Brazilian influencer Armando Netto, who boasts over 755,000 followers on Instagram, has made waves across social media by sharing a new video documenting his trip to Cuba. In the video, he humorously critiques the supposed "equality" under the socialist regime. "I love this equality," he remarks sarcastically, as he candidly highlights the severe social and economic disparities he witnessed during his stay in Havana. His visit coincidentally occurred during a widespread blackout in March.
Havana: A "Technological" City
In the video, Netto describes Havana as a "very technological" city, immediately followed by a shot of a vintage 1950s car used as a taxi. "They have first-generation cars," he quips. This imagery encapsulates his critique of the structural deficiencies in Cuba's capital. During his tour, he encountered stark contrasts that challenge the persistent myths in Latin America about Cuba's alleged social equality.
Contrasts in Urban Living
With a satirical approach, Netto also addresses the supposed urban cleanliness, pointing his camera at overflowing garbage bins on the street. "It's impressive how clean the city is," he states ironically while walking through visibly neglected areas of Old Havana.
The Two Cubas: Tourists vs. Locals
The video further illustrates the divide between luxury hotels and tourist-focused vehicles versus the reality for local citizens. Netto emphasizes that not everyone has access to the same services, food, or prices. "There's a different treatment for Cubans and tourists," he observed.
This video continues the viral narrative he began days earlier, where he detailed his initial experiences in the country, highlighting issues like shortages, blackouts, and the necessity of informal currency exchanges for tourists like himself. Netto recounted that upon arrival, they planned to spend $55 on their first day, but just the taxi cost $20. Unable to pay in local currency or use credit cards, they resorted to the informal market, exchanging dollars at 350 pesos compared to the state's 150 rate.
With no electricity in the city and no ability to pay with his credit card, Netto used the cash he exchanged on the street to purchase basic necessities: rice, eggs, bug-infested bread, and three potatoes. "There were no vegetables in the supermarket," he lamented, also noting the sight of children begging for money on the streets.
"The minimum wage in Cuba is 2,100 pesos. A carton of 30 eggs cost us 2,000. What kind of equality is this?" Netto questioned, ultimately deciding to leave his Airbnb and move to a luxury hotel to endure his Cuban stay, as the blackouts made it impossible to enjoy the island.
Understanding Economic Disparities in Cuba
What does Armando Netto's video say about social equality in Cuba?
Netto's video humorously critiques the notion of social equality in Cuba by exposing the significant social and economic disparities he observed during his visit.
How did Netto describe Havana in his satirical video?
He sarcastically described Havana as a "very technological" city, highlighting the use of vintage 1950s cars as taxis to critique the city's structural deficiencies.
What challenges did Netto face during his trip to Cuba?
Netto faced challenges such as blackouts, currency exchange issues, and limited access to basic necessities, which he detailed in his video.