The popular Cuban TikToker Frank El Mákina (@frankelmakina) recently posted a video addressing "Everyday Things in Your Country That Are a Dilemma in Cuba." In the video, the young man, who has been living in Uruguay since late 2022, highlighted some of the numerous daily hardships faced by Cubans compared to other countries.
"Everyday things in your country that are extraordinary in Cuba," he began the video, where he detailed the ordeal of simply obtaining a bank card. "In Cuba, it's most common to pay with cash; sometimes you go to an ATM, and there's no money. It's an odyssey," he added.
Viewers reacted to his video with various comments, some expressing empathy and understanding towards the situation in Cuba: "What a tough life Cubans have in their country"; "It's all so difficult"; "An odyssey indeed," some said. "Cash is the best," another added. However, not everyone shared the same sentiment.
"Brother, all that is true, but what I don't understand is what you gain by talking bad about our homeland," one user expressed, to which Frank responded by clarifying that he was merely speaking about the situation caused by the dictatorship.
A few days ago, Frank shared another video on the same platform showing how much he was able to buy with $50 in Uruguay, a stark contrast to the grim reality of shortages and difficulties that Cubans face daily.
Everyday Challenges in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions about the everyday challenges faced by Cubans, as highlighted by Frank El Mákina.
What are some everyday activities that are difficult in Cuba?
Simple tasks like obtaining a bank card or withdrawing money from an ATM can be extremely challenging in Cuba. Cash payments are the norm, and ATMs often run out of money.
How do people outside of Cuba react to these challenges?
Reactions vary; some people express empathy and understanding, acknowledging the difficult life Cubans face. Others question the purpose of discussing these issues publicly.
What did Frank El Mákina demonstrate in his video from Uruguay?
Frank showed how much he could purchase with $50 in Uruguay, highlighting the stark contrast to the scarcity and challenges Cubans deal with daily.