«Tell me that you are Cuban without telling me that you are Cuban»

On July 29, 2025, a video uploaded by the Tiktok @Roxylex8 account went viral. The scene shows a Cuban couple posing in front of a house, next to a phosphorescent green car.

Both wear white with green details, striking glasses, large golden chains and a proud attitude. The video did not last long, but it was enough to unleash an avalanche of reactions.

Not only because of its extravagant aesthetics, but because it touched a very specific cultural fiber: stereotypes about Cubans.

@Roxylex8♬ Original sound – Angel Video Lyrics??

«Tell me that you are Cuban without telling me that you are Cuban»

The phrase that was most repeated in the comments was «tell me that you are Cuban without telling me that you are Cuban.»

For some, it was an innocent joke. For others, a direct judgment. The interesting thing is that it became a kind of popular verdict.

As if the way of dressing, the car and even the smile were sufficient evidence to classify someone as «typical Cuban.» But what does it mean?

Criticism in networks: Between laughs, mockery and shame

Among the comments, not all were funny or positive. Many spoke from prejudice. Some users mocked directly from the couple. They were told «ridiculous,» accused them of ostentatious, and even compared them with newly arrived balslers to the United States. «These Cubans have nothing on the island and get to the USA and want to buy 89 jewelry in the Ross,» one user wrote, while another added: «That does not shout money, that shouts clown.»

What surprises is not only the intensity of criticism, but many came from other Cubans.

That exposed an awkward truth: stereotypes about Cubans are not only perpetuated by those who are out of culture, but also by those who live it daily.

Pride versus attack: the battle in the comments

Other comments, however, defended the couple. Some said: «How nice to see Cubans fulfilling dreams,» or «beautiful, live as they want.»

This contrast shows the internal conflict that the Cuban community is experiencing, especially that of exile. There is a mixture of pride and shame, of admiration and criticism. All of that went afloat thanks to a simple video of Tiktok.

Exaggerated style or way of expressing yourself?

Beyond the viral anecdote, this phenomenon reflects how stereotypes about Cubans remain strong, especially in social networks.

From how we talk to how we dress, going through our way of socializing or improvising, there is a whole series of preconceived ideas that follow us where we are going.

The stereotype of the Cuban who speaks strong and fast, for example, was mentioned in several comments. For many, that accelerated rhythm sounds aggressive.

Cuban diversity also breaks clichés

Another very common stereotype, and also present in the comments, is the one that reduces cubanity to a single skin color. «Will they be Cubans?» Asked some users, as if they expected a specific image of what «should» be a Cuban.

But Cuba is diversity: there are white, mestizos, blacks, mulattos, descendants of Chinese, Haitians and Spanish. Pretending that all Cubans look the same is not understanding anything about our history.

Cuban ingenuity: virtue of mockery

The «Cuban invention» was also mentioned in the debate, although indirectly. Some comments despised the couple’s effort to show themselves with style, as if it were something to be ashamed.

But the truth is that, behind each image, there is a struggle story. As Alexander explained, everything is used in Cuba. If something breaks, it is fixed. If something is missing, it is invented.

That ability to solve with what there is is not a defect, but a virtue.

Appearance or symbol of overcoming?

Nor were the comments that referred to the alleged obsession of the Cuban with appearing.

But what for some is exaggeration, for others it is expression. In a society where everything is scarce, the image can become a symbol of achievement, progress, escape.

And if we add to that the taste for music, natural sociability and love for dominoes, the result is a profile that for many is striking.

Between Cubans: self -criticism and division

One of the saddest aspects of the debate were the attacks among Cubans. Many messages expressed disappointment for the lack of unity.

«So much envy, my God,» wrote one user, while another pointed out: «The Cubans themselves are the ones who criticize this couple.»

The internal conflict is real. There are those who feel that the image of the Cuban has deformed outside the island.

Others simply do not accept the evolution of identity when mixed with new cultures. But the root of the problem is deeper than a golden chain or a striking auto.

Being Cuban is more than a viral image

At the end of the day, what this viral video achieved was to open a pending conversation. We like it or not, stereotypes about Cubans are still alive and manifest each time someone comments, thinks or mocks.

But it is also true that those same stereotypes can be used to educate, to show nuances and to break generalizations.

And yes, stereotypes about Cubans exist.

• That we talk fast, what we shout.
• That we are partiers, exaggerated, sociable, inventors.
• That we dress with strong colors and that we eat pork as if there were no tomorrow.
• We can’t live without coffee.
• That we take Cuba in the mind even if we live in Hialeah or New York.
• We say «What bowl, Asere?» Without realizing it.
• That we turn everything into a joke, even pain.
• That we are proud, third, cheerful, sad and contradictory.
• But above all, that we are difficult to typecast.

Because being Cuban is much more than a stereotype.