The Cuban influencer Anna Sofía Benítez, widely recognized as Anna Bensi on social media, has once again stirred up conversations both inside and outside the island with her latest video.
In her piece titled "Diary Reflections | Part 2: 'Conveniently Blind'," the young Havana native takes on dual roles as both interviewer and interviewee. This creative approach results in a video rich with irony and a sharp critique of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, artists, and creators in Cuba.
Within the video, Bensi portrays a fictional microenterprise owner who speaks about "abundance mentality" and sacrifice, while the interviewer poses probing questions about what it truly takes to succeed in the country.
Amidst the sarcasm and sharp remarks, three potential paths for economic survival emerge: support from abroad, skirting the edges of legality, and maintaining a deliberate silence in the face of authority.
The tension peaks when the character avoids discussing politics, repeatedly stating, "I'm not political." The interviewer counters with a reality familiar to many Cubans: dissent in Cuba comes with repercussions.
"Name a dissident artist who can openly promote their art. Name a microenterprise owned by an opponent," she challenges, leaving the ensuing silence more telling than any answer.
Through this performance, Bensi zeroes in on a sensitive issue: neutrality in a context where expressing an opinion can cost one's job, business, or freedom. She mocks the "ideological conjunctivitis" that blinds people to the repression behind the beaches and hotels.
This video does not exist in isolation. In recent weeks, the influencer has spoken out against the detention of young creators Kamil Zayas and Ernesto Ricardo Medina from the independent project El 4tico, offering them a public tribute.
In a recent interview with the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Bensi declared she has overcome her fear, believing that freedom outweighs silence.
This stance has not been without consequences. According to her accounts, she was pressured into leaving her job, experiences internet outages, and is under surveillance in her Alamar neighborhood. She has also described the precarious living conditions she endures amidst prolonged blackouts and food shortages.
However, "Conveniently Blind" shifts the focus away from her personal circumstances to a question that echoes among many Cubans: Is it possible to thrive in Cuba without turning a blind eye to the reality?
At just 21, Anna Bensi has emerged as one of the most prominent young voices on social media within the island. With her biting humor and straightforward language, she resonates with a generation grappling with blackouts, inadequate wages, and the constant dilemma of leaving or staying.
This time, instead of merely highlighting scarcity or crisis, she has pinpointed a deeper wound: the comfortable silence in the face of reality. A reflection that, for many, extends far beyond social media.
Understanding Anna Bensi's Critique of Cuban Society
What is the main message of Anna Bensi's video "Conveniently Blind"?
The video critiques the culture of silence and double standards in Cuba, highlighting the challenges faced by those who try to succeed without conforming to the regime's expectations.
Why has Anna Bensi's stance on freedom and silence had consequences?
Her outspoken views have led to job loss, internet restrictions, and surveillance, reflecting the risks of dissent in Cuba.
How does Anna Bensi connect with the younger generation in Cuba?
Through her use of sharp humor and direct language, she resonates with young Cubans who face similar struggles, including economic difficulties and the decision to stay or leave the country.