Having gone through the stages of infancy and turbulent adolescence, humanity is now approaching maturity, a stage that will witness “the reconstruction and the 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 US as it is already most representative of a microcosm of the diverse peoples of the earth!
“Yet this promise remains largely unrealized even here because of the endemic racism that, like cancer, is corroding the vitals of the nation,” as reported in “The Vision of Race Unity–America’s Most Challenging Issue.” Although the statement was released over a quarter of a century ago by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, “it’s truth keeps marching on.”
“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 statement continues. “The ignorance and prejudice on which such efforts are founded have led to endless conflicts in the name of the sanctity of tribe, race, “ethnic purity,” class, nation, religion or anything else which enables people to consider themselves superior to others.”
Here again emerges the proud, popular quote, “my brother’s keeper,” unquestionably denoting superiority/inferiority. There are bee keepers, zoo and other animal keepers and even people keepers–-that are definitely not on the same psychological level. In order to be a keeper, something or someone has to be kept! Just imagine yourself in each position and you will agree, whatever the circumstances, you remain your brother’s brother! (Remember the indelible Boy’s Town slogan, “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother? It appears its origin dates back much farther when searched on the internet.)
The oneness of humanity is a spiritual truth abundantly confirmed by science. Recognition of this compels the abandonment of all prejudices.
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 segment of the population. Although poverty afflicts members of all races, its victims tend to be largely people of color. 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.
“O Friends” (and rulers of nations) we are admonished in the Baha’i Scriptures for this new era, “Quench ye the lamps of error, and kindle within your hearts the everlasting torch of Divine Guidance…” as provided through each Manifestation of the One God, to one humankind, applicable to the exigencies of each respective era. (Investigate!)
