Can We End Prejudice?
Calling for unity in the age of pragmatism and disillusionment
Every human heart longs for unity. Generations come and go, but the desire for oneness never fades. You can hear the clamor for it in our songs and poetry, our dreams and ideals, our demands and promises. We chase it, attempt it, tire of it, and abandon it. And yet, regardless of how often we utter it, lasting unity remains incredibly rare. Is this a reality we should simply accept? Perhaps always longing for and never actually achieving unity is the ultimate human experiment. It’s time to be honest and ask ourselves: is the concept of unity unrealistic and naive?
Humans do seem to be literally built for unity. Our bodies would not function without the harmonious interdependence of our organs. Even at the genetic level, scientists have observed that each gene on its own is limited. It’s when very different genes work together that they can keep a complex human form alive and happy. As humorously put by Saul of Tarsus, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’”
What is it about our societies then, that consistently and repeatedly sabotage their own futures with unhealthy division? We’ve seen it in every culture and time. It begins when distinct people groups find themselves in the same space. Perhaps, for a season, resources are shared and cultures are mutually observed. The groups actually draw closer. But before long, they find that their differences are perhaps, irreconcilable. More often than not, one group is undeniably given more privilege and power is grossly abused. Trauma ensues, wars are waged, walls are built, and love is apparently completely lost. The communities, now feeling a false sense of isolationist pride, go on their separate ways, always keeping one eye open for incoming attacks. Generalizations widen the abyss further and blissful ignorance is converted into cold prejudice. Before long the separate groups become enemies.
History has also testified of another surprising event. The separation, as it turns out, is unbearable for some. Without fail, voices emerge on all sides calling for oneness, for risks, and for open doors. These are the voices from those who have peered over the makeshift walls, seen the people on the other side, and refused to judge them without knowing them. At times, these voices are heard. Other times ignored. Unfortunately, even when portions of the wall are actually torn down, the cycle eventually repeats. A generation later, or less, more walls are erected and prejudice stands taller than ever.
Love is never really lost, though, is it? It survives. It persists. It spreads. At End Prejudice, we’ve been moved by this irresistible power that love evokes and we have accepted the challenge to believe again. We believe the fight against discrimination is not a waste of time, and it simply cannot stop. We believe that separation can be needed when safety calls for it, but that it is should not become a permanent state for humanity. We believe that without a relentless struggle for unity, we will always drift towards harmful division. We believe that tolerance and diversity are low bars we cannot settle for. We believe that the voices that call for us to “be one” are right and should be heard. We believe that prejudice can fall, love can stand, and genuine friendships can mend broken communities.
Our view then, is this: unity is not naive. Actually, unity is essential to humanity. This is the core belief that gave life to End Prejudice and the source is close to our hearts: the words and works of the greatest unifier in history, Jesus of Nazareth. No other example demonstrates the need for and power of unity more passionately. Jesus lived in a society like all others, filled with division and prejudice. Yet, he dared to share his everyday with the people his own community told him never to associate with. Culture pushed back; he pressed in further. The risk was fruitful and his circle of followers, which included people who were supposed to hate one other, went on to become life-long world-changing friends. They found in His life, something that united them beyond their divisions and mere commonalities. Saul dared to declare that Jesus actually abolished division altogether, if only we follow his path:
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” - Saul of Tarsus (Ephesians 2:13-16)
That’s wonderful news, isn’t it? By loving us all equally, Jesus created a bond between distant peoples that will always be stronger than any difference we can conceive of. It’s his story and voice that birthed this movement, and we are here to carry it forward. He has opened the door to a united tomorrow, and now we get to walk through it. And so we journey forward.
Each of us hears these ideas through differently storied ears. For some of us, the promise of oneness has always come with a a loaded asterisk. It’s understandable if we’re personally outraged by the idea that someone’s love can erase centuries of systematic injustice or a lifetime of inflicted wounds. That's why we are committed to listening deeply and to never misuse these principles. Unity should never be a compromise. Unity should never be an effort to hide truth. The unity Jesus modeled and we believe in is one that runs exclusively in the path of honesty and justice.
It’s not naive to desire unity. What’s naive is assuming that pursuing it is easy and natural. The process of reconciliation and re-centering of communities around this greater love is not quick, painless or convenient. Winning this fight will take all of us working together, from the influential lawmakers shaping our systems to next-door-neighbors loving each other. And it will also require someone to show the way. End Prejudice exists to help carry that dream. We are here to provide you with a way forward where people have a better way to gather, listen, and unite. That's why we invest in the people who are saying ‘yes’ to unity and why we serve them with our resources and initiatives. That’s why we will speak up and show up, and that’s why we hope you will dream with us.
Why end prejudice? Because unity is the way to brighter days. Unity is possible! Unity is worth the struggle. That's the future we dream of. We've seen a glimpse of it and it's beautiful. Now, let's fight for it.
Hebert “H” Cabral
Learning to be. In love with my wife, our three children, and our Savior. Serving End Prejudice as a leader and communicator.