Christian Picciolini tells how he became a white supremacist at 14 and led America's first neo-Nazi skinhead gang, then how he left. He shares a counterintuitive approach to countering hate and co-founded Life After Hate.
Why Hacker News points people here: HN points to it as proof that people can leave extremist movements, and as a model of de-radicalization through compassion.
“there’s valuable lessons in it that apply to everyone, not just former white supremacists.”HN comment, 2021
“there’s valuable lessons in it that apply to everyone, not just former white supremacists.”
Former white supremacist's lessons apply to everyone.
Full comment
It may not be a good way of persuading people, but it seems there’s no good way of persuading you as you simply refuse to be persuaded. We could argue about the specifics all day, but I think you should ask yourself why you want it to be true. Do you seek community? Are you angry inside and need an outlet? Here’s a video[1]. Of course from your perspective, your position makes perfect sense and isn’t extreme, and by no means am I calling you a white supremacist, but you should watch and see if you relate in any way. Please don’t dismiss it out of hand, there’s valuable lessons in it that apply to everyone, not just former white supremacists. [1] this video
RecommendsbrundolfNov 2023
“Another favorite example of de-radicalization through compassion”
Example of de-radicalization through compassion.
Full comment
Another favorite example of de-radicalization through compassion: this video I'm a firm believer that the antidote to hatefulness is connection, which leads to empathy, which leads to love
Cites itthrowaway23019Apr 2020
“It is possible, please see”
Shows people can leave neo-Nazi movements and change.
Full comment
It's not every day that you read such an article about a person you know and worked for more than a year. I'm not excusing any of his behavior in youth, although I believe he feels very bad about it, but the person I know has definitely evolved from the distorted personality described in the article. It is possible, please see this video . The time I worked at Banjo was a great experience and still think he's one of the most skilled founders I've ever met. Great sales skills and tech chops. I was an immigrant and have always been treated with respect. At the same time it isn't surprising for me to read a comment like the other one on here about working at Banjo: with such a strong personality at the head of the company it can be like that for some, but I wouldn't consider it very different from other SV realities like FB or Amazon. Sad that he participated in those crimes, and hope this becoming public can bring him to give back more to the community.
