Chree Dolla Panada

Description

Marie Sharp is on every table in Belize. This painting, however, is not about food. It is about math. Panadas are small pockets of folded over corn tortillas containing beans or fish or chicken with a little onion. They are quite delicious.

Mother needs to go buy something while at the Belmopan market. She hoists little Elbert on her hip to do so after ordering a plate of panadas to be shared between her other two children. When you order panadas you say “Chree dolla panadas” and you are going to get nine panadas (three for a dollar). Or maybe you would say “two dolla panadas”. You will get six panadas.

There are nine panadas and two kids. As mother leaves the two, Denzel begins stuffing his face with panadas as hungry little boys do. Little Elena had better get with it and grab her share and as you can see by the look on her face, she is aware of that.

There is a chance, however that Denzel has been taught to share and have consideration for his little sister. If so, he will eat four and then wait until she has eaten what she wants and then eat the rest. This option is learned early in life. Greedy, selfish children will be greedy, selfish adults and conversely, generous, respectful children will be so as adults.