Cuban content creator Rionel Lorenzo, known on social media as @soyriostar, shared a video expressing his frustration over the lack of consideration from some family members and friends in Cuba.
In his message, Rionel highlighted the tough reality faced by many who leave the island in search of a better life, only to be treated as mere providers and problem-solvers instead of family members who also deserve support and empathy.
In the video, shared on both Instagram and TikTok, Rionel spoke about how many emigrants live under "tremendous stress" from working long hours to meet their needs and those of their families in Cuba. However, conversations with loved ones on the island often revolve around complaints about the lack of resources, without concern for how the emigrant is doing. "Every time I talk to that family member... it's the same: 'I don't have power, I don't have light, I need this, I need that,'" he said. He added that the situation is overwhelming: "It fries my brain; I need my family member to ask me, 'Hey, how are you feeling? How’s it going?'.
The reactions to his video were swift, with many of his followers expressing support through comments that echoed similar experiences: "They don't see us as family... they see us as ATMs, the sentiment is gone"; "They don't know what it's like to pay a $4,000 mortgage"; "They don't even say hello, it's just complaint after complaint, and if you complain, they say 'you're fine'"; "We also live with a lot of stress here, but those over there don't understand"; "Here, a block is 7 km compared to over there, and if you don't work, you don't eat." Other comments included: "It's sad, but that's how things are"; "Everything is available here, but everything costs and nothing is free"; "I feel the same, I work at 3 am here and they don't even care"; "People in Cuba think we poop money, they don't care about anything"; "The same thing happens to me, it's always the same when they call"; "I'm desperate for them to cut communication"; "I see this video and know it's real, and my family always tells me they're fine"; "Talking to Cuba has become torture"; "Many are hurt by the truth, but it needed to be said."
What do you think? Do you believe that family members in Cuba should show more empathy towards those living abroad, or do you think this perspective only applies to a minority?
Understanding Family Dynamics Between Cuban Emigrants and Their Relatives
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers that can help you understand the complex dynamics between Cuban emigrants and their families back home.
Why do many Cuban emigrants feel stressed?
Many Cuban emigrants feel stressed due to working long hours to support both their own needs and those of their families in Cuba. This dual responsibility often leads to significant emotional and financial pressure.
How do Cuban emigrants perceive their interactions with family in Cuba?
Many Cuban emigrants feel that their interactions with family in Cuba are dominated by complaints about the lack of resources, with little regard for the emigrants' well-being. They feel more like ATMs than valued family members.
What are common complaints from family members in Cuba?
Family members in Cuba often complain about the lack of basic necessities such as power and food, which they expect emigrants to help provide.
Do emigrants feel their struggles are understood by those in Cuba?
No, many emigrants feel that their struggles are not understood by those in Cuba, who often assume that life abroad is easy and financially rewarding without recognizing the hardships emigrants face.