The Cuban content creator on TikTok, @i.am.ivey, has once again ignited a debate on social media by sharing a new video where he reflects on one of the most talked-about cultural differences between Cuba and the United States: the warmth of relationships on the island versus the perceived distance in the U.S.
In his video, which at the time of this writing has garnered over 1,400 likes, Ivey starts by mentioning the widely held belief that people in Cuba are more sociable and family-oriented. "Do you know what I love most about the United States? That everyone minds their own business and stays in their own home," he quickly states, making clear his preference. He highlights that in the U.S., even when visiting close friends, it's necessary to give advance notice. "That's the most beautiful thing in the world," he adds, comparing this situation to Cuba, where he claims people tend to be more intrusive and invade personal space more frequently.
Ivey also emphasized that this lack of intrusion in the U.S. avoids many problems that, according to him, are common on the island. "Here, everyone is in their own little house and their own business," he explained, contrasting this attitude with the Cuban custom of being "in someone else's home," something he finds unnecessary and problematic.
The video has sparked numerous reactions online, mostly from Cubans living abroad. Some agreed entirely with him, praising the privacy in the U.S., while others expressed nostalgia for the warmth and closeness of relationships in Cuba. "That's the best thing about this country," commented one user, while another noted, "That privacy is what I love most about this country. Before receiving visitors or visiting, we must notify and respect each other's time." However, not everyone shares the same opinion: "I prefer Cuba; here people are cold, distant... you fall in the street, and no one helps you," commented another user, longing for the more spontaneous sociability of the island.
The Ongoing Debate
The debate between privacy and sociability is not new among the Cuban community on social media. Ivey's video has reignited this recurring discussion about how social dynamics change between life in Cuba and the U.S., where independence and respect for personal space play a more significant role.