A Cuban woman residing in Las Vegas has taken to TikTok to share the unexpected similarities she has discovered between her homeland and the United States, challenging some common beliefs about life abroad. In her video titled "Things I see in the U.S. that we had in Cuba, and I thought they wouldn’t happen here," she highlights long lines, internet issues, and street vendors.
The user @dianaelenasigasre remarked that she thought long lines were a uniquely Cuban phenomenon. "Here in Las Vegas, people set up chairs a day in advance to hold their place in line. Go to Walmart and see for yourself," she says. Other points she addresses in the video include internet speed, bureaucracy, street vendors, and people who do not work.
"The internet here isn't always great. It's quite slow, and sometimes you lose connection," she said regarding the internet. About bureaucracy in the U.S., she stated, "I've never seen anything like it. Here, you have to sign off on 500 different things just to get something done." She also commented on people living off government aid, saying, "There are many people here who live on government assistance, perhaps even more than in Cuba."
Her video has sparked a mixed reaction in the comments. Some agreed with her observations, while others disagreed. Comments ranged from, "Are you sure you're in the U.S.?" and "I think you're still in Cuba," to "I've lived in Las Vegas for 9 years and never seen a street vendor," and "I've been in Texas for years and never seen anything like that," with some adding, "Those must be Cubans."
Understanding the Similarities Between the U.S. and Cuba
The video by @dianaelenasigasre has prompted many to question and discuss the unexpected parallels between the two countries. Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the topic.
What are some common misconceptions about life in the United States?
Many people believe that issues like long lines, slow internet, and extensive bureaucracy do not exist in the United States, but experiences shared by individuals like @dianaelenasigasre show otherwise.
Are long lines common in the United States?
Yes, long lines can be common in certain situations, such as during major sales at stores like Walmart, where people may even set up chairs to hold their place in line overnight.
Is the internet in the United States always reliable?
While the U.S. generally has better internet infrastructure than Cuba, it is not always reliable. Users can still experience slow speeds and connectivity issues.
How does bureaucracy in the United States compare to Cuba?
Bureaucracy in the U.S. can be extensive, involving a lot of paperwork and multiple signatures, similar to Cuba but often on a much larger scale.
Is government assistance more common in the United States than in Cuba?
There is a significant portion of the U.S. population that relies on government assistance programs, potentially even more so than in Cuba, as noted by @dianaelenasigasre.