Dear Editor:
“The “rapprochement of cultures” implies that international security and social inclusion cannot be attained sustainably without a commitment to such principles as human dignity conviviality and solidarity which are the corner stones of human coexistence, in all faiths and secular ideologies,” wrote UNESCO on its website.
The paradigm under which most of the world operates was imposed by the imperial countries of Europe, in the latter part of the second millennium, when mores still favoured race and class superiority. Regardless of the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of women, many of the infrastructural modes of operation, policies, procedures, and methods of training remain the same. These insidious – systemic – practices are impeding advancement, and this is the “paradigm shift” that society as a whole must make to correct the ills plaguing us as we strive for a whole, peaceful, and healthy humanity.
“The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. If you meet those of a different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness.” – ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Advent of Divine Justice, p.32
As individuals, many of us have developed a decent sense of inclusion but are still blind to many of the systemic, often unwritten, rules which have given us a greater sense of security and belonging than others of diverse cultures and colours have experienced. However, the unfolding events of 2020-21 must shake even the most complacent of us into awareness that acknowledgement of these problems must be made and solutions that make real change must be found. Inclusion and equality must mean everyone- every colour, creed, inclination, and ability. “Justice for all” must mean all. Individually, we are beginning to learn how to support each other and include each other, but our institutions are lagging behind, and that must change.
“The light of men is justice. Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men.” – Baha’u’llah, Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 66-67.
Here, in Canada, our forefront battles are climate (environmental) action, Indigenous rights, and systemic racism. Where do we start?
“The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established. This unity can never be achieved so long as the counsels which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed are suffered to pass unheeded.” – Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, p. 286
Peace and well-being.
Shizu E. M. Futa, Invermere
