This Powerful Video of a White Man Admitting He's Prejudiced to a Black Woman Is Going Crazy Viral

A video of a C-SPAN caller asking a black woman how not to be prejudiced is going viral for its powerful nature. Heather McGhee, the president of a public policy organization called Demos that promotes equality, was a guest on the Washington Journal program when a white man from North Carolina called in and said, "I was hoping your guest could help me change my mind about some things. I'm a white male, and I am prejudiced."

He explained that became prejudiced after reading stories in the newspapers about the high crime rate and drug use among young black males. "I have these different fears, and I don't want my fears to come true. You know, so I try to avoid that, and I come off as being prejudiced, but I just have fears," he said. "What can I do to change? You know, to be a better American?"

McGhee nodded along as he spoke. "Thank you so much for being honest and for opening up this conversation because it's simply one of the most important ones we have to have in this country," she answered before saying that people of all races and backgrounds hold the same fears and prejudices, even though they might be unconscious; he was brave for opening up about his feelings. McGhee then suggested the man get to know black families, turn off the news that overrepresents African-American crime, read about the history of black people in the country, attend an interracial or black church if he's religious, and foster the conversation in his family and neighborhood.

The video posted to Facebook now has more than 1.4 million views and 20,000 shares, for good reason. It was a beautiful exchange of profound sincerity, understanding, and compassion — and it's exactly the type of conversation that should be had more often as we face deep racial tensions.