The TikTok content creator Lil Lemon (@lillemon_oficial) has once again captured the internet's attention with a humorous video depicting the "frugal mindset" that many newly arrived Cubans in the United States adopt.
The video, titled "Newcomer's Mindset," humorously portrays the cultural differences regarding the reuse of everyday items. In the scene, the protagonist, a recently arrived Cuban, refuses to throw away items he considers valuable, like plastic bags or "jabitas," insisting they can be used to "store socks, underwear, or send them back to Cuba." When his friend suggests that it's unnecessary to keep them in the U.S., the newcomer is incredulous: "Do you know how much jabitas cost in Cuba?"
The humor continues when the young man suggests not discarding an empty coffee can because it could be used to store sugar or flour. However, one of the funniest moments occurs when the protagonist asks his friend if he has "a piece of newspaper or magazine" to use instead of toilet paper, a common habit in the island due to the scarcity of basic products.
Another part of the video that elicited many reactions is when the newcomer admits that, instead of buying water, he's been refilling empty bottles with tap water: "Just like in Cuba, right?" His friend, clearly more accustomed to life in the United States, can't hide his surprise.
The video quickly resonated with Lil Lemon's followers: "I keep the javitas and I'm not a newcomer," "100% no fear refilling water bottles"; "I thought I was the only one with that mindset, hahaha"; "I still keep the javitas, hahaha"; "We never lose that mentality"; "My mom, when she arrived, and even after a year, still does the same," some commented.
And you, do you identify with any of these habits?
Understanding the Frugal Mindset of New Cuban Immigrants
In this section, we address some common questions about the frugal habits and cultural adjustments of newly arrived Cuban immigrants in the United States, as humorously depicted by Lil Lemon.
Why do newly arrived Cubans tend to save everyday items?
Many newly arrived Cubans continue their frugal habits from the island due to the scarcity of goods in Cuba. These habits include reusing items like plastic bags and containers, which are seen as valuable resources.
Is it common for Cubans to refill water bottles with tap water?
Yes, it is a common practice in Cuba due to limited access to bottled water. This habit often continues when they first arrive in the U.S. until they adjust to the availability of affordable bottled water.