A video by Cuban content creator Lizandra Plaish, shared by activist Lara Crofs, has sparked a flood of critical comments on social media after the influencer praised the "revolution" amid an ongoing power outage.
In the video, Plaish is seen laughing beside a makeshift charcoal stove, saying, "The electrical system is down, we have no power, no light, nothing. But what do we have? As my commander-in-chief says, revolution! Let's go!"
Lara Crofs introduced the clip by clarifying, "her commander (not mine)." This prompted hundreds of followers to respond with shock, sarcasm, and indignation. Many perceived the message as a defense of the regime's rhetoric amidst the island's severe crisis.
Some users reacted with disbelief to the influencer's words. “Is she joking?” wrote José Ramón García, while Edgar Zapata bluntly stated, “No, this must be a meme.”
Other comments were more scathing. One person sarcastically remarked, “What she lacks is a brain! She'll be eating revolution then.” Similarly, another user commented, “Ah, see how well it is, she eats revolution.”
Criticism also touched on the material hardships that most island residents face during prolonged blackouts. A forum participant noted, “The little food we have... is going to waste,” while another said, “And now what's she going to cook over that fire, because revolution doesn't cook.”
The tone of ridicule was echoed in numerous responses. “That’s straight out of Mazorra [referring to Havana's well-known psychiatric hospital],” one person said, while another concluded, “Now I really want to laugh, it's the best joke she's made.”
Could It Be Satire?
Amid the wave of criticism, some voices suggested a different interpretation of the video. A few users proposed that the message might be satire or irony aimed at highlighting the harsh realities of Cuban life while authorities continue to repeat revolutionary propaganda.
“I think she was being sarcastic,” commented Tamara Navia, and Luis Felipe Pérez hoped it was indeed sarcasm from the content creator.
The debate intensified as the post gained more interactions, turning the short video into a viral episode in the ongoing social media discourse about everyday life in Cuba.
Ultimately, some noted that commenting, sharing, mocking, or supporting videos like this on social media might be one of the few entertainments available to momentarily escape the relentless lack of electricity, food, and resources.
Social Media Reactions to Cuban Blackouts
Why did the video by Lizandra Plaish spark controversy?
The video caused controversy because Plaish appeared to praise the Cuban revolution during a power outage, which many viewed as a defense of the government amidst the island's ongoing crisis.
How did social media users interpret the video?
Reactions varied, with some users expressing disbelief, others being sarcastic or critical, and a few suggesting it was meant as satire to criticize the government's stance.
What does the video reveal about the situation in Cuba?
The video highlights the challenges faced by Cubans during blackouts, including food spoilage and resource shortages, while also reflecting the ongoing debate about the government's role in these issues.