Daily Frameworks for 18 January 2024

Istijlál, 19 Sharaf (Honor), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is that religious, racial, political, economic and patriotic prejudices destroy the edifice of humanity. As long as these prejudices prevail, the world of humanity will not have rest. For a period of 6,000 years history informs us about the world of humanity. During these 6,000 years the world of humanity has not been free from war, strife, murder and bloodthirstiness. In every period war has been waged in one country or another and that war was due to either religious prejudice, racial prejudice, political prejudice or patriotic prejudice. It has therefore been ascertained and proved that all prejudices are destructive of the human edifice. As long as these prejudices persist, the struggle for existence must remain dominant, and bloodthirstiness and rapacity continue. Therefore, even as was the case in the past, the world of humanity cannot be saved from the darkness of nature and cannot attain illumination except through the abandonment of prejudices and the acquisition of the morals of the Kingdom. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

What are some challenges that call for the elimination of prejudice? ²

Google Bard Response:

The quote by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá highlights the destructive impact of various forms of prejudice and emphasizes the need for their elimination for humanity to progress. Here are some specific challenges that call for the active dismantling of prejudice:

Individual and societal level:

• Discrimination and inequality: Prejudice leads to discriminatory practices towards marginalized groups, denying them equal opportunities in education, employment, housing, healthcare, and other aspects of life. This perpetuates systemic inequalities and reinforces social hierarchies.
• Intergroup conflict and violence: Prejudice fuels tensions and hostilities between different groups, leading to violence, conflict, and instability within communities and at the international level. Examples include religious wars, ethnic conflicts, and hate crimes.
• Mental and emotional harm: Experiencing prejudice can have severe psychological consequences for individuals, leading to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a sense of isolation. This can hinder their personal growth and well-being.
• Misinformation and stereotypes: Prejudice often thrives on misinformation and negative stereotypes about different groups. These stereotypes distort reality, fuel fear, and mistrust, and make it harder to bridge divides and build understanding.
• Limited perspectives and missed opportunities: When we allow prejudice to cloud our judgment, we miss out on the richness and diversity of human experience. We limit our growth and understanding by excluding others based on arbitrary biases.
  

Global challenges:

• Obstacles to peace and development: Prejudice hinders international cooperation and undermines efforts to address global challenges like climate change, poverty, and pandemics. It prevents us from harnessing the collective talents and resources in society and building a better future.
• Erosion of social cohesion and trust: When prejudice divides communities, it weakens social cohesion and trust between groups. This can undermine society’s fabric and make it harder to address complex societal issues.
• Legitimization of harmful ideologies: If left unchecked, prejudice can pave the way for the rise of extremist ideologies that advocate for discrimination and violence against certain groups. This poses a severe threat to human rights and peaceful coexistence.
  

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach that tackles prejudice at different levels:

• Individual education and self-reflection: Recognizing and challenging our biases, seeking information, and engaging with diverse perspectives are crucial steps in overcoming prejudice.
• Promoting diversity and inclusion: Creating spaces where people from different backgrounds feel welcome and valued, celebrating diversity, and fostering intercultural understanding is vital to building a more inclusive society.
• Advocating for equal rights and justice: Supporting policies and initiatives that combat discrimination and uphold the rights of all individuals and groups is essential for systemic change.
• Encouraging critical thinking and media literacy: Equipping individuals with the skills to critically analyze information and challenge biased narratives can help dismantle prejudice fueled by misinformation and stereotypes.
• Interfaith dialogue and collaboration: Building bridges between faith communities through dialogue and cooperation can counter religious prejudice and promote understanding and respect for diverse beliefs.
  

Eliminating prejudice is a long-term journey, but it is essential for building a more just, peaceful, and prosperous world for all. By recognizing the challenges it poses and actively working towards its dismantling at various levels, we can contribute to a future where all individuals can flourish regardless of their differences.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 299. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/10#046321283. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 27. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩