Venezuelan in the U.S. Captures Hearts with Bold Response to Criticism Over Cuban Accent

Heilen Alemán, a young Venezuelan who moved to the United States six years ago, took to TikTok to address a deeply personal issue: the criticism she has faced for speaking with a Cuban accent. In a heartfelt video posted on her account @heilenaleman26, she shared how Cubans were the ones who supported her upon her arrival and why she's proud that her speech reflects the culture that welcomed her with open arms.

"Cubans Were My Family When No One Else Was"

"I've wanted to speak about this for a long time, but there came a point when it stopped mattering to me. However, these comments hurt a lot, especially coming from my own people, from my own nationality," Alemán began. She explained her decision to open up now because she has seen others experiencing similar situations.

She recounted her arrival in the U.S. and how, from day one, it was Cubans who reached out to help her. "I arrived in this country six years ago. I remember that from the very beginning, the person who helped me get to another place, even though I didn't have $50 to my name, was a Cuban friend. Moreover, when we reached her friends' house, these people, without knowing me, provided me with clothing, food, and a roof over my head because I had nowhere to go."

As time went on, her social circle became almost entirely composed of Cuban individuals. "When you meet a Cuban, you end up meeting their entire family, all their friends, and then your social circle becomes them, because that's how Cubans are," she stated.

Even her romantic life was influenced by her connection to the Cuban community. "The first year I was in this country, I met a Cuban, and I was in a relationship with him for a year. I've been married to my Cuban husband for five years."

Unity and Support Among Cubans

Heilen highlighted the solidarity and sense of family among Cubans. "They are truly sensitive people and very family-oriented. They help each other out."

She is particularly impressed by the equality with which Cubans treat one another, regardless of their financial situations. "There's something I really admire about Cubans: they all sit down to eat at the same table, from the person who has the least to the one who has the most. They treat each other as equals, and they help and support one another."

"Educate Yourself Before Criticizing"

In her video, Heilen also addressed those who have criticized her accent. "Before you offend someone, you can educate yourself a little. This phenomenon is called phonetic convergence. It happens due to social acceptance, affiliation with another person, or better communication. Sometimes it happens consciously, but often it happens unconsciously."

Far from feeling ashamed of her way of speaking, she feels grateful. "I don't feel bad at all that I've picked up the accent of my friends, of my husband, because they are people I care about deeply. To me, Cubans are very special people, they are beautiful people with wonderful feelings, and I have nothing bad to say about them."

A Call for Empathy

Finally, she urged for empathy and recalled that when she arrived in the U.S., many of her compatriots were not there for her. "Many of the people who helped me when I got to this country were mostly Cubans. Meanwhile, I wrote to many Venezuelan friends from my hometown, and no one responded."

"Before making a comment you might regret later, ask first. Let's be more empathetic, and before judging, let's put ourselves in other people's shoes first."

Responses on TikTok

Heilen's video has garnered thousands of comments from Cubans, Venezuelans, and people of other nationalities who relate to her story. "I'm Puerto Rican, and I have a Cuban accent. I lived in Miami for 37 years, and I love them," wrote one person. Another user shared enthusiastically, "What a lovely Venezuelan, hooray for Cuba and Venezuela."

Many highlighted the unity and support among Cubans. "The thing is that we Cubans were taught that there is no class difference or racism. We help and treat everyone equally. You're beautiful," a comment read.

Others shared similar experiences with different cultures. "I'm Mexican in Texas, and I have Cuban friends, very hardworking and respectful, that's my experience." Another user shared, "I've been married to a Cuban for seven years, and it's impressive how his Cuban friends welcomed me like one of the family."

Some Venezuelans felt connected to her testimony. "It's true, I'm Venezuelan, and I have Cuban friends, and they really are amazing people. I love them very much too."

One of the most praised comments emphasized, "We Cubans have a huge heart and help without caring where the person comes from. It's something that naturally defines us."

The reactions have been mostly positive, filled with gratitude and similar stories that reflect how an accent is just a manifestation of the coexistence and brotherhood between cultures. With this video, Heilen Alemán not only defended her identity but also left a powerful message about Latino unity and the impact a community can have on someone in need.