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 Bahá'ís of the United States, speaking for the entire U.S.
Bahá'í 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 Bahá'í community in
affecting 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
Bahá'í 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 Bahá'í 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 Bahá'í 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, and 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 Bahá'ís 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 outburst 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 the 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 the 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 Bahá'í 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 Black
nor White 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 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 there 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 Bahá'í 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 Bahá'í community was dedicated to the principle of the
unity of humankind. Bahá'ís 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 Bahá'í 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 Bahá'í 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. Bahá'ís 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,
Bahá'ís believe that both spiritual and material development are dependent upon love and
unity. Therefore, the Bahá'ís 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 Bahá'ís of the United
States is the national administrative body for the Bahá'ís 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
Bahá'í administrative bodies and of the 131,000 Bahá'ís in the United States.
- The Bahá'í Faith is an independent world religion with adherents in virtually every
country. The worldwide Bahá'í community, numbering more than five million, includes
almost all nationalities and classes. More than 2,100 ethnic groups and tribes are
represented. There are 165 National or Regional Spiritual Assemblies.
- Baha'u'llah was the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá'í 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 oneŐs 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."
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