A Cuban resident in La Coruña, Spain, has sparked a new debate on TikTok after posting a video in which she questions fellow countrymen who discourage other Cubans interested in emigrating. Karlita, known on social media as @yo_soykarlita, firmly states, “Why don’t you return?” addressing those who, in her opinion, paint an unnecessarily bleak picture for those wishing to leave Cuba.
“If you left Cuba to improve your life, why can’t others do the same?” the young woman asks in a video where she acknowledges the difficulties of the migration process but insists that the enthusiasm of those seeking a better life should not be dampened.
The Cuban points out that many discourage others by only sharing the negative: “When a Cuban tells you what things are like over there, because they want to come and progress like you did, why do you say, ‘Oh my brother, the rent is terrible here, finding a job is a dilemma, without papers it’s all for nothing’?”
For Karlita, it’s not about lying, but about being realistic without discouraging: “You can talk about reality, but don’t take away anyone’s hope. If I succeeded, you can too. Everyone is born under a lucky star.”
The video, which has garnered dozens of reactions, has received support from other users who share the same perspective. One commented, “I ask myself the same question,” while another wrote, “Everyone should live their own experience.” Karlita herself responded to several of them affirming her stance: “Maybe one reaches out to someone seeking information, and what they end up feeling is depressed.”
This is not the first time Karlita has gone viral online. In March, she had already sparked controversy by expressing her surprise at the respect for pedestrian traffic signals in Spain. “Welcome to capitalism, my love”, she said at that time in a video that garnered over 24,000 views in just a few hours.
The statement generated divided responses. Some users clarified that what she was describing was not capitalism, but rather road education, to which she replied: “Anyone coming from Cuba and having spent little time in Spain is amazed by the slightest things.”
After receiving criticism for using terms like “carro” instead of “coche,” he posted another video defending his identity: “Cuban, crazy, you who came out of the mud to the chest… remember your roots.” He also questioned those who mocked his astonishment: “If when you arrived you didn’t make your rookie mistakes, tell me what you took, the Coca-Cola of forgetfulness?” This response was covered in a later article titled “Remember where you came from”.
“I feel very good mentally, I feel very loved, and no comments from people I don’t know are going to affect me,” she stated, concluding with a message to her critics: “I hope that, just as there is road safety education, there is also education on how to refer to… an immigrant and two to a lady.”
The phenomenon of Cuban emigrants sharing their cultural clashes and adaptation processes continues to gain traction on social media, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities they encounter when settling in new countries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Emigration and Challenges Abroad
Karlita defends the emigration of other Cubans because she believes everyone should have the opportunity to improve their lives, just as she did by leaving Cuba. In her videos, she emphasizes not to discourage those who wish to emigrate, acknowledging the difficulties of the process but highlighting that everyone has the right to try. She believes that sharing only negative experiences can dampen the enthusiasm of those seeking a better life.
Karlita responds to criticism by defending her identity and experience as a recently arrived Cuban in Spain. She explains that her astonishment at details such as the respect for pedestrian traffic lights stems from the cultural and infrastructure differences between Cuba and Spain. She clarifies that her intention is not to discuss politics, but rather to share her personal perspective on the cultural shock she is experiencing.
Karlita seeks to convey that every emigrant has their own experience and that these should be respected. She advocates the idea that, although the process can be challenging, it is important to maintain hope and not be discouraged by negative opinions. She emphasizes that each person has their “star” and can thrive if given the opportunity.
The perception of success abroad can be a source of pressure and misaligned expectations for Cubans who emigrate. Many face the challenge of starting from scratch, often in jobs that do not reflect their professional training in Cuba. However, the sacrifice is viewed as a necessary step to achieve a better quality of life and support their families on the island.