Social media has been buzzing with talk about one of the latest viral trends: therians. Videos showcasing young individuals walking on all fours, wearing animal masks, or barking in public places have taken over platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. While the discussion heats up in various countries, some in Cuba are already wondering: Could this phenomenon reach the Island?
Understanding the Therian Phenomenon
The term "therian" refers to individuals who claim a spiritual or psychological identification with a non-human animal. These people often feel that their inner identity aligns with that of a dog, cat, wolf, snake, or another species. Social media is flooded with videos of them donning masks, wearing artificial tails, walking on all fours, or mimicking behaviors associated with these animals.
This trend has gained notable visibility in countries such as the United States, Argentina, and Mexico, where digital communities share their experiences and even organize in-person meetups. However, it has also sparked significant criticism and pushback from those who view it as an extreme trend or a ploy for attention on social media.
Cuban Reactions on Social Media
A young Cuban woman recently posted a TikTok video reacting to the phenomenon. Laughing and in disbelief, she remarked, "And here I am, thinking like crazy because I've seen so many videos about these famous therians. If you don't know what therians are, they're people who identify as animals and walk around barking, wearing masks, and crawling like dogs. […] I've seen a lot of videos from Argentina and Mexico. But all I'm asking for is: Oh my God, please, don't let this come to Cuba."
While she emphasized being "totally against bullying," she expressed concern about the trend spreading to the Island: "Don't let therians come to Cuba (...) Can you imagine Cubans being therian? Oh no, please. Don't let that reach Cuba."
Her video attracted hundreds of comments, split between those who saw the humor in it and those who defended personal freedom.
Cuban influencer Claudia Artiles also reacted candidly: "Now people don't feel like people anymore. They feel like dogs, cats, parrots, unicorns, dinosaurs. No, I don't get it... I feel like a flip-flop. I feel like a flying flip-flop, ready to hit you over the head if I see you dressed as a cat or dog in the street."
"If you identify as a dog, you should go outside to do your business and eat like a dog. Because you can't use the bathroom if you want to be a dog or a cat but live like humans. I don't understand them," she added.
The Future of Therians in Cuba
For now, this phenomenon seems mostly outside Cuba, but in our globally connected social media world, trends don't take long to cross digital borders. In Cuba, where popular humor can turn any trend into a meme within hours, people are already asking: Would this be taken seriously or simply become fodder for local comedy?
Meanwhile, the debate continues to grow on digital platforms, with supporters advocating for identity freedom and critics labeling it a fleeting and extreme fad.
What are your thoughts? Can you imagine "dog" communities barking along the Havana Malecón, or will this remain just another internet phenomenon in Cuba?
Exploring the Therian Trend and Its Potential Impact in Cuba
What is a therian?
A therian is someone who identifies spiritually or psychologically with a non-human animal, believing their inner identity aligns with that of a specific animal species.
Why has the therian trend gained attention?
The therian trend has garnered attention due to its unique expression of identity, with individuals showcasing animal-like behavior on social media, sparking debates on identity and the search for attention online.
How have Cubans reacted to the idea of therians?
Reactions in Cuba have been mixed, with some finding humor in the trend, while others express concern over its potential arrival on the Island, fearing it could be misunderstood or become a target for ridicule.