Amidst the adjustments and surprises that come with life in a new country, a newly arrived Cuban woman in the United States has gone viral for a humorous scene where she used a vase as a pitcher for juice. Her daughter shared the video on her TikTok profile (@midelysmoreno), causing a sensation among the Cuban community on the social media platform. Other Cubans shared their own anecdotes of being newcomers and enjoyed this amusing moment.
This video, beyond being a funny anecdote, highlights the curious and sometimes comical situations that newcomers face in their attempt to adapt to a new culture and environment. Among the comments seen alongside the video, we find some like: "I knew someone, not naming names, who filled their Walmart cart with cat and dog food cans," "Mine washed her private parts with Listerine because it smelled like mint, she said," "My mom sprayed cockroach spray on her hair," "That's nothing, my brother drank yellow detergent thinking it was mango smoothie," or "When I arrived in Spain, I bought cat pâté and found it delicious, thinking the cat was just a decorative drawing."
Without a doubt, these stories, in addition to entertaining, humanize the migration experience, showing that despite the challenges, there is always room for laughter.
Common Missteps by Cuban Newcomers
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the common missteps that Cuban newcomers might encounter while adapting to life in the United States.
Why do newcomers make humorous mistakes?
Newcomers often face a steep learning curve when adapting to a new culture and environment, leading to misunderstandings and funny mistakes.
What are some common mistakes made by Cuban newcomers?
Some common mistakes include misinterpreting product labels, using household items incorrectly, and misunderstanding social norms or customs.
How do these anecdotes help the Cuban community?
Sharing these anecdotes helps build a sense of community and provides comfort, showing that others have gone through similar experiences and that it's okay to laugh at these moments.