Racial relations are considered within a discussion of what constitutes an effective human being. The term "minority status" is dehumanizing as it is currently used and defined. That which is cruel to and destroys other people is labeled "inhumane". A fully functioning person, program, or organization conforms to six evaluative criteria of human effectiveness. An effective human being exhibits certain relationships within and with the external world and is therefore a subject, not an object. This existential need for "self" affirmation is a characteristic common to all human beings. An effective human being acquires personal meaning and understanding of human phenomenon as a fundamental aspect of being educated. Such a person is also educated and developed so as to be what he or she wants to be and to be autonomous. Effective human beings also are responsible as they participate in decisions that affect their lives. Finally, effective human beings share with and care for others as to share with others is not to look out just for self but also to build relationships with others based on mutuality and to contribute to the further development of others. Included are 21 references. (JB)