ROME – Baháʼí News: The Baháʼís of Italy have launched a new podcast series called “Intessere.” This name, which means “to weave” in Italian and includes the word “essere,” meaning “to be,” aims to delve into specific social challenges through the seemingly simple yet profoundly demanding act of conversation.
Connotations and Orientations
The name was chosen for its dual meaning: it signifies the process of bringing together diverse perspectives, while simultaneously pointing to the fundamental exploration of human identity that forms the initiative’s foundation. Each episode of “Intessere” invites civil society figures, journalists, and other media practitioners to participate in constructive and profound dialogues. These conversations are crucial for fostering social cohesion. This series represents a part of the broader contribution offered by the Office, which it describes as the evolution of public discourse in Italy. The efforts involved are not merely limited to promoting specific positions but extend to elevating the quality of the conversation itself regarding society’s most pressing issues.
Episode Themes and a Vision for a United Society
The series addresses highly important themes including identity, education, equality, social integration, and the role of media. These topics were selected because they are “deeply interconnected and essential for understanding how our society can become more cohesive and united,” according to Celine Gherardini, a member of the Baháʼí Office of External Affairs in Italy, in an interview with the Baháʼí World News Service. This series emerged after years of continuous efforts by the Office of External Affairs to contribute to the discourse on societal harmony, recognizing the need to address complex issues with nuance and sensitivity.
Ms. Gherardini stated: “Podcasts, unlike quick feeds, allow for a deeper, more reflective dialogue, providing a space where people can explore reality with a spirit of trust and hope.”
Experiences of Dialogue in Journalism and the Diaspora
The inaugural episode of the series focused on the profession of journalism itself. Claudio Paravati, director of “Confronti” magazine, acknowledged that public trust in news is fragile, but he emphasized that the profession remains indispensable. Paravati declared: “Good journalism and good governance both represent the fundamental challenges of our era,” explaining at the same time a professional approach that respects diverse viewpoints, seeks out unheard voices, and resists the allure of sensationalism. He argued that narratives carrying hope are not naive; rather, they are the essential framework for effective action.
In another episode, Mani Ndongbou Bertrand Honoré, President of the Italian Coordination of Diasporas for International Cooperation, explored how to shift from a mindset that views people from diverse backgrounds as passive beneficiaries of social programs to considering them active contributors to social progress. He highlighted three core values: mutual recognition beyond stereotypes, shared responsibility for community well-being, and equitable access to participation. The conversation examined how inclusive spaces, especially at grassroots levels, where everyone can contribute to the common good, can reframe differences, transforming them from a source of division into a source of strength.
Spiritual Principles Supporting Public Discourse
Cristin Cappelletti – host of the series and a member of the Baháʼí National Spiritual Assembly of Italy – stated that the podcast and other initiatives of the Office of External Affairs stem from “the recognition that sustainable social transformation requires addressing not only apparent symptoms but also the underlying spiritual principles that guide human affairs.”
Ms. Cappelletti explained how spiritual principles can elevate the level of public discourse: “The Office has observed that exploring spiritual concepts – such as the inherent nobility in every human being, the recognition of each individual’s moral capacities, and freedom from prejudice – helps foster a dialogue that transcends partisan affiliations.” When these concepts are placed at the heart of conversations, she noted, “a new sense of identity can crystallize, rooted in the oneness of humanity.”
The Importance of the Podcast’s Timing and the Role of Constructive Dialogue
Ms. Cappelletti further stated: “The podcast emerges at a moment of particular importance for our society.” Over the past two decades, the Office has engaged with various social actors, and through this engagement, it has observed that certain significant social changes have raised fundamental questions about national identity and social cohesion.
Ms. Cappelletti added: “One of the themes the Office explores is reconciliation.” The Office’s experience has shown that meaningful dialogue requires more than just bringing different perspectives together; it necessitates creating an environment where participants can build upon each other’s insights towards a collective understanding and focus on shared aspirations. This consultative approach shapes both the podcast’s format and its broader objective.
“By weaving together stories and insights, the podcast invites listeners to move beyond passive observation and engage with social reality in a way that highlights potential rather than obstacles, and opportunities rather than limitations.” Celine Gherardini, Baháʼí Office of External Affairs in Italy
Celine Gherardini added: “The goal is to foster a sense of shared purpose, where people feel empowered to participate in shaping a more cohesive and hopeful society.”
Future episodes will delve into the equality of women and men and the role religion can play in social progress. In a media landscape quick to label and divide opinions, “Intessere” proposes that identity is less a barrier and more a meeting point, through which a more cohesive society can be nurtured. …More.
Article Author:
Monir Irfani
Journalist & Translator
ABN Baháʼí News Foundation
Contact: monir@abnnews.net
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