A Cuban content creator has sparked a lively discussion on social media by openly criticizing what she refers to as "cubaneo," a set of behaviors she associates with vulgarity, loudness, and envy, which she believes tarnish the image of the Cuban community online.
Karen Hernández, known on Instagram as @elixir_karen, released a video last Thursday where she didn't mince words: "I don't like this 'cubaneo' culture, which is tied to vulgarity. I dislike phrases like 'I got your back,' and 'bro, what's up.' I can't stand the shouting and what is becoming normalized in the Cuban community today."
For Karen, the issue extends beyond language—it involves a pattern of mutual disparagement she perceives among Cubans online. "We're all attacking each other because we don't want anyone else to shine," she stated, highlighting envy as another aspect she unequivocally rejects.
Hernández made a point to differentiate between the online portrayal and what she considers the true Cuban community. "Not all Cubans are the same, and there are Cubans who can articulate well, who are educated, and who can integrate into different societies," she asserted.
Her message included a direct challenge to those who might feel targeted: "If you're offended by my video, you should reflect on your actions, because you might be doing something wrong."
The video concluded with her thoughts on what it truly means to be Cuban. Hernández emphasized that Cuban identity transcends certain behaviors or expressions and rejected the notion that it involves speaking poorly, being ungrateful, shouting, or engaging in online conflicts.
This is not the first time Karen Hernández has addressed this issue. Earlier in March, she urged the Cuban community to cleanse itself of the prevalent vulgarity online, linking this decline to the impact of the 1959 Revolution on Cuban values.
The debate isn't hers alone. In late August, Cuban psychologist Gise Ponce went viral with the phrase "I love Cuban culture, I hate 'cubaneo,'" drawing a distinction between positive Cuban cultural traits—joy, dance, humor—and the "cubaneo" that she attributes to decades of communism eroding values.
Also in late August, Cuban actor Edy Suárez took to Instagram to criticize the "division, finger-pointing, and vulgarity" he observes in the Cuban online community, urging for unity and constructive interaction.
The ongoing conversation about what defines Cuban identity and what degrades it has been growing on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with voices ranging from creators questioning if Cubans are inherently vulgar to recurring debates over explicit language in Cuban urban music.
The discussion is centered around a critical question: what image does the Cuban diaspora project to the world, and does it accurately represent the true nature of the Cuban people?
Cuban Identity and Online Perception: Key Questions
What is "cubaneo" according to Karen Hernández?
Karen Hernández defines "cubaneo" as behaviors linked to vulgarity, loudness, and envy that she believes negatively impact the image of the Cuban community online.
How does Karen Hernández differentiate between the online and real Cuban communities?
Karen Hernández distinguishes between the digital portrayal and the true Cuban community by asserting that not all Cubans are the same and emphasizing that many are well-spoken, educated, and able to adapt to various societies.
What has been the response from other Cuban figures regarding "cubaneo"?
Other Cuban figures, like psychologist Gise Ponce and actor Edy Suárez, have also spoken out against the negative aspects of "cubaneo," calling for a focus on positive cultural traits and unity within the community.
Why is the debate on Cuban identity gaining attention?
The debate is gaining traction due to growing concerns about how the Cuban diaspora is perceived globally and whether this representation aligns with the true characteristics of the Cuban people.