Race Unity

Ye are all fruits of one tree, the leaves of one branch, the flowers of one garden.

— Bahá'u'lláh

Table of Contents

Flowers of One Garden

The Bahá'í Faith is centered around the basic truth that mankind is one. What follows naturally is that people of all races must be equal in the eyes of God, for otherwise mankind would be divided. Naturally, external divisions have existed since the beginning of time; however, those divisions do not mirror the underlying truth of the oneness of all of humanity, but rather have been artificially imposed by those who seek to elevate themselves above others.

During his visit to the West in 1912, 'Abdu'l-Bahá expressed this basic truth as follows:

    "In the estimation of God there is no distinction of color; all are one in the color and beauty of servitude to him. Color is not important; the heart is all-important. It matters not what the exterior may be if the heart be pure and white within. God does not behold differences of hue and complexion; He looks at the hearts. He whose morals and virtues are praiseworthy is preferred in the presence of God; he who is devoted to the Kingdom is most beloved."

He further elaborated this point by comparing the way the mineral, vegetable and animal kingdoms treat differences in color, as opposed to the human race.

    "In the realm of genesis and creation the question of color is of least importance. The mineral kingdom abounds with many-colored substances and compositions but we find no strife among them on that account.
    "In the kingdom of the plant and vegetable, distinct and varied hues exist but the fruit and flowers are not in conflict for that reason. Nay, rather, the very fact that there is difference and variety lends a charm to the garden. If all were of the same color the effect would be monotonous and depressing. When you enter a rose-garden the wealth of color and variety of floral forms spread before you a picture of wonder and beauty. The world of humanity is like a garden and the various races are the flowers which constitute its adornment and decoration.
    "In the animal kingdom also we find variety of color. See how the doves differ in beauty yet they live together in perfect peace, and love each other. They do not make difference of color a cause of discord and strife. They view each other as the same species and kind. They know they are one in kind. Often a white dove soars aloft with a black one. Throughout the animal kingdom we do not find the creatures separated because of color. They recognize unity of species and oneness of kind.
    "If we do not find color distinction drawn in a kingdom of lower intelligence and reason, how can it be justified among human beings, especially when we know that all have come from the same source and belong to the same household? In origin and intention of creation mankind is one. Distinctions of race and color have arisen afterward."

Finally, 'Abdu'l-Bahá makes us aware of the inherent beauty in diversity:

    "Consider the flowers of a garden: though differing in kind, colour, form and shape, yet, inasmuch as they are refreshed by the waters of one spring, revived by the breath of one wind, invigorated by the rays of one sun, this diversity increaseth their charm, and addeth unto their beauty. Thus when that unifying force, the penetrating influence of the Word of God, taketh effect, the difference of customs, manners, habits, ideas, opinions and dispositions embellisheth the world of humanity. ...
    "How unpleasing to the eye if all the flowers and plants, the leaves and blossoms, the fruits, the branches and the trees of that garden were all of the same shape and colour! Diversity of hues, form and shape, enricheth and adorneth the garden, and heighteneth the effect thereof. In like manner, when divers shades of thought, temperament and character, are brought together under the power and influence of one central agency, the beauty and glory of human perfection will be revealed and made manifest."

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The Bahá'í Perspective on Racism

    "Racism, one of the most baneful and persistent evils, is a major barrier to peace. Its practice perpetrates too outrageous a violation of the dignity of human beings to be countenanced under any pretext. Racism retards the unfoldment of the boundless potentialities of its victims, corrupts its perpetrators, and blights human progress. Recognition of the oneness of mankind, implemented by appropriate legal measures, must be universally upheld if this problem is to be overcome."

— Bahá'í Writings

Since the oneness of humanity is the single most important Bahá'í principle to which all others are but corollaries, it is incumbent upon every believer not just to uphold the equality of all races, but to actively combat racism and bigotry, and to continue to do so until all traces of it have been eradicated from the hearts and minds of the people.

A statement by the Bahá'ís of the United States, The Vision of Race Unity, explains this goal as follows:

    "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 not enough merely to provide equal opportunity to people of color in our own limited sphere of influence, nor should we be passive in our dealings with race issues. We must proactively seek out people of diverse backgrounds, and through close interaction foster a greater respect and appreciation for the diversity of the human race, and a greater level of trust among the various ethnic groups.

This trust is crucial for the successful cooperation between these different groups in their joint fight against racism. We cannot accomplish our goals while looking at people of other races as being on "the other side". Unfortunately, even those of us who consider ourselves free from bigotry sometimes have preconceived notions about other races — the result of years of societal programming — which stand in the way of unity. This can manifest itself as temporary shock (e.g., when we see a black doctor), or even trigger deeply suppressed and involuntary negative stereotypes. We instantly feel ashamed of these feelings, but their very presence indicates a deep-seated problem which must be addressed within ourselves. Prayer is an important aid to this process.

Finally, we must let the world (and ourselves) know that racism is not OK. Even the most "harmless" jokes at the expense of one race or another serve only to reinforce the very stereotypes that we must fight to blot out from our minds. These stereotypes, no matter how innocuous they may seem on the surface, form an impenetrable barrier to our unconditional acceptance of racial equality.

If we tolerate racial statements from a friend or colleague without comment, we've lost an important opportunity to teach. If, however, we respond indignantly and make a judgmental comment, we've simply placed a barrier between us and the other person. It is better for us to remain emotionally detached and to lovingly explain why that statement is incorrect (never mind inappropriate), and why the perpetuation of racially biased remarks is an obstruction to the establishment of race unity. We can then go on to explain why the advancement of minorities in our society is something to be desired rather than feared.

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A Plan to Eliminate Racism

    "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."

— Bahá'u'lláh

The Bahá'í Faith, through its Sacred Writings, has the blueprint for a new approach to fighting the scourge of racism. Probably the best summation of this strategy can be found in a statement made by the Bahá'í International Community to the 45th Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in 1989. This statement is quoted below:

Statement to the forty-fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights

Agenda Item 17 (b): Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination

Geneva, Switzerland

8 February 1989

Just as a fever is a symptom of disease in the body, racism is a symptom of disease in society. Suppressing the symptom does not cure the disease, but curing the disease eliminates the symptom. The Bahá'í International Community is convinced that the disease from which society currently suffers is failure to recognize the principle of the oneness of humanity, and racism is but a symptom. If we wish to eliminate racism entirely, we must establish, as the moral of foundation for society, the unshakable convict on of the oneness of the human race.

This is a bold assertion, but one we believe is upheld by the conclusions of the Global Consultation on Racism and Racial Discrimination held in October 1988, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 42/47. This historic consultation was held to further the goals of the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. The conclusion of the Conference participants was that the international community is "confronted today with a new challenge of racism and racial discrimination which (has) infiltrated many parts of human society and questioned its spiritual and moral foundation." In questioning the spiritual and moral foundation of society, racism could have a strangely positive effect. To continue the disease analogy, the more unpleasant the symptom, the more powerful our motivation to combat the disease.

From the Bahá'í perspective, racism is one of the most baneful and persistent evils in society. Racial discrimination is baneful because it violates the dignity of human beings. And yet it persists. Racism is poisonous because it cripples its victims, corrupts its perpetrators, and blights human progress. And yet it persists. Why? We believe that racism persists precisely because it is deeply rooted in outdated attitudes and erroneous beliefs.

Accordingly, any campaign to eradicate racism must change those attitudes and beliefs. Although necessary, political action alone cannot offer a permanent solution. In the Bahá'í view, racism will be eliminated only when the peoples of the world are convinced of the oneness of humankind and proceed to reconstruct their lives and their societies on that basis.

The recognition of the oneness of mankind would require the abandonment of all doctrines of superiority, many of which still persist implicitly despite our preoccupation with its more obvious forms such as apartheid. More importantly, by establishing the foundation for true co-operation, the recognition of this principle would raise civilization to a new level. At this higher level, no one need fear oppression, even those who were formerly oppressors. The sharing of power and responsibility among all citizens can then be implemented without fear, through appropriate legal measures and equitable social and economic policies.

The Bahá'í International Community commends the United Nations for facilitating and co-ordinating an international educational campaign against racism. With the proclamation of the Second Decade, the United Nations has taken the first step towards the implementation of such a campaign, and we applaud the various international activities that it has already undertaken in this connection. Moreover, we welcome the General Assembly's renewed invitation to UNESCO, in General Assembly resolution 42/47, to expedite the preparation of teaching materials on racism and racial discrimination, with particular emphasis on activities at the primary and secondary school levels.

We submit, however, that a more sustained and far-reaching educational campaign is called for. First, although the United Nations can facilitate such an effort, we are convinced that such a campaign must be undertaken at the grassroots level. The aim must be to create a more universal awareness of racial equality and the need for racial unity. Secondly, we are convinced that the presentation of factual information about the problems of racism will be insufficient to change attitudes. Hearts must be touched by an awareness of the bonds that unite people of all races. We, therefore, suggest that UNESCO be asked to develop a model universal curriculum on the more fundamental principle of the unity of humankind.

We also wish to urge the participants in the international struggle against racism to avoid politicizing these activities. Experience has taught us that when an issue becomes politically contentious, paralysis ensues. This applies both to standard-setting and implementing activities. No nation can claim to be entirely free of racist tendencies; therefore, we can approach this problem as a shared human problem. International human rights co-operation can thus be greatly ameliorated if member states adopt a more constructive approach.

A further means of improving international co-operation and co-ordination in this field is to ensure the continued and strengthened involvement of non-governmental organizations. NGOs usually take a relatively impartial and independent approach to human rights issues. In most cases, they are not bound by vested state interests and can thus aid the deliberations by refraining from involvement in ideological strife and politicization. Moreover, NGOs have, in many cases, developed solid expertise that can prove valuable to international human rights work. Finally, because some NGOs represent large memberships, often from a wide range of countries and cultures, they are indispensable assets to the international human rights machinery.

The Bahá'í International Community, for example, has over a century of experience in building communities committed to the principle of the oneness of mankind. Since the mid-19th century, myriad religious, racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic and national elements have come together to promote the concept of unity in diversity. Our programme for the realization of racial unity is at once social, spiritual and organic. Recognizing that commitment to a spiritual principle has social implications, the Bahá'í system of community organization employs practical measures to encourage the participation of minorities. The principle of racial equality is taught, and individuals are encouraged to identify and overcome old patterns of behaviour.

Thus, concerted effort on the part of ordinary people has brought about a unique form of racial integration in Bahá'í communities in every part of the world. If our experience can in any way contribute to the struggle against racism and racial discrimination, we are happy to offer it for study.

BIC Document #89-0208

(c) The Bahá'í International Community United Nations Office 1996

For more information on Race Unity and the Bahá'í Faith, please visit www.us.bahai.org.

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