“The Average American White Racist” with Christian Picciolini

On the Season 1 finale, reformed extremist Christian Picciolini [4:02] joins Ana to talk about his experience as a white supremacist, how his mind changed, and the work he does today to show people that there is life after hate. They discuss the rise and shifts in white supremacy within the United States and the way that white supremacists have softened their image by using coded language and racial dog whistles. The conversation turns to the ways in which white supremacy is like an addiction, and the possibilities of treating them both through recovery, kindness, and empathy. He also shares his own perspective on how to confront white supremacy: not with violence, but by helping people identify and fill in the holes in their lives, and showing how they can change. Later on, Ana and Christian touch on one of the most important things to keep in mind when dealing with not just white supremacy but ordinary interactions with people in everyday life: everybody is going through something we can’t see. The conversation ends with what makes Christian worried, and hopeful, about the society we now live in. Afterward, [58:43] Ana revisits last week’s episode about Black Panther, acknowledging the ways her own whiteness makes it impossible to fully grasp Wakanda’s decision to not take back Killmonger. Thank you to everyone that has been a part of this podcast in some way for making it a wonderful first season. We’ll be back soon. You can find Christian’s book here: https://www.christianpicciolini.com/book Here’s the Kevin Love piece Ana referenced in the show: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/kevin-love-everyone-is-going-through-something/ Send us an email at [email protected] and find us on Twitter at @crooked_friends. Check out our sponsors! Get 15% off your first purchase from Third Love at Thirdlove.com/friends. Try a 10 Kind Bar Sample Box for free if you pay for shipping and join Kind’s Snack Club at Kindsnacks.com/friends. Visit Parachutehome.com/friends for free shipping and returns. If you don’t love it, send it back, and Parachute will donate your used items to Habitat for Humanity. Post jobs on Ziprecruiter for free at Ziprecruiter.com/friends to find the perfect candidate for whatever you are looking for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices