The Cuban content creator Arielito, known on TikTok as @arielito.oficial, has sparked a heated debate on the platform after addressing criticism for sending money to his family in Cuba. "No man, don't say anything, it's better to keep quiet and send money, sustain that system, right?" a user had commented, suggesting that financial support to family indirectly benefits the Cuban government. This remark triggered an immediate response from the young Cuban living in the United States.
In his video, Arielito responded assertively, making it clear that the funds he sends are for his family, not the government. "I'm not sustaining any system; I'm supporting my family," he declared. The TikToker explained that his family in Cuba always struggled to survive, and now that he's in the U.S., he feels a strong responsibility to help them. "When I was little, they broke their backs to make sure I had a plate of food on my table and at least a pair of shoes to go to school," he added, emphasizing that his support is rooted in gratitude and love, not politics.
"I won't let my family go hungry, you understand? My family is there suffering immensely right now," he stated, making his stance clear and indicating that he will ignore those who criticize from afar or from the comfort of having their loved ones with them. Many users resonated with his words, with comments like: "This is for all the Maceos and Marianas behind social media. I send money to my family whenever I feel like it and go to Cuba whenever I feel like it. Enough with the pro patria y vida nonsense"; "What keeps us going back to Cuba is family, not Cuba itself. Blessings to those who don't abandon their families," they said.
The video also generated emotional support and recognition for Arielito's attitude. "You're doing the right thing, Arielito. Family should never be abandoned, especially given the current situation in Cuba. I also help my family and will continue to do so," commented another user, reflecting the dire situation on the island. Others pointed out the hypocrisy of some critics: "Those who don't want to help... use that excuse," suggesting that some use politics as a justification for not sending remittances.
Community Support and Emotional Resonance
Other users strongly supported this young Cuban emigrant's message, sharing their own experiences: "If helping my family in Cuba means sustaining the system, then I'm sorry to say I'll keep sustaining it because I'll continue helping my mother and brother in every way," one follower affirmed. The sentiment that the support is for families, not the government, was a common theme among the comments. "Exactly, it's for the family, not the government," agreed another.
Some also praised the clarity and sincerity of this young man living in the United States: "You spoke like a great human being and a man, that's how you talk," remarked one, while another added, "You're absolutely right, never under any circumstances should family be abandoned." The concern for the economic situation in Cuba is palpable in many of the comments, and another follower concluded with a powerful reflection: "For me, it's my parents first and then everything else. You have to be ungrateful not to help your family knowing what they're going through over there."
This debate remains a recurring topic among Cubans in exile, who often find themselves torn between the desire to help their loved ones and the criticism for the potential indirect impact on the system. However, as this Cuban's response shows, for many compatriots, family takes precedence over everything, and neither criticism nor hardships can change that priority.