Cubans continue to join the popular TikTok challenge "soy cubana," revealing the customs they identify with. One such challenge was taken up by a Cuban who recently arrived in the United States to share what surprised her the most upon arrival.
The protagonist of the video is Lisandra (username @lis_blonde), who has just arrived in the United States. During her short time there, she has been surprised by several things, such as the inaccurate image she had of how people dressed on the streets.
She also highlighted that she used to see people arriving from the United States to Cuba as paler, but now she sees them as normal. "I am a Cuban who just arrived in the United States, and of course, the smell of yuma doesn't exist or can't be felt. Of course, the people who came to Cuba seemed whiter to me, and here they look normal. You also encounter people who are disheveled and look bad, whereas on social media from Cuba, they seem like princesses from a fairy tale. Of course, I don't have a job," comments Lisandra in the video.
Insights on Cubans in the United States
In this section, we answer some common questions related to the experiences of recently arrived Cubans in the United States, as shared by Lisandra.
What is the "soy cubana" TikTok challenge?
The "soy cubana" TikTok challenge involves Cubans sharing and highlighting their cultural customs and personal experiences, often in a humorous or enlightening way.
Why did Lisandra mention the "smell of yuma"?
Lisandra referred to the "smell of yuma" to debunk a common myth among Cubans about a distinct smell associated with foreigners or Americans, indicating that it doesn't exist.
What misconceptions did Lisandra have about the United States?
Lisandra had misconceptions about how people dressed and their appearance, expecting them to look different than they do in real life.
What challenges is Lisandra facing in the United States?
One of the challenges Lisandra mentioned is not having a job, along with adjusting to the new social and cultural environment.