Through My Eyes

advocatedannantaka — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:28:32 +0000

I have been told that I wear rose-tinted glasses and rank among the world’s most incurable optimists. I always see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty. My vision for the world is to breed an environment where girls and women can realize their dreams without having to compromise their morality. Talented women from all walks of life must choose between education and family responsibility. Caring for the sick and the young has been considered women’s work for centuries. Some cultures still dictate that resources must not be spent educating girls, because they become a part of another family through marriage. I would like to see young girls live their dreams.

Amelia Earhart was a visionary female pilot who dared to be the first American woman to fly around the world. She gave her life pursuing that goal during the Great Depression. Neither her Electra airplane, nor her remains have been located. A younger version of Amelia Earhart looks longingly at the sky and has visions of becoming a pilot. We must perfect our world for the young girls in Somalia, Turkey, and in South Dallas.

Domestic violence is the best kept secret. It is a permanent fixture in many homes in the world. The damage to the children who reside in these homes is unaccountable. I believe we can confront these issues through education, counseling, and professional intervention. The battle can be won through advocacy programs that teach self-sufficiency. The survivors of domestic violence remain in these dysfunctional relationships due to financial dependency. Many abusers, whether male or female, earn the bulk of the family’s finances. Survivors of abuse must nurture their dreams in order to earn a living and cease to rely on their abusers.

My vision happens to be the vision of many women and men around the world who are devoted advocates. Fundraising has become an incredible feat since the 911 attack on the World Trade Center. Large corporations began raising funds and community-based organizations began to suffer due to the inability to compete. Today smaller organizations are collaborating and raising funds together, utilizing the strength of numbers.

The ‘bedtime story syndrome’ is a term I use to describe my outlook on life and its complex problems. Our parents were smart to tell us positive stories before we retired for the evening. Why do we, as adults, watch the horrible accounts of murder and banks collapsing before bed? Some people actually wonder why they cannot sleep after filling their psyches with negative information. Many of the world’s issues can be resolved by addressing one issue at a time. The dreamers of the world utilize the bedtime story syndrome as a mantra. If you are a dreamer, protect your dream and keep it alive. Watch positive news accounts. If you must know about all the murders and negative propaganda agendas in your town, watch those negative accounts earlier in the day. Protect your bedtime hours! Let’s save our world one home at a time.

Danna Ntaka

Danna Ntaka's Vision for Womanhood

Through My Eyes