Christian Picciolini: Reformed White Supremacist now leading the fight against extremism

Christian Picciolini is an Emmy Award-winning director and producer, a published author, a TEDx speaker, and a reformed extremist.  He is the co-founder of Life After Hate, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding long-term solutions that counter racism and violent extremism.  His latest book is titled White American Youth: My Descent into America's Most Violent Hate Movement – and How I Got Out.   Some interesting insights from this episode:  "Hatred is born of ignorance. Fear is its father and isolation is its mother."  Hear about the tactics hate groups use to recruit.  The birth of his children was the impetus he needed to reprioritize his values and walk away from his former life.  The first step in counseling others to leave the extremist movement is just listening.  The people who join the extremist movement aren't generally swayed initially by their philosophy. Most are just searching for identity, community and purpose.  Learn how the African American who forgave him for the physical violence he once caused was the trigger that gave him the courage to tell his story to the world.  The way we can help is to show compassion to those who deserve it the least because those are the ones who need it the most.  "Excellence is being the best human being that you can be."   Show Notes: Christian's book: White American Youth: My Descent into America's Most Violent Hate Movement – and How I Got Out  https://www.amazon.com/White-American-Youth-Americas-Movement/dp/0316522902/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515354532&sr=8-1&keywords=christian+picciolini  Christian's website: www.christianpicciolini.com  Christian's one on one talk with Richard Spencer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U5zCbwFizA