A video uploaded to TikTok by a Cuban woman residing in Florida has sparked a heated discussion across social media. The woman, who appeared visibly frustrated, questioned the criticisms leveled at Oniel Bebeshito's concert in Miami, where some attendees lamented the absence of political slogans against the Cuban regime.
In the video, she expressed her disagreement with those who believed that concertgoers should have shouted "Down with the dictatorship!" With a straightforward and candid tone, TikTok user @browsbyzahily stated, "I am amazed by all these people saying that at Bebeshito's concert they should have shouted down with the dictatorship. I'd like someone to explain to me what is achieved by yelling that at a concert, especially those who never did anything in Cuba. You're all hypocrites; you should buy a ticket and go to Cuba, to Revolution Square, and say down with the dictatorship. That's what you should do."
She argued that concerts are meant for enjoyment and escapism, not for addressing political issues. She pointed out that those who demand such demonstrations from exile often did not take direct action against the regime while residing in Cuba: "Stop telling people here and in Cuba to do what you never had the guts to do. A concert is for having fun and dancing, whether it's Bebeshito or Marc Anthony. Don't urge others to do what you never did."
Additionally, she challenged her critics, asserting that her stance is reasonable and that no one has convincingly explained what is achieved by chanting slogans against the regime at a musical event: "I want someone to give me a valid reason for what is accomplished by saying down with the dictatorship at a concert, something reasonable, not nonsense. I don't care if I get backlash for this video, because none of you have done anything to bring down the regime from here."
The video quickly went viral, eliciting mixed reactions on social media. While some supported her viewpoint, many others responded with criticism, reminding that during the concert, chants of "Sufre Otaola" were heard. Conversely, there were those who agreed with her perspective, affirming that shouting down with the dictatorship at a concert achieves nothing: "Nothing is achieved, all Cubans do is criticize and spread hate," or "Well said, they should buy a ticket and go to Cuba to shout, not here, no one listens here," some users commented.
This debate highlights the divisions within the Cuban diaspora regarding how to approach political struggles from exile and whether cultural events like concerts are appropriate venues for protest expressions.
Exploring the Role of Political Protests in Cultural Events
Why was the video by the Cuban woman in Florida controversial?
The video was controversial because it challenged the expectations of some individuals who believed that political protests should have occurred during the Bebeshito concert. The woman argued that concerts are spaces for enjoyment and not for political activism.
What stance did @browsbyzahily take regarding political chants at concerts?
@browsbyzahily took the stance that political chants like "Down with the dictatorship" do not achieve anything significant at concerts, which are meant for entertainment rather than political discourse.
How did social media react to the woman's video?
The video went viral and sparked mixed reactions. Some social media users agreed with her viewpoint, while others criticized her stance, highlighting the complexities of political expression within the Cuban diaspora.