In the United States, a user named Lyli took to social media to express her distress over the barrage of messages she receives from Cuba. Family members and friends frequently reach out to her, detailing the hardships they face on the island and seeking assistance, without considering her own circumstances. "I want to make this little video not to hurt anyone or make anyone feel bad, but I'm scared to call Cuba because the conversation is always about 'the hunger, the misery, the blackouts, I'm fed up.' People, we also struggle here," she stated in her initial video.
Lyli describes her experience of constantly receiving the same messages every time she checks her phone: "Everywhere I turn, it's the same story. Here, we face challenges too; it's tough to have everything because everything has a price. It's hard, and I don't even want to open my messages anymore." She acknowledges understanding the plight in Cuba, having lived it herself, but feels helpless in her ability to provide aid, which adds to her distress. "People need to realize that living here doesn't automatically make you wealthy. No, you're not rich, you also face hardship," she stressed.
In a follow-up video, Lyli addressed those who criticized her, reminding her of the help she used to offer when she lived in Cuba. "Listen, yesterday a friend told me... this is the second part of the video... she said, 'damn, when you were in Cuba, you used to help me out.' Folks, I don't have anything to give. I have three kids," she expressed. She voiced her pain about the lack of concern for her and her family's well-being. "People don't ask how I'm doing, how my kids are... nothing. It's just that, folks. It hurts because we face struggles here too, and people need to understand that."
Lyli wishes she could provide assistance but emphasizes her own financial constraints. "I would love to help people, to give them everything, but I can't even provide for myself, so how can I help others? Nobody knows what we go through here. Enough is enough, it makes you feel bad. It's not that I'm shameless or living luxuriously. I haven't indulged in anything, I simply have nothing to give," she insisted. "Stop calling me with the same stuff, I have nothing."
In a third video that went viral, the Cuban woman responded to a comment from another user who resonated with her story and admitted to crying while watching. "This is real, this isn't content creation, it's reality. You say 'you brought me to tears because I'm going through a similar situation with my family.' It's tough. People don't get that it feels bad not having enough because everything here has to be paid for. And you know, having a child here makes life even harder, expenses increase, and it's not as easy as people think."
Lyli confessed to feeling pressured every time she opens her messages. "I feel bad, I hesitate to open messages where people tell me they're hungry, dealing with blackouts, living in misery. Here, all I have is electricity and food, and I'm overweight, looking like a cow, because I haven't been able to work more. I have no one to watch my kids, and childcare is extremely expensive and unaffordable. It's difficult, and people just don't get it." Overwhelmed, she revealed she's considering shutting down her social media. "I'm really struggling with this, I'm about to quit WhatsApp and everything. I'm about to quit it all so no one contacts me anymore, so I don't have to hear about anything else."
The videos have sparked a significant reaction among Cubans both on and off the island, with many relating to her account. Some have expressed support and understanding, while others criticized her stance. "I don't even feel like calling them anymore. They overwhelm me with complaints and bad news," one user commented. Another agreed: "You know what the problem is? We are to blame because most Cubans go to Cuba and don't tell the truth about how things really are here." Others pointed out that no matter how much money they send, it's never enough: "Even if you send a million, it's never satisfactory."
Some shared similar experiences: "I'm considering blocking them, even though it pains me, because they even insult me and I don't go out here, it's all about paying." A user mentioned: "I've been sending everything to my family, thank God, since I arrived here; I don't understand what's so difficult." Another expressed resignation about the situation: "If you don't pay rent, where do you go? It's really tough."
Others attribute the pressure felt by emigrants to the Cuban regime: "That genocidal government has made them believe that we're responsible for all our Cuban brothers, a very sad situation for my homeland." Meanwhile, some have chosen to distance themselves: "I have no obligation to anyone in Cuba, so I don't answer calls or messages, and I haven't been back in over 8 years and won't be going."
Lyli's story has ignited a discussion about the relationship between Cubans who emigrate and their families on the island, highlighting the pressure and guilt many feel when they can't help as much as they'd like.
Understanding the Struggles of Cuban Emigrants
Why do Cuban emigrants feel pressured to help those on the island?
Cuban emigrants often feel pressured to assist family and friends in Cuba due to the dire economic conditions on the island. The Cuban government has instilled a belief that those who leave are responsible for supporting those who remain, adding to the emotional burden.
How do economic conditions in the U.S. affect Cuban emigrants?
Cuban emigrants in the U.S. face financial challenges as they adjust to a new cost of living where everything must be paid for, contrary to expectations that life abroad is easier. This can limit their ability to send money back to Cuba.
What impact does the pressure to help have on Cuban emigrants?
The constant pressure to provide financial assistance can lead to stress and guilt among Cuban emigrants, as they struggle to balance their own needs with the expectations of those back home.