It's hard to shake off old habits, and that's especially true for a Cuban woman in Miami. Even after living in Miami for two and a half years, her first thought upon hearing thunder was to remember the power outages back on the island. The star of this story is the TikTok user @chinareyes1604, who shared an amusing anecdote that happened while she was taking a shower.
In the video titled "Things Only Cubans Think About," she recounted that her immediate reaction to the sound of thunder was the urgent need to charge her phone before the electricity went out—a reflex from her life in Cuba. She laughed at herself when she realized she was in Miami, where power outages are rare. This reaction showcases how the everyday struggles faced by Cubans shape their behavior and mindset even after emigrating.
"Two and a half years here and I still think the power is going to go out," @chinareyes1604 wrote in the TikTok description. Does this happen to you too?
Understanding the Cuban Experience in Miami
Given the unique experiences of Cubans in Miami, we've compiled some frequently asked questions to delve deeper into their challenges and adaptations.
Why do Cubans in Miami still worry about power outages?
Cubans who have lived with frequent power outages develop an ingrained reflex to prepare for them. These habits can persist even after moving to places like Miami where power outages are less common.
How do past experiences in Cuba affect the behavior of Cuban immigrants?
The daily challenges and scarcity in Cuba instill certain behaviors and mentalities that can take time to change. These experiences shape their responses and thoughts even after relocating to a more stable environment.