A Vision of Choice

A Vision of Choice

You see a picture, of a girl in tattered clothes, sitting cross-legged on a dusty floor, gazing up at you with large eyes that seem to exude the suffering of her family and people.

When we view such poignant images of humanity, an automatic emotional response often embodies a mix of pity and superiority. We feel sorry for that poor little girl, who seems devoid of any opportunity to live beyond her poverty. Some may even respond to such a picture with a “Ha”, and scratch their heads wondering why it is the third world just never seems to be able to get it together.

But what if I described that girl as powerful. Someone who has the intelligence and motivation to go on to become a doctor or lawyer. Someone who has the resilience to defy the odds of poverty that are stacked against her. It’s often hard to see though isn’t it, when the tattered clothes and impoverished surroundings seem to speak a lot louder than seemingly invisible potential.

As easy as it is to focus on the pitiable aspects of people caught in poverty’s vicious cycle, we have a choice. We can see those people as individuals who lack all productive capacity save for reaping from our good will handouts. Or we can choose to see those people as capable enough to climb educational ladders and executive structures, if they’re just given the opportunities to develop themselves and do so.

Instead of seeing a pitiable little girl with nothing to live for except good will handouts, I hope you’ll take a second look, and realize, that such a girl is powerful. She just needs to be given opportunities to develop her intellect and capabilities.

If you want to learn more about how you can play a part in empowering impoverished individuals, you can leave a comment in the space below.