The Cuban TikToker Kuki Acea, who resides in Spain, has stirred up significant attention on social media by posting a video where she delivers a blunt and unfiltered message to families on the island, addressing the challenging circumstances that emigrants face and the constant economic demands from their relatives.
"Cuban family, don't keep piling demands on those who left Cuba as if they were some rich foreigner to exploit and ask for trivial things. Cuban family, be content with what we give. Those who left Cuba and moved to another country have a tough life; the emigrant's life is quite hard," the young woman states in the video, which currently has over 23,000 likes and more than 2,000 comments.
Kuki does not stop there and adds, "If you send them 100, they spend 100; if you send 200, 200, 300... it’s never enough, and they say they have nothing, that they are struggling, that they have no food, yet they have fake nails, hair extensions, the latest phone. If they want to live better than us who are here and continue to have a good life in Cuba, well, they can go kiss Díaz-Canel's ass," she says visibly upset.
"We are also in need here; don’t think it's all easy money falling from the sky. Here we have to pay for everything, house, food, insurance, everything because the emigrant is alone here, you understand? You have to pay for everything. So stop asking for more and be content with what we can give each month," she elaborates in her viral reflection, which has sparked a wave of comments and diverse reactions on TikTok. Many users showed their support and agreed with the message, while others found it inappropriate and overly generalized.
"That's for your family; no one gives you the right to speak for all Cuban families. You don’t have that right, sorry that yours has to do all that"; "That’s not my case, but I have heard many stories saying it’s tough," some said, sharing that they had different relationships with their loved ones on the island.
"Thank God that's not my case; my family is very understanding and empathetic with me, they don’t ask for anything, and I thank God because I can send them something every month!" shared others who live different experiences.
"Oh, dear, imagine I send my mom 300 a month, and a few days ago, she told me to take off my extensions to help her a bit more, how frustrating!" said another person who supported Kuki's opinion.
"I am in the same situation. You can never please anyone, and they have fake nails and better phones than we do. Sleeping all day and asking for phone credits. We can't manage"; "I’m so relieved to hear someone with my thoughts, I thought I was stingy or indifferent, what a relief it’s not just me"; "That’s why Cuba will never change! It’s the Cubans themselves who keep the regime alive!!"; "That’s true, and on top of that, they celebrate May 1st"; "Hey, I agree with you, my family lives well, they lack nothing because I support them all, but they are all so shameless, I send them money, and they keep asking for more," others added.
What do you think?
Challenges Faced by Cuban Emigrants
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the struggles Cuban emigrants face when supporting their families back on the island.
Why do Cuban emigrants feel so pressured by their families back home?
Many Cuban emigrants feel pressured because their families often have high expectations and continuously ask for financial support, not realizing the challenges and expenses faced in their new country.
What are common misconceptions about emigrants’ lives abroad?
A common misconception is that emigrants live an easy life with abundant financial resources. In reality, they often face high living costs and must work hard to make ends meet.
How do emigrants manage these financial demands?
Emigrants often have to budget carefully and may struggle to balance their own expenses with the financial support sent to their families. It can be a source of significant stress and frustration.