A Magic Spell Against Envy

A Magic Spell Against Envy / 14ymedio

14ymedio, 12 January 2017 – Cuba's master of humor, Panfilo, hit the
nail on the head on Monday when he complained about the animosity many
compatriots display on seeing the prosperity of others. "If we could
export envy from this country, the gross national product would be
through the roof," said the sympathetic old man, obsessed with his
ration book. His joke shed light on a painful reality.

"If my prosperity bothers you, do as I do: Work," wrote an entrepreneur
known as El Pata, from the village of Alquízar, on the wall of the
blacksmith's workshop where he produces grills and other
accessories. The man posted the phrase to exorcise the outrage of many
neighbors who look with evil eyes on the growth of his small business
and his economic independence from the state.

The day he painted the incantation against envy, El Pata had been
visited by two inspectors, responding to the surveillance of the
president of the Committee for the Defense of the Revolution, and
received a police warning while hauling a few pieces of metal for his
workshop. Although he does not expect his maxim to protect him from such
ills, at least he is relieved whenever he reflects on how difficult it
is to thrive in Cuba.

Source: A Magic Spell Against Envy / 14ymedio – Translating Cuba -
http://translatingcuba.com/a-magic-spell-against-envy-14ymedio/