2,000 Greater & Lesser Mysteries/2,000 Greater and Lesser Mysteries.iso/bahi/mys00170.txt

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AMERICA'S MOST CHALLENGING ISSUE
THE VISION OF RACE UNITY
AMERICA'S MOST CHALLENGING
ISSUE

National Spiritual Assembly of
the Baha'is of the United States
THE VISION OF  RACE UNITY


Racism is the most challenging issue confronting America. A
nation whose ancestry includes every people on earth, whose motto
is E pluribus unum, whose ideals of freedom under law have
inspired millions throughout the world, cannot continue to harbor
prejudice against any racial or ethnic group without betraying
itself. Racism is an affront to human dignity, a cause of hatred
and division, a disease that devastates society.
Notwithstanding the efforts already expended for its elimination,
racism continues to work its evil upon this nation. Progress
toward tolerance, mutual respect, and unity has been painfully
slow and marked with repeated setbacks. The recent resurgence of
divisive racial attitudes, the increased number of racial
incidents, and the deepening despair of minorities and the poor
make the need for solutions ever more pressing and urgent. To
ignore the problem is to expose the country to physical, moral,
and spiritual danger.

Aware of the magnitude and the urgency of the issue, we, the
National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States,
speaking for the entire U.S. Baha'i community, appeal to all
people of goodwill to arise without further delay to resolve the
fundamental social problem of this country. We do so because of
our feeling of shared responsibility, because of the global
experience of the Baha'i community in effecting racial harmony
within itself, and because of the vision that the sacred
scriptures of our Faith convey of the destiny of America.


I

The oneness of humanity is the pivot round which revolve all the
teachings of the Baha'i Faith. It is at once a statement of
principle and an assertion of the ultimate goal of human
experience on the planet. More than a century ago Baha'u'llah,
the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith, wrote:  "The well-being
of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and
until its unity is firmly established." It is a principle that
issues naturally from the genesis and purpose of human existence.
The Word of God as presented in the Baha'i writings offers
compelling insights as in the following examples:

Veiled in My immemorial being and in the ancient eternity of My
essence, I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee, have
engraved on thee Mine image and revealed to thee My beauty.
Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no
one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in
your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all
from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one
soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and
dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your
deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of
detachment may be made manifest. Such is My counsel to you, O
concourse of light! Heed ye this counsel that ye may obtain the
fruit of holiness from the tree of wondrous glory.

All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing
civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the
beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit
his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and
loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the
earth.

Having gone through the stages of infancy and turbulent
adolescence, humanity is now approaching maturity, a stage that
will witness "the reconstruction and demilitarization of the
whole civilized world--a world organically unified in all the
essential aspects of its life." In no other country is the
promise of organic unity more immediately demonstrable than in
the United States because this country is a microcosm of the
diverse populations of the earth. Yet this promise remains
largely unrealized even here because of the endemic racism that,
like a cancer, is corroding the vitals of the nation.

For too much of its history and in so many places the human race
has squandered its energy and resources in futile efforts to
prove the unprovable: that one portion of itself, because of
separation by geography, a difference in skin color, or the
diversity of cultural expression, is intrinsically distinct from
another portion. The ignorance and prejudice on which such
efforts are founded have led to endless conflicts in the name of
the sanctity of tribe, race, class, nation, religion. Paradoxical
as it may seem, in the consistency of these negative efforts
across the spectrum of the race, humanity has proved the exact
opposite: it has affirmed its oneness. The proof is in the fact
that, given the same circumstances, all people, regardless of
ethnic or cultural variety, behave essentially the same way. In
the futility of its efforts to classify and separate its diverse
elements, humanity has become disoriented and confused. Unaided
by the divine influence of religion, people are incapable of
achieving a proper orientation to their innermost reality and
purpose and are thus unable to achieve a coherent vision of their
destiny. It is in this respect that the Baha'is find relevancy,
direction, and fulfillment in the teachings of Baha'u'llah, the
Founder of their Faith.

The oneness of humanity is a spiritual truth abundantly confirmed
by science. Recognition of this truth compels the abandonment of
all prejudices of race, color, creed, nation, and class--of
"everything which enables people to consider themselves superior
to others." The principle of the oneness of humankind "is no mere
out-burst of ignorant emotionalism or an expression of vague and
pious hope. . . . It does not constitute merely the enunciation
of an ideal. . . . It implies an organic change in the structure
of present-day society, a change such as the world has not yet
experienced."


II

The application of the spiritual principle of the oneness of
humanity to the life of the nation would necessitate and make
possible vast changes in the economic status of the non-white
segments of the population. Although poverty afflicts members of
all races, its victims tend to be largely people of color.
Prejudice and discrimination have created a disparity in
standards of living, providing some with excessive economic
advantage while denying others the bare necessities for leading
healthy and dignified lives. Poor housing, deficient diet,
inadequate health care, insufficient education are consequences
of poverty that afflict African Americans, American Indians, and
Hispanic Americans more than they afflict the rest of the
population. The cost to society at large is heavy.

Evidence of the negative effect of racial and ethnic conflict on
the economy has prompted a number of businesses and corporations
to institute educational programs that teach conflict resolution
and are designed to eliminate racial and ethnic tensions from the
workplace. These are important steps and should be encouraged.
If, however, they are intended primarily to save the economy, no
enduring solution will be found to the disastrous consequences of
racism. For it cannot suffice to offer academic education and
jobs to people while at the same time shutting them out because
of racial prejudice from normal social intercourse based on
brotherly love and mutual respect. The fundamental solution--the
one that will reduce violence, regenerate and focus the
intellectual and moral energy of minorities, and make them
partners in the construction of a progressive society--rests
ultimately on the common recognition of the oneness of humankind.

It is entirely human to fail if that which is most important to
people's self-perception is denied them--namely, the dignity they
derive from a genuine regard by others for their stature as human
beings. No educational, economic, or political plan can take the
place of this essential human need; it is not a need that
businesses and schools, or even governments, can provide in
isolation from the supportive attitude of society as a whole.
Such an attitude needs to be grounded in a spiritual and moral
truth that all acknowledge and accept as their own and that, like
the oxygen that serves all equally, breathes life into their
common effort to live in unity and peace. Absence of the genuine
regard for others fostered by such truth causes hopelessness in
those discriminated against; and in a state of hopelessness,
people lose the coherent moral powers to realize their potential.
This vitalizing truth, we are convinced, is summarized in the
phrase: the oneness of humankind.

So essential is the principle of the oneness of humanity to the
efficacy of educational programs that it cannot be
overemphasized. Without its broad influence such programs will
not contribute significantly to the development of society. The
very fact that businesses are themselves implementing educational
programs is indicative of the glaring deficiency of the entire
educational system. As we have already said, beyond the
mechanisms of education lies the essential prerequisite of a
proper attitude on the part of those dispensing curricula and,
even more important, on the part of society as a whole. On this
basis, education is not only the shortest route out of poverty;
it is the shortest route out of prejudice as well. A national
program of education, emphasizing the values of tolerance,
brotherhood, appreciation for cultures other than one's own, and
respect for differences would be a most important step toward the
elimination of racism and, as a consequence, the bolstering of
the economy.


III

The persistent neglect by the governing bodies and the masses of
the American people of the ravages of racism jeopardizes both the
internal order and the national security of the country.

From the day it was born the United States embraced a set of
contradictory values. The founding fathers proclaimed their
devotion to the highest principles of equality and justice yet
enshrined slavery in the Constitution. Slavery poisoned the mind
and heart of the nation and would not be abolished without a
bloody civil war that nearly destroyed the young republic. The
evil consequences of slavery are still visible in this land. They
continue to affect the behavior of both Black and White Americans
and prevent the healing of old wounds.

Healing the wounds and building a society in which people of
diverse backgrounds live as members of one family are the most
pressing issues confronting America today. Her peace, her
prosperity, and even her standing in the international community
depend to a great extent on the resolution of this issue.

That the virulence of the race issue in America attracts the
attention of the entire world should spur this country to an
unprecedented effort to eliminate every vestige of prejudice and
discrimination from her midst. America's example could not fail
to have a profound influence on world society, nor could it fail
to assist the establishment of universal peace. "For the
accomplishment of unity between the colored and white," the
Baha'i writings proclaim, "will be a cause of the world's peace."

The responsibility for the achievement of racial peace and unity
in the United States rests upon both Black and White Americans.
To build a society in which the rights of all its members are
respected and guaranteed, both races must be animated with the
spirit of optimism and faith in the eventual realization of their
highest aspirations. Neither White nor Black Americans should
assume that the responsibility for the elimination of prejudice
and of its effects belongs exclusively to the other. Both must
recognize that unity is essential for their common survival. Both
must recognize that there is only one human species. Both must
recognize that a harmoniously functioning society that permits
the full expression of the potential of all persons can resolve
the social and economic problems now confounding a society
wracked with disunity.

It is evident that both Black and White Americans in large
numbers are feeling deeply disappointed and frustrated by what
each group perceives to be a failure of the efforts in recent
decades at effecting progress in the relations between the races.
To rationalize this failure, both have been reacting by
retreating to the more familiar ground of racial separation. As
the problems with crime and drug addiction mount, the tendency is
to use the seeming intractability of these problems as a measure
of the failure of years of struggle on the part of both to
overcome the barriers of centuries. Formidable as is the
challenge yet to be met, can it fairly be said that no
significant progress has taken place since the days of the
sit-ins at lunch counters across the South?

Similarly, the victims of a protracted and entrenched racial
discrimination seek relief in the notion that Black Americans,
White Americans, American Indians, Hispanic Americans, Asian
Americans are so distinctly different from one another that all
of them must stake out their own cultural and social territories
and stay within them. Would this be sensible? Would it not be a
retreat from the reality of our common humanity? Would it not be
a formula for the total breakdown of civilization? Those who
raise the call for separation preach a grim doctrine indeed. If
the nation is seriously to submit to such a view, where exactly
will either the Black or the White Americans divide their
cultural heritage, one from the other?

Racism runs deep. It infects the hearts of both White and Black
Americans. Since without conscious, deliberate, and sustained
effort, no one can remain unaffected by its corrosive influence,
both groups must realize that such a problem can neither easily
nor immediately be resolved. "Let neither think that anything
short of genuine love, extreme patience, true humility,
consummate tact, sound initiative, mature wisdom, and deliberate,
persistent, and prayerful effort can succeed in blotting out the
stain which this patent evil has left on the fair name of their
common country."

Both groups must understand that no real change will come about
without close association, fellowship, and friendship among
diverse people. Diversity of color, nationality, and culture
enhances the human experience and should never be made a barrier
to harmonious relationships, to friendship, or to marriage. "O
well-beloved ones!" Baha'u'llah wrote. "The tabernacle of unity
has been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are
the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch."


IV

Our appeal is addressed primarily to the individual American
because the transformation of a whole nation ultimately depends
on the initiative and change of character of the individuals who
compose it. No great idea or plan of action by the government or
other interested organizations can hope to succeed if the
individual neglects to respond in his or her own way as personal
circumstances and opportunities permit. And so we respectfully
and urgently call upon our fellow Americans of whatever
background to look at the racial situation with new eyes and with
a new determination to lend effective support to the resolution
of a problem that hinders the advance of this great republic
toward the full realization of its glorious destiny.

We mention the experience of the Baha'i community not from any
feeling of pride and ultimate victory, because that which we have
accomplished still falls short of that to which we aspire;
nonetheless, the results to date are most encouraging, and it is
as a means of encouragement that we call attention to them.

From its inception in 1863 the Baha'i community was dedicated to
the principle of the unity of humankind. Baha'is rely upon faith
in God, daily prayer, meditation, and study of sacred texts to
effect the transformation of character necessary for personal
growth and maturity; however, their aim is to create a world
civilization that will in turn react upon the character of the
individual. Thus the concept of personal salvation is linked to
the salvation, security, and happiness of all the inhabitants of
the earth and stems from the Baha'i belief that "the world of
humanity is a composite body" and that "when one part of the
organism suffers all the rest of the body will feel its
consequence."

Guided and inspired by such principles, the Baha'i community has
accumulated more than a century of experience in creating models
of unity that transcend race, culture, nationality, class, and
the differences of sex and religion, providing empirical evidence
that humanity in all its diversity can live as a unified global
society. Baha'is see unity as the law of life; consequently, all
prejudices are perceived as diseases that threaten life. Rather
than considering that the unity of humankind can be established
only after other problems afflicting it have been solved, Baha'is
believe that both spiritual and material development are
dependent upon love and unity. Therefore, the Baha'is offer the
teachings of their Faith and the example of their community for
examination, convinced that these can make a contribution toward
the eradication of racism endemic in American society. We do so
with firm faith in the assistance of our Creator, Who, out of His
infinite love, brought forth all humanity from the same stock and
intended that all belong to the same household. We believe,
moreover, that the day of the unification of the entire human
race has come and that "the potentialities inherent in the
station of man, the innate excellence of his reality, must all be
manifested in this promised Day of God."

ADDENDUM

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United
States is the national administrative body for the Baha'is of the
United States. The Assembly has nine members and is elected
annually by delegates from the forty-eight contiguous states. It
directs, coordinates, and stimulates the activities of local
Baha'i administrative bodies and of the 110,000 Baha'is in the
United States.

The Baha'i Faith is an independent world religion with adherents
in virtually every country. The worldwide Baha'i community,
numbering more than five million, includes almost all
nationalities and classes. More than 2,100 ethnic groups and
tribes are represented. There are 155 National Spiritual
Assemblies.

Baha'u'llah was the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith. The
central principles of His religion are the oneness of God, the
oneness of religion, and the oneness of humanity. His religion
"proclaims the necessity and the inevitability of the unification
of mankind. . . . It, moreover, enjoins upon its followers the
primary duty of an unfettered search after truth, condemns all
manner of prejudice and superstition, declares the purpose of
religion to be the promotion of amity and concord, proclaims its
essential harmony with science, and recognizes it as the foremost
agency for the pacification and the orderly progress of human
society. It unequivocally maintains the principle of equal
rights, opportunities and privileges for men and women, insists
on compulsory education, eliminates extremes of poverty and
wealth, abolishes the institution of priesthood, prohibits
slavery, asceticism, mendicancy and monasticism, prescribes
monogamy, discourages divorce, emphasizes the necessity of strict
obedience to one's government, exalts any work performed in the
spirit of service to the level of worship, urges either the
creation or the adoption of an auxiliary international language,
and delineates the outlines of those institutions that must
establish and perpetuate the general peace of mankind."