One day, as I was driving from the airport to my home, I was listening to a call-in radio program hosted by an African-American minister who works to improve race relations. He was gently reminding us that throughout our history, black people have suffered tremendously as a result of racism. There are very few who would doubt the accuracy of his observation.

What many people do not realize — especially those Caucasians who are guilty of racism — is the fact that they, too, are suffering in an entirely different way. They are suffering because of the racism they practice. Incidentally, racism is a two-way street. There are people from all races who are racist, and in 100 percent of the cases, the racism is wrong. However, right now, I wish to direct your attention primarily to the extent to which many white people suffer as a result of their own racist beliefs.

Several years ago, Ralph McGill, a writer for an Atlanta newspaper, pointed out that a white person damages himself because he is captive to a destructive character trait. A racist attitude signifies a lack of knowledge and, sometimes, even hatred. To say the least, it indicates ignorance and a closed mind, which would mean there is little room for love, compassion and understanding.

It's basically true that the person who is ignorant and filled with hatred will find it impossible to carry that burden around and have the freedom to be the best person he can be. This racism prevents him from expanding his base of friendship, contacts and the rich heritage that every culture carries. He misses out on some of the best relationships that are available. Ultimately, it's more than just a cliche that "acid eventually destroys the container that carries it." Prejudice is a heavy burden to carry. When we rid ourselves of that destroyer, it will be much easier to make it to the top.

Promise Keeper Equals Problem Solver

There is a movement sweeping this country that is bringing about some remarkable societal changes.

Promise Keepers, an organization put together by former University of Colorado football coach Bill McCartney, is filling football stadiums around America with men of every race, creed and color, seeking solutions to family, racial and social problems. Promise Keepers calls men to be accountable for all of their actions. These men are repeatedly told by speakers from all walks of life they have family responsibilities they must meet, and that they must be financially and emotionally supportive of their mates and children.

One of the most moving sights I've ever seen was when these men were called to commitment. As I sat in the stands, I saw men by the hundreds stand up and walk forward. It looked somewhat like a Billy Graham crusade, as thousands of these men ultimately gathered together at one end of the stadium.

The thing, however, that moved me the most was to see the wide range of men present. I saw a black man and a white man go arm in arm toward the front. I saw Hispanics and Asians go forward, arm in arm. I saw a mixture of all people of color. I noticed some of them were well-dressed and some of them were poorly dressed. Some had serious physical disabilities, and yet they all bonded together for a common cause.

I believe if the media would thoroughly cover just one of these mammoth events that attracts thousands of men to stadiums around the U.S. annually, the rest of the country would get in on the act and solve one of the most heinous problems in our society today — that of racial prejudice. Give Promise Keepers or a similar organization your consideration for strengthening families and uniting races, and I'll see you at the top!

To find out more about Zig Ziglar and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. Subscribe to Zig Ziglar's free e-mail newsletter through info@zigziglar.com.

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