Cuban content creator Edgy, who has been living in the United States for over two years, responded on TikTok to a comment that labeled him a 'newcomer' unfamiliar with the country after he mentioned shopping at Aldi. "First of all, Aldi isn't a long-established market. Get informed before making a video. It's clear you haven't been in the USA for long," was the comment that prompted Edgy—who resides in Nebraska—to create a video addressing the issue. He expressed disbelief that "the worst enemy of a Cuban is another Cuban."
In his response, this young Cuban defended his choice to shop at affordable places, arguing that saving money should not be a source of shame but rather a strategy to achieve goals in a country full of opportunities. “Being new here shouldn't be a reason to disrespect others,” he commented, emphasizing that all Cubans should celebrate those who manage to arrive in a land of freedoms.
His opinion has garnered support from his community of followers, many of whom shared similar experiences and expressed solidarity with him. Comments included, “I've been living in the United States for 18 years and I also shop at Aldi”; “I still shop at Aldi, and here in Spain, I buy their products, which are very good”; “In this country, saving is key to achieving our goals, and no one should feel bad about it”; “Even Americans shop at Aldi”; “Don't worry, you're doing fine, if you saw where I shop, you'd have a heart attack. Money shouldn't be wasted”; “Saving is planting the seeds for a better future”; “I'm an American citizen and I shop at Aldi”; “There's no worse splinter than from your own wood”; “The worst enemy of a Cuban is another Cuban”; “Some people can't even afford to shop here”; “That's right, we hurt each other”; “Ignore the ignorant comments”; “That's right, in this country, you're criticized for everything, especially by other Cubans,” they said.
However, not all reactions were positive: “Aldi is horrible”; “I don't understand your logic. Who told you Aldi is for poor people? Those places aren't even cheap. Are you trying to come off as humble?”; “Enough with the land of freedom talk, you'll be a modern slave here... Welcome”; “Your logic doesn't make sense. Saving is fine, but trying to justify it as something more is unnecessary,” others commented.
The intense debate sparked by his comments shows that Edgy's message resonated with many. While there were criticisms of his perspective, many others expressed support and highlighted the importance of maintaining humility and financial intelligence without being swayed by appearances.
Debate on Cuban Newcomers in the United States
The discussion around Edgy's comments has prompted several key questions about the experiences of new Cuban immigrants in the United States. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers:
Why do some Cubans criticize newcomers in the U.S.?
Some Cubans may feel that newcomers lack the same experiences or understanding of American culture, leading to unwarranted criticism. This behavior often stems from insecurity or a desire to assert their own status.
Is shopping at Aldi considered a sign of financial struggle?
No, shopping at Aldi is not necessarily a sign of financial struggle. Many people choose Aldi for its affordability and quality products, regardless of their financial situation.
How important is saving money in the United States?
Saving money is crucial in the United States for achieving financial goals, such as buying a home, starting a business, or securing a stable future. Financial prudence is valued by many Americans.
What challenges do Cuban newcomers face in the U.S.?
Cuban newcomers often face challenges such as cultural adjustment, finding stable employment, and sometimes, criticism from other Cubans who have been in the country longer. These obstacles can be overcome with support and perseverance.