The content creator Azúcar de Cuba, known as Chiruza on TikTok, shared her thoughts from the island regarding the economic expectations many Cubans have towards their emigrated relatives. In a video that has garnered thousands of likes, the TikToker @www.tiktok.com.azucar voiced her opinion on how many in Cuba believe that living abroad equates to wealth.
Throughout her reflection, she questioned why many Cubans on the island persistently asked their emigrated family members for money and posed a question to those who face such situations: "Don't you ever wonder why your relatives keep asking, thinking you always have money?"
The TikToker, who lives in Cuba and has no family members abroad, answered her own question by exposing what she considered a misguided mentality that still prevails on the island. "Cubans living in Cuba still believe that everyone in the United States has money, that the U.S. is a millionaire country where you kick a tree, and $100 bills fall out," she stated firmly.
In her analysis, she explained that this erroneous perception was exacerbated by emigrants posting photos on social media that did not reflect their true economic situation: "They take pictures with the latest car, wearing chains, but they live in an efficiency." She emphasized the importance of those living abroad to communicate their financial struggles clearly: "You need to make your family understand that you don't always have money, that you can help when you can," she recommended, highlighting the pressure many feel due to their relatives' expectations.
In her video, she also empathized with those in this situation, noting that not everyone on the island understands the difficulties of living abroad. "I know how life is in the United States; I'm not a Cuban who thinks you kick a tree, and $100 bills fall out," she said, clarifying that she knew the reality outside the island despite not having emigrated family members.
Additionally, she pointed out that the Cuban family culture of supporting and always thinking about one's loved ones made this situation more critical. "Cubans are the only ones who consider the entire extended family—mom, dad, uncle, cousin, great-grandchild," she noted, suggesting that emigrants prioritize their immediate family over the expectations of other relatives. With her straightforward style, she concluded: "Cubans here in Cuba are mistaken because they have so much crap ingrained in them that they think in the U.S., beer grows on trees."
As expected, given the sensitivity of the topic, the video has sparked a heated debate on the platform, with hundreds of users sharing their experiences and opinions: "Azúcar, people back there don't consider the sacrifices we make here"; "And when you tell them you can't help now, they even get mad"; "Wow, it's the first time I see a Cuban from there speaking these truths"; "I didn't follow you before, but I do now; no one has ever spoken so clearly"; "Here, you pay for everything, even the air you breathe"; "I've been here for 30 years and always explained everything as it is"; "I don't send money to anyone; they live like the alligator, with their mouths open"; "My parents are all I have in Cuba; it's what gives me strength to work," some commented.
"The speculation from Cubans here makes those back there think life is easy"; "But the fault lies with those here who deceive those in Cuba, telling them money grows on trees"; "The fault is ours for not educating those back there; favors are not obligations"; "The problem with Cubans is they go to Cuba to show off, talking more about what they have," others added.
Others expressed relief for not being in such situations: "Thank God my family doesn't ask for anything; I give what I can, and they are super grateful"; "I learned that here we are no longer family, just ATMs, and thank God I have no issues with my mom and sister, who don't complain, but beyond that, better not to speak." However, there were also testimonies from those who had to distance themselves from their families due to constant pressure: "I work, work, and work, and I'm always short, like February, and I don't smoke or drink, but I have debts up to my ears."
Have you faced a similar situation with your family in Cuba? Share your experience in the comments.
Common Questions About Financial Expectations from Cuban Relatives
In light of Azúcar de Cuba's video, many people are curious about the dynamics of financial expectations from Cuban relatives. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why do many Cubans on the island believe that emigrants are wealthy?
This belief is often fueled by social media posts that portray emigrants living lavishly, which does not always reflect their true financial situation.
How can emigrants communicate their financial struggles to their family back in Cuba?
Emigrants should have honest conversations with their family members, explaining the realities of their financial situation and setting realistic expectations for support.
What impact does Cuban family culture have on financial expectations?
Cuban family culture places a strong emphasis on supporting extended family members, which can create significant pressure on emigrants to provide financial assistance.
How can emigrants manage the pressure from family expectations?
Emigrants can manage this pressure by setting clear boundaries, prioritizing their immediate family, and communicating openly about their capabilities and limitations.