A Cuban woman living in the United States, known as @thaly47216 on social media, has responded to numerous videos posted by other Cubans abroad. In these videos, they complain about their families in Cuba constantly asking for help. Using her TikTok profile, where she goes by the name La Thaly, she voiced her confusion and disagreement with such sentiments.
“We all agree that the issues with Cuba are never-ending, but do you really want to end it all with Cuba?” she begins her video, questioning the motives behind these complaints. La Thaly mentions that she has come across many videos discussing the dire situation in Cuba, with a recurring theme of criticizing those on the island for requesting money or other resources. With a firm tone, she calls for a change in narrative, expressing bewilderment at the comments she has seen and asking, “Who are they talking about?” She emphasizes that, in her personal experience, her mother has never asked her for anything, even though her son has been living with her mother in Cuba for the past six years.
“My mother doesn’t ask me for anything at all. She could ask me for my life, and I’d wrap it up like a gift and send it to Cuba,” La Thaly declares passionately, showcasing her deep gratitude and love for her mother. She criticizes those who seem dissatisfied with their relatives for seeking help from abroad, highlighting that no one in her family makes demands of her. However, she is quick to affirm that if they did, she would be more than willing to assist.
La Thaly concludes her video by wondering if she is the only one whose family doesn’t ask for anything, and makes it clear that she doesn’t want to “end things with Cuba,” as her mother still lives there, despite her desire to bring her to the United States. Her remarks have resonated with many Cubans who shared their own experiences with family members in Cuba.
Shared Experiences from Other Cubans
Several Cubans have related to her perspective and recounted their own situations with their families on the island. “I had to distance myself from Facebook because people outside my circle were driving me crazy. Thank God the only person who can ask me for anything is my mom, and she doesn’t,” one person shared.
Another commented, “I can't end things with Cuba because my family is large, and I’m the only one living here. Even though I can't send them everything I want, I try to help as much as I can.” Others echoed similar sentiments: “They don’t ask me for anything,” “You’re absolutely right; it’s shameful how some talk about their families,” and “My family never asks for anything. I always make sure my dear mother has what she needs without her having to ask.”