Growing up in an environment where voicing differing opinions could have serious consequences naturally impacts how people communicate. From personal experience, in such societies, people often develop a pattern of reaction rather than reflection during discussions. This happens because a protective mechanism builds up: if openly debating leads to conflict or punishment, it’s safer to shut down or respond defensively to avoid confrontation. In the Cuban context, this has meant that many conversations are less about truly exchanging ideas and more about defending deeply held beliefs or avoiding vulnerability. The phrase “no se escucha” (we don’t listen) perfectly captures this dynamic where people stop hearing each other and start preparing their defenses instead. Interestingly, this reluctance to debate is not a lack of interest but rather a learned behavior from years of societal conditioning. When you grow up in a place where differing opinions can lead to social or political repercussions, the instinct is to protect oneself, which unfortunately stifles healthy dialogue and slows social evolution. Reflecting on this, I’ve noticed that breaking this cycle requires creating safe spaces where individuals can share divergent views without fear of backlash. Encouraging active listening—truly hearing and considering others’ perspectives—can help transform reactions into thoughtful debates. It’s also important to recognize that debates aren’t just about proving a point but about learning and growing collectively. When people stop reacting defensively and start engaging openly, communities can evolve, and new ideas can flourish. So, while it may seem like Cubans don’t want to debate, the reality is more nuanced. The challenge lies in unlearning years of defensive communication patterns and embracing vulnerability and openness in discussions. This shift can unlock tremendous potential for collective growth and understanding in any community.