Bahá’í World/Volume 6/Racial Likenesses and Differences by Louis G. Gregory
RACIAL LIKENESSES AND DIFFERENCES:
THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE AND THE BAHÁ’Í TEACHINGS
BY LOUIS G. GREGORY
1.
THE Bahá’ís of America in their efforts to establish peace among warring races, religions and nations, number among their varied activities three Summer schools, one of which is famous Green Acre, at Eliot, Maine. The location of this center on the Piscataqua River and amid rural scenes of beauty is conducive to exhilaration as well as rest, and during the past forty years many great characters of various races have sought its stimulus and shelter.
This season’s program, which extends through July and August, includes a course in race relations featuring racial likenesses and differences, conveying the scientific evidences and the Bahá’í teachings. It is conducted by Genevieve L. Coy, Ph. D., formerly of Columbia University, now of the Dalton School of New York. The work goes deeply into the study of the so-called races, from the dawn of history until the present. It includes such topics as, What constitutes a race? What racial characteristics prevailed in earliest history? What parts of the earth were occupied? What color had peoples? What culture? Interesting facts brought out were that knowledge of color differences in early times is vague; that most scientists now recognize but three races; that differences between them are not well defined; that all races are more or less mixed; that skin color is due to environment; that national culture is often mistaken for racial culture and that there is a tremendous racial admixture in the United States and South America. It is a wise provision of nature that those living under a tropical sun should be protected by a dark skin and woolly hair. On the other hand, some scientists are of the opinion that a very fair skin is a faded or bleached one. All shades are useful and beautiful. The early race was probably neither white nor black. The development of agriculture and the use of iron have sometimes been the means of separating races.
Another period was given to the discussion of racial antipathies. Factors in this are the survival of tribal clannishness; variance of religion; this enables some to regard themselves as the chosen of God and others accursed and unclean; dislike for what appears to be “new,” “strange,” and “different”; dissenting ideals of what constitutes physical beauty; "tribal sense, that is, a belief that holding together is necessary to survival; trade and economic rivalries. Even the cut of the beard in the past has been the means of separating peoples. It was brought out that physical differences which have slight foundation and are always superficial have unhappily had great effect in separating races. It cannot be denied by the thoughtful that racial differences conflict with the fundamentals of true religion. Yet how persistent are they!
The effort to measure the capacities of
different groups or races by intelligence
tests is interesting but exceedingly difficult
in estimating results. The reason is that
when backward races have the same cultural
advantages their median and average
intelligence rises. This may be illustrated by the
higher rating of migrants from the South
when given the advantage of better school
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systems in the North.
When the Negro
lives on terms of equality with the whites,
suffering no economic, social or cultural
handicaps, it is quite reasonable to assume
that he will measure up to the attainments
of the whites in every particular.
Environment and opportunity make all
the difference.
The size of the brain is no gage of intelligence among races. All races see and hear equally well. All are equally sensitive to
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Karachi, India.
pain. All races show mechanical ingenuity and inventive ability. In brief, there are no marked racial differences. Cultural differences and those due to climatic conditions there are. Martinique is mentioned as one of the few places on earth where whites and blacks live together on a plane of social equality. Here no difference in their respective abilities is apparent.
Another very interesting period was that devoted to study of the causes of cultural differences in races. This comprehended such matters as differences in variability, covering the number of outstanding individuals; difference in temperament caused by physical conditions, such as climate; geographical differences, such as caused by mountain or valley, desert-dwelling or proximity to the sea; also nearness to and contact with other races. Also what effect has the possession of wealth, machinery and organization, all of which may be fortuitous? Another interesting discussion centered about the statement of Dr. Herbert Adolphus Miller that suppressed races tend to be abnormally subjective, sensitive and aggressive. They are inclined to take everything upon the personal basis and to be unduly suspicious. Representatives of minority groups present admitted this to be true. The statement is made by one who has been a life-long friend of minority groups, Dr. Miller. It is, of course, one of the obstacles to racial understanding. It is quite natural, however, in view of pressure from without. The Trojans fear the Greeks even when they come bearing gifts!
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The subject of racial
intermarriage was unemotionally discussed.
Scientists agree
that it increases fertility in races and is
biologically sound. In view of the
prejudices against it, however, those
who contract such alliances should
have the zeal and courage of pioneers.
2.
The climax of the week was the annual race amity conference, always one of the most fascinating features of the Green Acre season. The speaker at the opening session was Dr. Genevieve L. Coy, who had brought to light so many very interesting views during the week of study. She said in part:
"The rate of progress of any group, whether religious, national or racial, is, to a considerable degree, determined by its most intelligent and inventive members. A careful study of the work of such distinguished artists, writers and musicians of the Negro race shows achievements of such excellence as to give a sound basis for the belief that the colored race as a whole will develop a fine and true appreciation of artistic and literary culture. We may also expect that the Negro race will, in proportion to their numbers contribute as much to the culture of America as any of our other racial groups.
“In the field of literary achievement we call attention to the distinguished literary criticism of William Stanley Braithwaite; to the colorful and forceful articles and books on racial problems of Dr. W. E. B. DuBois; to the novels of Jessie Fauset and Jean Toomer; to the dramatic and lyrical quality of the poetry of such writers as Claude McKay, Countee Cullen and Langston Hughes. In musical composition and execution, we must take into account the contributions to American art of such men as Nathaniel Dett, Carl Diton, Hall Johnson, Paul Robeson and Roland Hayes. In the field of painting and sculpture we note the work of William Harper, William Scott, May Howard Jackson and Henry O. Tanner. Of these the most distinguished is Tanner, who is recognized as one of the leading painters of the world. He has been awarded knighthood in the French Legion of Honor. With such distinguished leadership, the Negro race should move forward into achievements of higher and finer standards in the fields of music, art, literature, as well as the liberal and industrial arts and sciences.”
Mrs. Mary Coristine, a New Englander whose friendship for the colored race has been accentuated by her study of the Bahá’í teachings, presided at the second session. She spoke briefly on the universal love, which is on a higher plane than the mere personal love which is so subject to change. Louis G. Gregory spoke on the trend toward world fellowship, as illustrated in the attraction, cooperation and blending of representatives of various races and religions both at home and abroad. Outstanding thinkers are beginning to see that a divided world is in danger of dissolution. People in all ranks of life are obtaining a vision of world fellowship, sometimes articulate, sometimes more effectively expressed in service. This applies to both individuals and groups. Although as yet these seers represent but a small minority of the people of the earth, they are imbued with a spirit that is all-pervasive. They are the signs and rising places of a new culture. It is only a new and universal revelation of religion that can so train and educate mankind that all race prejudices vanish and all discords cease.
The Sunday morning session of the conference
was devotional, and the chairman,
Mrs. Alice McCausland, read prayers and
introduced Dr. Glenn A. Shook, professor
at Wheaton College, as the speaker. The
effort to unite various nations and peoples
in past centuries, he declared, had fired the
aspiration of men of genius. But in each
case it has failed to bring permanent results.
At this dark hour in human history man is
especially in need of divine guidance. This
divine outpouring is caused by a new
Manifestation. How different would the history
of the world have been had the established
religions of the past maintained unity.
Science has great value for man, but cannot
alone accomplish such a task. Some schools
of science even deny divine revelation.
Their god is only a great cosmic force,
working for weal or woe. It is most
refreshing to turn to the Bahá’í teachings
which satisfy every human need. The
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complete education of
man comes through the
Prophets of God who create spiritual life.
Bahá’í administration is a creation, a living
organism, not a synthesis of the past. We
may have all necessary parts of an organism,
but we cannot put them together and cause
life, nor make them work. The world of
man is composite, but the divine Spirit is
life. This new divine outpouring alone is
able to bring us out of our present chaos.
Prof. Stanwood Cobb of Washington presided at the next session, given to general consultation and sociability. The unity of the world, he stated, would not be brought about through the effort to coordinate different organizations, but rather through a spiritual consciousness of the oneness of mankind. The Golden Rule must be founded in minds and hearts. We must think of the happiness and needs of others. An interesting incident related was the story told by Dr. Samuel C. Mitchell, distinguished southern educator, of how his heart was fired when he saw and heard ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the Lake Mohonk Peace Conference in 1912 as the great message of human unity was proclaimed.
Rabbi Clark, visitor to Green Acre from the deep South, gave eloquent testimony of his admiration for the Bahá’í religion. He also paid a feeling tribute to the colored race and expressed the hope that this great nation would see the advantage to itself in giving every man a man’s chance. Spreading love from heart to heart is a colossal undertaking. We should not hold knowledge, but impart it. Give opportunities to all. My conviction is, he said, that a very high percentage of the influence that directs people comes from their environment. Let us strive, therefore, to develop in all men their God—given powers for the adornment of the world, always seeking unity. It is deplorable that well—wishers of humanity cannot always be out spoken because of hostile and reactionary surroundings. A learned Rabbi was once asked to resign his pulpit because he upheld and applied in a sermon the principle of justice to a very critical matter in race relations. Because members of his congregation had business interests in that community, they feared harm if their leader took such a stand, though just.
Mrs. Margaret Cartwright of Cambridge, a representative of the Youth Group, thereupon asked a challenging question: How are reactionary people to get the great message if those who know it do not teach, no matter what the sacrifice involved?
Rabbi Clark testified to his own stand for justice and the chairman, Prof. Cobb, replied that people are greatly controlled by their emotions. This force with most mortals is more powerful than intellect. One emotion can only be overpowered by a greater emotion. The reality of religion, divine love, is the Master emotion. This is the great security for a failing world. One vital flame of spiritual consciousness is enough to bring order and relief out of the great chaos that confronts mankind. Receptivity to the new ideals brings success.
Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf said: “Speaking of the great conflict between intellect and emotion, I am reminded of my early experience as a Bahá’í worker. In my joy over the truth I wanted every one to accept it and was much discouraged by rebuffs. But ‘Abdu’l-Bahá reassured me with three messages extending over a number of years. First, he said, “Be patient!” Anon he said, “Be divinely patient!” Still later he said, “Be magnificently patient!”
By the chairman: “All who work in movements of idealism are prone to pessimism. They encounter so much crass selfishness in high and low places that unless they be securely poised there is failure. Politics and all the lower orders of human nature block the plans for advancement. But idealism and realism must eventually be one. Let us not give up but rather fortify ourselves with the Spirit.”
The final session of the conference was held in the People’s Baptist Church of Portsmouth, N. H., whose pastor, Rev. Henry Benton Harris, is alive to progressive currents in religion and human welfare.
Alfred E. Lunt, Esq., of Boston, the
principal speaker, declared that those who
engage in strife know not the real meaning
of life. They but pursue phantoms.
Divisions based upon race, creed and color
uphold that which is inconsequential. Yet
such counterfeits in the present world exert
a power which may destroy humanity. We
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should seek to heal,
not to wound. Infractions of divine
law inevitably bring downfall. Those
who obey will become a part of
the new world order. How can those who
favor separation be true advocates of liberty?
They array people against each other under
false sanctions. They think by force to
make all human beings conform to a single
type, an idea not contemplated by God. It
is most unfortunate to set prejudice
in motion, for one fatuity leads to
another. Distinctions based upon
artificial values have
no standing in the sight of God.
Distinctions not intended to create
strife augment
the beauty of creation. Healing for
humanity
is realized when there is an inners
resolve to help, keep the divine
covenant and treat all men as
brothers. When we live
alone we are cut off from the divine
reciprocity and protection. The first Bahá’í
principle is the oneness of humanity. This
ideal today is outstanding in a world of
separation. Because it is the call of God it
must prevail. A being comes into existence
from every natural composition. But an
artificial composition produces no such
results. Let us strive to be component parts
of something that is real. The oppressed
peoples of earth, whether at home or abroad,
can find unity and freedom by working
under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh. His spirit
and teachings fulfill the expectations of all
the ages. They bestow such vision as to
enable men to see with the Eye of God.
This enables the whites to uphold the
standard of justice in such a way as
to be kind to the colored, and the
latter on their part
to be appreciative of and grateful to the
former. Embracing such an opportunity of
service everyone can become the means of
quickening and harmonizing humanity.
Maxwell Miller, also of Boston, argued
that race prejudice is indefensible. On the
other hand, the force of cooperation is
needed to upbuild community and world
life. Cooperation and prejudice cannot
meet for they express different and
irreconcilable planes. The law of
evolution which
has applied in the growth of our country
from a small group of colonies to
forty-eight states, will have its
next application when it sees the greater
values of the international spirit which
binds all nations together. The world
must be one home.
Vital factors in the new world order are
wisdom and brotherhood. There must also
be the constant urge to translate words into
deeds. Faith in the Supreme overcomes
those precedents not founded upon reality
and it inspires the courage to apply the
remedy that heals. The Bahá’í teachings
make a special appeal to the youth of the
world. They ennoble, with the joy of
working for the highest ideals under
the sanction
of religion. Ideals having a human origin
often degenerate in their realization. But
divine ideals are in perpetuity. They inspire
the highest efficiency and involve no waste
of life.
Dr. Genevieve Coy made brief references to the week’s course at Green Acre and how scientific evidence had been gathered to refute prejudices. Those who insist upon separating humanity become far less dogmatic when they truly investigate likenesses. Merit and deeds must be the basis of preferment among mortals, not superficial barriers that have no significance.
The bibliography of the study class, in addition to the Bahá’í literature, included the works of the most standard authors, authorities both foreign and domestic, white and colored. The list included:
Boas, F.—Anthropology and Modern Life.
Embree, E. R.—Brown America.
Embree, E. R.—Every Tenth Pupil.
Gift, M. H., and Cox, A. S.—Foundations of Racial Amity.
Johnson, Charles—The Negro in American Civilization.
Klineberg, Otto—Negro Intelligence and Selective Migration.
Langdon-Davies, John—The New Age of Faith.
Locke, Alain—The New Negro.
Moton, Robert—What the Negro Thinks.
Rogers, J. A.—From Superman to Man.
School Money in Black and White.
Wells, H. G.—Outline of History.
Woodson, Carter G.—The Negro in our History.
The most helpful of the above works, by
the testimony of Dr. Coy, is the little
volume of Mr. Rogers called From Superman to Man.
Its array of facts, scientific
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and logical arguments
and citation of world
famous authorities carry conviction, leaving
no room for any trace of doubt. This, of
course, is not meant to underrate the other
authorities mentioned all of whom have both
value and charm.
This conference attracted to Green Acre a varied and interesting company of friends representing many cities of America and some foreign lands. As the purpose of Green Acre is the study of reality, those who have watched its progress during the years are more than ever pleased with the combined uses of science and religion to brighten minds, solace hearts and to demonstrate, as in a laboratory, the right methods of solving the vexing problems of humanity.
