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Cuban Woman in the U.S. Faces Backlash for Sending Packages to Island

Sunday, January 12, 2025 by Edward Lopez

A Cuban woman living in the United States recently shared a TikTok video displaying some of the items she's purchasing to send to her family back in Cuba. The user, known as @piedrafina, revealed that she bought several sportswear sets, each priced at $24 with free shipping, considering it a more economical choice than buying individual pieces. "I'm putting together a package for Cuba, and I'm buying like this because it saves me more money. If you go to a store, they'll charge you that price just for the bottom part of expensive leggings. Here, you get the whole set," she explained while showcasing her purchases.

Despite the criticism she received for her actions, she remained resolute about continuing to support her loved ones on the island. "I will keep sending to Cuba until I'm no longer on this planet," she declared. The backlash was swift, with some users questioning her decision to send packages to Cuba. Comments ranged from "I won't send anything to Cuba, I refuse to spend my money on dictatorships" to "Not to Cuba, no way, I won't send anything to feed whom?"

Undeterred, the Cuban woman responded with a follow-up video, further elaborating on her purchases and defending her stance. She expressed that sending packages brings her immense joy because she feels she can solve problems and save money for her family in Cuba. "Are you going to tell me you don't feel the satisfaction I feel right now when sending any little thing to my family in Cuba? Maybe you don't because you have nothing there, but I have a lot of people there, and I can help them with anything," she asserted. Additionally, she emphasized the cost-effectiveness of her purchases: "Look, there are 30 in one package. Do you know how many women here have underwear? Five or six. It makes me happy."

Similar to her, other users shared in the comments their reasons for sending packages to Cuba, citing the happiness it brings them to assist loved ones or friends. "I don't have family in Cuba, but I do have childhood friends, and occasionally I send them some things, and it makes me very happy to help, even in the smallest way," one user mentioned. Another added, "I never stop sending, and I feel incredibly happy doing it. As long as I can, I'll continue." Some even highlighted the emotional significance of these gestures: "That's how my life is. Anything over there is well received, and it's such a joy to be able to do it," expressed another commenter.

Understanding the Emotional and Economic Impact of Sending Packages to Cuba

Why do some Cubans in the U.S. send packages to Cuba despite criticism?

Many Cubans in the U.S. send packages to Cuba to help their families and friends, deriving satisfaction and happiness from providing support, despite facing criticism.

What are the economic benefits of buying and sending items in bulk to Cuba?

Buying items in bulk, like sportswear sets, is more cost-effective, allowing individuals to send more goods for less money, maximizing the assistance they provide to their families in Cuba.

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