The post attempted to highlight a supposed "humiliation" of the U.S. SWAT team at the hands of a Chinese female brigade during a physical competition.
The state-run outlet shared a video from Russia Today that compared the performance of both groups in a test of strength and coordination. However, instead of receiving support or applause, the post was met with an avalanche of criticism, mockery, and skepticism directed at the state media platform itself.
"Did Cuba participate?" was a recurring question among the comments. Some users sarcastically inquired about the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), the Black Wasps, or Cuban special forces, while others recalled recent events involving U.S. forces in the region.
Amidst the ongoing crisis on the island, marked by power outages, food shortages, and trash piling up in the streets, many internet users expressed their displeasure at the official media dedicating space to such a video. "The country is falling apart, and you're focused on this," one user wrote. Another commenter questioned the journalistic integrity of the piece: "Is this news?"
Critics pointed out that the comparison lacked context and that such events are routine competitions among teams from different countries. Some viewed the publication as "propaganda" or a distraction from internal issues.
The overwhelming response highlights the growing discontent among citizens with state media content, especially when perceived as out of touch with their daily concerns. What was intended as a symbolic confrontation piece turned into a gauge of social media sentiment: instead of debating foreign special forces, many Cubans used the opportunity to voice their frustration, sarcasm, and criticism of the country's internal management.
Public Reaction to Cubadebate's Coverage
What was the public's main criticism of the Cubadebate post?
The main criticism focused on the perceived irrelevance of the topic amidst Cuba's severe internal crises, such as power outages and food shortages.
How did Cubans respond to the comparison of Chinese and U.S. special forces?
Many Cubans mocked and criticized the comparison, questioning its newsworthiness and the lack of context, while others viewed it as a distraction from pressing national issues.
Why did some people accuse the post of being propaganda?
Some saw the post as propaganda because it seemed to serve as a distraction from the country's domestic problems, rather than addressing the real issues facing the nation.