This week, young Cuban woman Naty Cue became an online sensation with a video recounting how her self-esteem underwent a dramatic transformation after she moved to Spain. In contrast to feeling "ugly and awful" in Cuba, she now frequently receives compliments on the streets and in Spanish nightclubs.
The video, posted last Friday with the caption "Ugly in Cuba, Beautiful in Spain," has sparked an engaging discussion among the Cuban expatriate community, garnering over 1,000 comments.
Naty begins the clip by admitting, "In Cuba, I always felt ugly, horrible. My self-esteem was at rock bottom." However, everything changed when she set foot in Spain: "From the moment I arrived in Spain, my self-esteem soared because I started receiving countless compliments on the street."
What struck her the most was something seemingly simple: a girl stopping to tell her she was beautiful. "I never experienced a girl telling me, 'You're pretty.' It was amazing," she recalls, saying that moment encapsulates what she never experienced on the island.
Naty acknowledges that she arrived in Spain in a fragile emotional state. "I came with my self-esteem so shattered, so broken, that being here and experiencing this is incredible for me," she explains. She adds, "I still can't believe it, I haven't fully accepted it."
The Impact of Changing Environments
The young woman also reflects on the phenomenon with sincerity: "It's incredible how your perception changes when you're in one place feeling average, and then you move somewhere else, and suddenly everyone tells you that you're beautiful and attractive."
Yet, Naty doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable question: are the compliments genuine, or is she perceived as an "exotic beauty"? "Is it because I'm seen as an exotic beauty? I need to resolve this dilemma, this mystery," she poses at the end of the video, inviting her followers to share their thoughts.
Responses poured in swiftly. Many Cuban and Latina women who have emigrated resonated with her story, sharing similar accounts of personal transformation after moving countries. Some highlighted the contrast in beauty standards between Cuba and Europe, while others pointed specifically to the "exoticization" of Latin American women in Spain.
Cultural Shifts and Personal Growth
The phenomenon Naty describes is not new among the Cuban diaspora. Many emigrants document on social media the cultural shock involved in realizing that one's self-image can change drastically depending on the environment. The so-called "migration glow up" — the personal reinvention accompanying the process of emigrating — is one of the most common themes on TikTok among Cubans living in Spain.
Naty concludes her video with a heartfelt message: "Thanks to all the Spaniards who have made me feel beautiful, to all the Spaniards who have helped boost my self-esteem. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Understanding the "Migration Glow Up"
What is the "migration glow up" phenomenon?
The "migration glow up" refers to the personal transformation and reinvention that individuals often experience after moving to a new country. This change is frequently documented on social media and involves a shift in self-perception and self-esteem due to new cultural and environmental influences.
How do beauty standards differ between Cuba and Europe?
Beauty standards can vary significantly between Cuba and Europe, with different cultural perceptions and ideals influencing what is considered attractive. Many emigrants note that these differences can impact their self-esteem and how they are perceived by others.
Why might Latin American women be considered "exotic" in Spain?
Latin American women might be perceived as "exotic" in Spain due to distinctive cultural and ethnic features that stand out in a different cultural context. This perception can lead to both positive attention and complex social dynamics.