My descent into America's neo-Nazi movement & how I got out | Christian Picciolini | TEDxMileHigh

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  • Опубліковано 19 гру 2017
  • At 14-years-old, Christian Picciolini went from naive teenager to white supremacist, and soon, the leader of America’s first neo-Nazi skinhead gang. How was he radicalized, and how did he ultimately get out? In this courageous talk, Christian shares a surprising and counterintuitive solution to hate in all forms. After leaving the white-supremacist skinhead movement that he helped build in the 1980s and 90s, Christian Picciolini co-founded Life After Hate, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people disengage from violent extremism. His memoir, White American Youth: My Descent into America's Most Violent Hate Movement-and How I Got Out (Hachette), which details his involvement, and eventual disengagement, from the early American white nationalist movement, will be published on December 26, 2017. Christian lives in Chicago. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

КОМЕНТАРІ • 6 тис.

  • @parley1994
    @parley1994 4 роки тому +8017

    Changed behavior is stronger than an apology. This is an example of changed behavior.

    • @daniellopez732
      @daniellopez732 3 роки тому +30

      I’ll be your first reply even tho you have 760 likes.

    • @brickson98m
      @brickson98m 3 роки тому +91

      So true. Honestly, I could've fallen into the same trap as he did a few years ago. I was really leaning towards the hateful ways of racists. Blaming my problems, and my country's problems, on everyone else. Luckily, I started seeking information in the last year or two that has swayed me to the complete opposite side of things. I have been very passionate about what's been going on in the US lately. But had things not happened the way they did, I could've been on the other side of this whole ordeal. Morally, I'm glad I chose the side fighting for equality, not hate.

    • @brickson98m
      @brickson98m 3 роки тому +1

      The_Descendant II and what’s the truth?

    • @brickson98m
      @brickson98m 3 роки тому +9

      The_Descendant II oh lol you’re just a skinhead. Okay. Can’t wait till your kind is put down

    • @brickson98m
      @brickson98m 3 роки тому +2

      The_Descendant II you just do not hold the mental capacity to digest the information from the above mentioned report correctly.

  • @boohooter23
    @boohooter23 5 років тому +5072

    The guilt he has must be unimaginable. I'm so proud of him getting out of that hole. God bless his soul

    • @luke-wu6hq
      @luke-wu6hq 4 роки тому +8

      @Payton Bloom couldnt help but lol at this post. Your avatar (the ok hand emoji) was declared a hate symbol by the ADL, any thoughts on that?

    • @timsweeney684
      @timsweeney684 4 роки тому +45

      luke have you ever heard of the circle game? You put that around your knee and if someone looks you get to punch them lol I think that’s what his picture is

    • @juniorvonclaire3576
      @juniorvonclaire3576 4 роки тому +5

      Ry Guy I quit smoking weed about 20 years ago. It’s bad for your central nervous system. ENJOY! I hope you develop a panic disorder.

    • @juniorvonclaire3576
      @juniorvonclaire3576 4 роки тому +7

      Ry Guy Nah, I’m good. Also quit drinking in 2009 and nicotine in 2011. Clean as a whistle. 🤫🥳

    • @juniorvonclaire3576
      @juniorvonclaire3576 4 роки тому +5

      Ry Guy Thanks

  • @paulojcduarte
    @paulojcduarte 3 роки тому +847

    heart warming story, Mark Twain said it perfectly “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness"

    • @thebarbaryghostsf
      @thebarbaryghostsf 2 роки тому +14

      Good old Samuel Clemens. I wonder what he's up to on Haley's Comet about now? Maybe spreading wisdom to another planet in desperate need of it?

    • @user-dc9oq2pr6v
      @user-dc9oq2pr6v 2 роки тому

      We must destroy the German ideology

    • @JRose-ub3hd
      @JRose-ub3hd Рік тому +10

      😊 I love that Mark Twain quote! It's so true!

    • @2Hot2
      @2Hot2 Рік тому +10

      That's absolutely true but take it from somebody who's travelled a lot and learned the languages and experienced the cultures: of the world, the point is not to pretend all other countries and cultures are perfect. They're generally at least as bad as or worse than the US judged from the standpoint of enlightened values. The lesson to be learned is that all people everywhere have a lot of toxic cultural/biological/religious programming and need to fight against their own worst instincts as well as those of others.

  • @davidemery4759
    @davidemery4759 3 роки тому +648

    Bruh, I just watched the TedX talk with the guy that was almost a school shooter and his ask was almost identical to this guys’ ask. Show compassion to those that look like they deserve it the least. The “almost shooter” had a friend that simply treated him like a friend and stopped him from committing murder. Such a beautiful thing.

    • @MiHanLin1
      @MiHanLin1 3 роки тому +26

      The woke mob on Twitter needs to get this message. If there was more quiet virtue and less virtue signaling, we'd all be better off.

    • @williamhu9567
      @williamhu9567 2 роки тому +9

      i came through the same path. was surprised too!

    • @betsylaughlin8652
      @betsylaughlin8652 2 роки тому +12

      I came here after watching that too

    • @sketchergirl7
      @sketchergirl7 2 роки тому +8

      I just watched that one too. Do we have the same feed? :)

    • @emmamarakoulos1120
      @emmamarakoulos1120 2 роки тому +3

      watched that vid right before this one

  • @DrewAndrews
    @DrewAndrews 4 роки тому +2292

    "Hatred is born of Ignorance, FEAR is its Father and ISOLATION is its mother".

    • @GreyPunkWolf
      @GreyPunkWolf 4 роки тому +19

      Fear was there for a reason, and most of these reasons don't exist in our modern world. When you have some sort of phobia it's nearly always irrationnal. And when it's "rationalized" or justified, it's usually based on misinformation, ignorance or unfactual data.

    • @GreyPunkWolf
      @GreyPunkWolf 4 роки тому +2

      @Terry Martin Yes and to me it isn't rationnal either. People afraid of medical pros seeking help of unprofessionnal strangers instead, people afraid of unknown races or identities and denying basic human rights to kids rescued from war and destruction, the amount of cognitive dissonnance in climatosceptics speeches....
      Please, are these things really rationnal?

    • @DrewAndrews
      @DrewAndrews 3 роки тому +7

      @@GreyPunkWolf WOW you totally missed the point. Your reply has absolutely nothing to do with what I posted. 216 people understood the quote but 2 people just missed it entirely.

    • @GreyPunkWolf
      @GreyPunkWolf 3 роки тому +4

      @@DrewAndrews Did not, and actually replied to a person that did. Or at least that tried to prove you wrong.

    • @Jacob-zk1jy
      @Jacob-zk1jy 3 роки тому +1

      “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.”

  • @jroig824
    @jroig824 4 роки тому +1876

    "Give compassion to those that deserve it the least, because they are the ones who need it the most"

    • @MeatCatCheesyBlaster
      @MeatCatCheesyBlaster 3 роки тому +11

      Nah. Kill nazis.

    • @postmadonna
      @postmadonna 3 роки тому +102

      ​@@MeatCatCheesyBlaster help protect vulnerable teen boys from extremist manipulation

    • @Otra_Chica_de_Internet
      @Otra_Chica_de_Internet 3 роки тому +14

      @@postmadonna kill nazis and protect the youths

    • @mumflrfumperdink8416
      @mumflrfumperdink8416 3 роки тому +54

      @@Otra_Chica_de_Internet did you watch the video? Killing never solves anything

    • @duckman304
      @duckman304 3 роки тому +3

      haha 420th like

  • @emilykapallen4979
    @emilykapallen4979 3 роки тому +2156

    This is a man. Someone who can see his mistakes and own up to them with dignity. Respect.

    • @Hater20X
      @Hater20X 3 роки тому +42

      It does take alot of balls to admit you were wrong for 8 years and hurt people.

    • @awokeorasleepgodsaves.
      @awokeorasleepgodsaves. 3 роки тому +6

      amen

    • @starrysoup
      @starrysoup 2 роки тому +1

      It was good he changed but he still did horrible things ... Soo

    • @viculty4724
      @viculty4724 2 роки тому +30

      @@starrysoup so? He recognized and changed, this means his apology is accepted, end of story.

    • @masterdevoe2519
      @masterdevoe2519 2 роки тому +4

      Emily, you didn't understand a word he said. You missed the entire point.

  • @plymouth491
    @plymouth491 3 роки тому +1020

    I met Chris a couple of years ago in Denver. I found him to be very intelligent, incredibly well-read, and compassionate man. That said, I'm very happy that I didn't meet him 25 years earlier because if I had, I probably wouldn't be here today.

    • @yusoufhakim3429
      @yusoufhakim3429 3 роки тому +7

      @ImYour Huckleberry he’s probably Jewish. Just a guess

    • @clarepellerin
      @clarepellerin 3 роки тому +7

      @@yusoufhakim3429 With a name like Jim Kelly? LOL ☘️ I think he means that these rightist brutes would just as soon kill you as look at you (like any violent radicals anywhere around the world). They have no respect for life.

    • @1313tennisman
      @1313tennisman 3 роки тому +5

      @@yusoufhakim3429 ya jim kelly is not a jewish name

    • @bootydaddy9934
      @bootydaddy9934 3 роки тому +5

      the guy is not a homicidal ???? i dont get what you mean

    • @turnip8749
      @turnip8749 2 роки тому +7

      @@clarepellerin my grandfather had the name Reilly but he was Jewish, he changed his name in the 1920s to escape anti semitism

  • @froggyleggy
    @froggyleggy 5 років тому +2876

    When he said that his music, after decades of being out of the movement, inspired the Charleston shooter, it hit me. The power and braveness to admit that, and to fight it later, so amazing. Skinheads started out as a socialist punk rock movement, and neo nazis used the ideals of individuality to get vulnerable white men to join. This is an amazing story to hear.

    • @zn12914
      @zn12914 5 років тому +27

      Christian has a somewhat current punk band called Random 55 (of course with more progressive rhetoric)... I recomend checking them out

    • @stella-vu8vh
      @stella-vu8vh 5 років тому +18

      SHARP >

    • @yllekfrizco4557
      @yllekfrizco4557 4 роки тому +5

      Link the songs or he’s a liar

    • @bradmurray1736
      @bradmurray1736 4 роки тому +4

      Nazis are collectivist.

    • @diannh2894
      @diannh2894 4 роки тому +18

      This is the point at which i cried. He is the definition of the movie American history X.

  • @EscapeTheMatrix6977
    @EscapeTheMatrix6977 4 роки тому +5053

    Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
    ~Martin Luther King Jr.

    • @jaimesaenz221
      @jaimesaenz221 4 роки тому +1

      LOl

    • @stingweeber6394
      @stingweeber6394 4 роки тому +41

      *loves *gets assassinated

    • @asha_vere
      @asha_vere 4 роки тому +4

      I thought of this quote during the video

    • @TheRealAVTV
      @TheRealAVTV 4 роки тому +40

      dedede feedldee dee sad that you can’t critically think to see the bigger picture... do you even understand how much progress has been made since the 60s?? Probably not because you can’t even critically think to understand what MLK was trying to say with that quote

    • @imjustherefortehlulz
      @imjustherefortehlulz 4 роки тому +7

      MLK Jr hated Jews

  • @jerrykoh9692
    @jerrykoh9692 2 роки тому +114

    "Hatred is born of ignorance. Fear is its father, and isolation is its mother." Damn. Good words.

    • @joemerr1091
      @joemerr1091 2 роки тому +1

      If a certain group of people hurt your loved ones would you not feel contempt and hatred for them? Would you not want to stay away from them as in isolate?

    • @SubcribeMinecraftNOW
      @SubcribeMinecraftNOW 2 роки тому +10

      @@joemerr1091 Yeah, ignorance. A smart person will know that the actions of a few people shouldn't dictate how they perceive an entire race of people

    • @joemerr1091
      @joemerr1091 2 роки тому +1

      @@SubcribeMinecraftNOW and how would you determine who those few people were? No matter how smart you are will you be willing to risk your life to find out?

    • @raspberrybitch4299
      @raspberrybitch4299 7 місяців тому

      @@joemerr1091 You risk your life every day in a million ways. You have a much much higher chance of dying when you get in your car on the way to work. Or maybe you have an aneurism. Or maybe you get cancer.
      What exactly motivates you to dehumanize another race of people? Do you honestly, truly think that each person can't have emotions, biases and prejudice? Or in that same vein, does every person of that race lack dreams, aspirations, motivations?
      I think you should think long and hard about the direction that racism takes you. It is the most useless, self-pitying and cowardly ideology you can subscribe to. Is that really all you are? Is there nothing in you that tires of hatred?

  • @aReallySwellGuy
    @aReallySwellGuy 2 роки тому +141

    I’m from Charleston, SC and I remember that night very well, and it disgusts us to this day to see tourists taking selfies in front of the church where it happened. I hope it comforts people to know that after that incident, Charleston became stronger and more loving than ever to counter that hate.

    • @typicalnewyorker5993
      @typicalnewyorker5993 Рік тому +4

      I’m sorry you feel this way. If this makes you feel any different I doubt it will but ppl do the same thing at the 9/11 memorial in nyc

    • @aReallySwellGuy
      @aReallySwellGuy Рік тому +4

      @@typicalnewyorker5993 yes I completely understand that. I personally would never take fun selfies in front of a tragic site.

    • @typicalnewyorker5993
      @typicalnewyorker5993 Рік тому

      @@aReallySwellGuy fully agree.

  • @TonyMaynard-SD
    @TonyMaynard-SD 4 роки тому +2839

    Totally reminds me of the "I was almost a school shooter" speaker Aaron Stark. They make a very similar point.

    • @midniteking1
      @midniteking1 4 роки тому +13

      Tony Maynard Andrew Yang brought me here.

    • @JackFoxtrotEDM
      @JackFoxtrotEDM 4 роки тому +51

      That school shooter vid was what I watched right before this.

    • @evans8882
      @evans8882 4 роки тому +1

      @@JackFoxtrotEDM me aswell

    • @TheOneWhoFishes
      @TheOneWhoFishes 4 роки тому +7

      Their conclusions are exactly the same, yeah

    • @jamesmoores8864
      @jamesmoores8864 4 роки тому +1

      That's cos a lot of these sorta people dont have original story's lol

  • @Flint_Inferno
    @Flint_Inferno 5 років тому +1883

    I really like how he said even privilege is a pothole.

    • @zvipatent
      @zvipatent 5 років тому +95

      Flint 25 - yeah, that stuck out to me too. Perhaps it's that privileged people start to think they deserve it and are better. I think of my luck in being adopted into a loving supportive family as luck and am grateful, not that I am better - mainly due to my mother's teaching - bless her.

    • @kaizen5023
      @kaizen5023 4 роки тому +3

      Good catch, thanks I missed that.

    • @pjaypender1009
      @pjaypender1009 4 роки тому +100

      @@jasonwalsh6032 Privilege isn't being successful. Privilege is advantages you have by virtue of who you are. Privilege isn't earned, you are born with it.

    • @d.l.7416
      @d.l.7416 4 роки тому +21

      @William Bauer privilege doesn't depend on what you do, it's just the advantages you have for no reason

    • @thesilentmajority2765
      @thesilentmajority2765 4 роки тому +3

      @@pjaypender1009 you need to stop believing everything you hear in the media

  • @mayanightstar
    @mayanightstar 3 роки тому +952

    "And he embraced me, and he forgave me." Oooohhhhhhh here come the onion chopping ninjas...

    • @eklectiktoni
      @eklectiktoni 3 роки тому +4

      lol

    • @chloepeifly
      @chloepeifly 3 роки тому +3

      me tooooooo

    • @anndixon4577
      @anndixon4577 3 роки тому +12

      What an amazing school security guard for forgiving instantly!

    • @anelkia27
      @anelkia27 3 роки тому +5

      A great exemple of empathy😊

    • @nightskyft
      @nightskyft 3 роки тому +4

      I saw the comment before it came up and, damn, still got me.

  • @eklectiktoni
    @eklectiktoni 3 роки тому +291

    He's a courageous man. This is also why it's so important to show empathy. You can't fight hate with hate. You fight hate with kindness, compassion, and empathy.

    • @eklectiktoni
      @eklectiktoni 3 роки тому +3

      @General Pinochet I realize you are. But it's okay. I'll show you empathy regardless. :-)

    • @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906
      @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906 2 роки тому +7

      Well many people on alt-right are sad and lonely and that feeling can be used to balance out your hatred

    • @tessy28
      @tessy28 Рік тому +2

      ​@@keepingbloodpuretypenation5906 Most of these right wing people are extremely miserable and frustrated

    • @Spooglecraft
      @Spooglecraft Рік тому

      @@tessy28 exactly. a point i like to bring up with this and similar topics is this: "do you think they're happy? do you think happy people do things like that?"

    • @deeznutz8320
      @deeznutz8320 8 місяців тому

      ​@@tessy28Yeah look at what is happening to our once beautifull country

  • @jaymeselliot8181
    @jaymeselliot8181 5 років тому +7050

    violent hate groups always target people who are emotionally lost, it allows them to place their rhetoric where love and compassion should have been.
    edit: i did not expect this comment to be received so well, thank you all

    • @terenarosa4790
      @terenarosa4790 5 років тому +111

      I agree. I've heard the same thing with ISIS recruitments.

    • @dx1450
      @dx1450 5 років тому +173

      A lot of groups do this. Religions, cults, gangs, hate groups, etc. It's much easier to find someone who's lost and give them a place in the group to make them feel loved, wanted, and respected than it is to convince someone who's emotionally stable and has their life together to join your group.

    • @jaymeselliot8181
      @jaymeselliot8181 5 років тому +56

      @@dx1450 sadly one of the flaws of capitalist society is it capitalizes off wants, as well as needs. If you need something, you can bet that you will have to pay for it, with some exceptions. So starting a group for people who feel left out of society will usually turn out as a cult or pyramid scheme...there is no viable solution at this point in time. Similarly in non-capitalist societies some needs are just unavailable altogether, pushing people to join corrupt groups.

    • @ilanlaham6911
      @ilanlaham6911 5 років тому +24

      I read "The Wave" for English class a couple years ago and this is true even in that book's story. The most bullied and isolated character becomes the one most passionately involved with the movement.

    • @jaymeselliot8181
      @jaymeselliot8181 5 років тому +36

      @@ilanlaham6911 we crave social interaction. and when we are deprived of it, we will seek it wherever we can find it. Even if it is unhealthy/abusive

  • @WhatnotSoforth
    @WhatnotSoforth 5 років тому +3634

    It takes a real man to admit his mistakes. It takes a REAL man to get up on stage and say the same. Good on this man. I wish many others would hear his story, and consider what they think. But this is also a real man, who will listen to someone with hate in their heart, and will pull them in closer to show them the way. He is a person who truly bears his name. He is a person who all Christians should emulate in character.
    I bet that imam knows the best falafel carts, and I'd love to have some with him.

    • @usernametentwo
      @usernametentwo 5 років тому +6

      lit

    • @morris2408
      @morris2408 5 років тому +5

      Oh look, a fake Justin Y.

    • @splockster
      @splockster 5 років тому +28

      "person who everyone should emulate in character" is better :) i get what you meant though, btw i now want falafel and its early morning ....thanks for that :D

    • @historia9914
      @historia9914 5 років тому +8

      WhatnotSoforth I messed up my relationship with my girlfriend and her mother and they don't want me in their life. I'm lost and depressed. Just looking for a friend. As you've said in your comment how do I be a man and confront them and apologize for my actions?

    • @DoctorShroom
      @DoctorShroom 5 років тому +12

      @@historia9914 Well, what did you do that messed things up?
      Once you know, that's a good place to start. Figure out how you can fix that.
      If they won't accept an apology, or you don't think you can change, then your best bet is probably to move on to something better.

  • @KrnelPanc
    @KrnelPanc 3 роки тому +949

    My parents are racists. not extremists, but I was conditioned to only see "the other." It's been a long journey of awakening to see myself in every face and every thing.

    • @noahrivera329
      @noahrivera329 3 роки тому +49

      But know there are so many, including myself, who applaud you for starting this journey and will support you during it

    • @avivalerman9259
      @avivalerman9259 3 роки тому +57

      Me too. I had to unlearn a lot of hate and fear, but now I do my best to be an activist and treat everybody with kindness, compassion, and respect :)

    • @Jade-ct1pt
      @Jade-ct1pt 3 роки тому +4

      @200 ???

    • @memedumpster1402
      @memedumpster1402 3 роки тому +3

      @200 ???

    • @tirobo
      @tirobo 3 роки тому +5

      @@thesilverone7011 who are you referring to?

  • @mathinath
    @mathinath 4 роки тому +2376

    I am a Muslim, and this brought tears to my eyes, may Allah bless his soul Ameen

    • @MarKuzvicky
      @MarKuzvicky 3 роки тому +17

      You are from Kerala, India. Malayalee. Your name is NOT Muslim, but Christian. Mathai is Mathew.

    • @booplesnoot1353
      @booplesnoot1353 3 роки тому +12

      💛

    • @awkward1172
      @awkward1172 3 роки тому +4

      What kind of Muslim? There are many..

    • @lourecivargas9736
      @lourecivargas9736 3 роки тому +15

      i too want to find peace and serenity in islam.

    • @keikofay9804
      @keikofay9804 3 роки тому +107

      ​@@MarKuzvicky My name is Japanese, though I am not the slightest so. I was named after my godmother, who was a family friend but of no relation to us. Does that make me a less legitimate individual because my name does not fit my ethnicity? Of course not.
      And so it is quite a silly deduction to make IMO, to presume that a person's country of origin, name, ethnicity and faith all have to be matchy-matchy. Life is so complex and rich, and that is a GOOD THING! Peace to you.

  • @philobrain
    @philobrain 5 років тому +1450

    I had a teacher once who always liked to say, "When someone is hard, you just have to love them harder."
    There is no other way.

    • @meris8486
      @meris8486 5 років тому +80

      Hot

    • @willbastian3897
      @willbastian3897 5 років тому +41

      r/missconnections

    • @nimrose9
      @nimrose9 5 років тому +4

      This is very difficult

    • @johnzackarias11
      @johnzackarias11 5 років тому +3

      @@glorykiller998 Do you know what a psychopath is?

    • @johnzackarias11
      @johnzackarias11 5 років тому +2

      @@glorykiller998 Yes. They make up around 1% of the population. Cops are armed because of people with psychopathy?

  • @multipleemotions9344
    @multipleemotions9344 6 років тому +6107

    It really takes a strong person to acknowledge their wrongs, and personally apologize and actively try to fix them. Bravo 👏🏽

    • @pa-ikollo1851
      @pa-ikollo1851 5 років тому +39

      Takes a stronger person to never subscribe to irrational HATE!, celebrate those. Imagine how many lives his very existence destroyed, and now virtue signalling to the bank.

    • @multipleemotions9344
      @multipleemotions9344 5 років тому +189

      odigie johnson yea but i think its powerful when one discovers how wrong they were and admits to how wrong they were. Not only does it help themselves but others who are still like they were.

    • @pa-ikollo1851
      @pa-ikollo1851 5 років тому +26

      You were correct and still are, I just give my 2 cents. Stay strong!

    • @Oops-All-Ghosts
      @Oops-All-Ghosts 5 років тому +67

      I don't think he was trying to make himself look better. If he were he wouldn't be telling this story to begin with, and he'd especially leave out the part where he ruined lives as best he could. I think he was more or less saying the same thing you are, Odigie; that becoming a neonazi (for him, anyway) was the result of a lack of strength, and a lack of direction. This wasn't a "look at how strong I am" thing; it was "this was how this happened for me, so maybe it can help you interact with others or avoid having it happen to you." It may also have been an attempt to reach people who believe the things he used to believe; I don't know.

    • @uzzeilinoue7443
      @uzzeilinoue7443 5 років тому +3

      Bjay _jw it really takes a stronger person to not do those wrongs in the first place

  • @goodgirl111100
    @goodgirl111100 3 роки тому +322

    My life has been bathed in so many cultures that I never had the chance to develop an idea that anyone is better. I'm luckier than most.

    • @ryank2465
      @ryank2465 3 роки тому +21

      LS the fact that you even do that shows more character than most people

    • @s0lid_sno0ks
      @s0lid_sno0ks 3 роки тому +5

      So a culture where women are property and homosexuals are thrown off buildings is no better or worse than modern Europe?

    • @estherx5859
      @estherx5859 3 роки тому +2

      Same

    • @akiras.3595
      @akiras.3595 3 роки тому +29

      @@s0lid_sno0ks 1. I'm assuming you are talking about Islam; educate yourself further than the bias media you had received.
      2. You are confusing societies with people. There are societies who's discrimination and misogyny is a bigger problem than in others; that doesn't mean the people that form that society are less valuable as humans.

    • @absolutely9483
      @absolutely9483 3 роки тому +3

      @@akiras.3595 what makes a society? the people? or something else?

  • @jdice6868
    @jdice6868 3 роки тому +135

    When he mentioned, "privilege" as one of the "potholes" that could send a young person in the wrong direction it reminded me of a problem I noticed is easily overlooked by parents. It is easier to say "yes" than to say "no" to our children. We love them. We want to give them everything. We often forget that our children need to learn independence. We can't just give that to them. For that, we have to demand of them. We have to require that they earn privileges and trust. One must respect by showing respect. When we give them what they want because it feels good to give them gifts and let them stay up late we are indulging ourselves and neglecting their needs. We are human, and it is an easy mistake to make. Discipline should never be cruel. It must always be calmly given, but remember that its absence is neglect.

  • @zomnificent3213
    @zomnificent3213 5 років тому +707

    It's never too late to start doing the right thing.

    • @johnthehumanist2333
      @johnthehumanist2333 4 роки тому +2

      some s.j.w.are communist.

    • @Karl_der_Genosse
      @Karl_der_Genosse 4 роки тому +1

      @Nephilim of Kemet
      Communist or socialist?
      That's a very important distinction

    • @lcmiracle
      @lcmiracle 4 роки тому

      You are late when you are dead.

    • @owen.roberts
      @owen.roberts 4 роки тому

      When is the best time to plant a tree,
      Today....
      There’s a metaphor that represents that statement well.

    • @timmyturner6312
      @timmyturner6312 3 роки тому

      @@Karl_der_Genosse not really. They're both failed forms of government

  • @vernonleemonii3334
    @vernonleemonii3334 5 років тому +2010

    Who and why would someone give this man's story a thumbs down? This man makes me want to be a better person.

    • @marigo_
      @marigo_ 5 років тому +25

      Vernon Leemon for real

    • @deeplydisturbed7601
      @deeplydisturbed7601 5 років тому +271

      Probally some angry neo-nazis who has not yet re-connected with their innocense yet:) Real good story

    • @dimitriosglous4156
      @dimitriosglous4156 5 років тому +132

      Ummm white suprematists?

    • @jensjensen9035
      @jensjensen9035 5 років тому +35

      he is a jewish shill

    • @theodorechill
      @theodorechill 5 років тому +11

      @@deeplydisturbed7601 Innocence? Ignorance is a bliss.

  • @Braaage-
    @Braaage- 3 роки тому +441

    “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger... anger leads to hate... Hate leads to suffering.”
    -Master Yoda

    • @magnumsherman6349
      @magnumsherman6349 3 роки тому +13

      The wise words of yoda

    • @davidnissim589
      @davidnissim589 3 роки тому +16

      Godspeed, Master Yoda

    • @chaserofthelight484
      @chaserofthelight484 2 роки тому +5

      Excellent quote. 🙏🏾🙏🏼💙🌹❤️

    • @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906
      @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906 2 роки тому +2

      FALSE fear is not cause of our anger or hatred!!!you know nothing about us so shut up!!!

    • @chaserofthelight484
      @chaserofthelight484 2 роки тому +4

      @@keepingbloodpuretypenation5906 soooo you must have made it to the anger phase. Maybe you just passed that stage and went straight to the hate phase. Keep your blood “pure” if you choose, you talk about rights, I have the right to choose also. Do you think you’ll be a hated minority? If so, you have to admit to yourself, you believe minorities aren’t treated so well at times. Grace fellow human.

  • @dailecong9535
    @dailecong9535 3 роки тому +62

    I’m so happy for this man, and I’m proud of him for sharing his story. To take such a dark path and be able to admit his mistakes, and do so publicly. THAT is a real man. And the security guard who forgave him, THAT is a real man.

  • @MaxGreen111
    @MaxGreen111 4 роки тому +1292

    Extremist movements always seem so distant until you see them in person, or notice connections to them in real life.
    Dylan Roof killed one of my mother’s best friends. Hearing him mention that shooting hit really hard.

    • @alexandrealferan7144
      @alexandrealferan7144 3 роки тому +87

      I like to feel sympathy but from my experience there's more sympathy if you are white.... There's alot of double standards when POC are seen as less human to some

    • @dansden5824
      @dansden5824 3 роки тому +35

      That's horrible, I'm so sorry that this happened to you. I hope you are doing better, though I imagine it's a tough road.

    • @kristv6496
      @kristv6496 3 роки тому +4

      @@alexandrealferan7144 yup!!

    • @eugeniaskelley5194
      @eugeniaskelley5194 3 роки тому +14

      @@alexandrealferan7144 I feel for you. I think that is how this man felt - as he said marginalized. You may have more in common with him then you know. I would recommend if you could to reach out to him.

    • @mittromney8750
      @mittromney8750 3 роки тому +11

      i as an indian felt pain for those at the church but what i remember the most is that during the trials i recall someone forgave him and thats what the lesson i learned how can i not forgive someone for less. thank god for ppl like those

  • @ajavisk
    @ajavisk 5 років тому +762

    This is by far my favourite Ted Talk, because first of all, this man is so corageous to talk about all of his past issues like that, to open up that was and agnowledge your mistakes. But even more so, showing people the wrong in hatred, and helping them, seeing his story and the man he has become. I just love it

    • @historia9914
      @historia9914 5 років тому +5

      Ajavisk I messed up my relationship with my girlfriend and her mother and they don't want me in their life. I'm lost and depressed. Just looking for a friend. As you've said in your comment how do I be a man and confront them and apologize for my actions?

    • @felipec.5403
      @felipec.5403 5 років тому +3

      @@historia9914 Like when Picciolini came across the security he was in fistfight years earlier, just go there and say what you have to say by your heart. Can't guarantee they will want you back in their lives but if you recognize you made a mistake and express that feeling, it will definitely ease your pain. I wish you the best.

    • @CommanderNissan
      @CommanderNissan 5 років тому +12

      Actually, my favorite is one of at least 3, where this African American man converts a national leader of the KKK to abandon those beliefs through the power of communication. I can share a link if necessary, that man is my hero.

    • @samparr3368
      @samparr3368 5 років тому +5

      Cmdr. Knisan late I know, but that sounds like the Reverend Wade Watts, who was frequently target by Oklahoma grand dragon, John Lee Clary and his klan. Whenever confronted by Clary, Rev. Watts would respond by cracking a joke and reminding Clary that God still loved him. Even after Clary had set fire to his Church, Rev Watts maintained compassion towards hims, and eventually John came to realize how wrong he had been.
      I’m pretty staunchly atheist, but I appreciate religious leaders like that and it inspires me to try to be more compassionate to even the people who have wronged me. It’s easy to love the people who always get it right, and perfectly understandable to want to reject people who hate us. Though I try not to, I still do that sometimes. But I think there is value in attempting to empathize with them. We all struggle in some way and we all experience fears and impulses that can lead people down a bad path. Sometimes you need to be the force that nudges someone towards a better one.

    • @micanikko
      @micanikko 4 роки тому +6

      lol. I just came from that ted talk. They both went through different ways but their conclusion ended up the same:
      Hatred comes from ignorance. And the best way to divert that is not to push those people away, but to have communication, respect and compassion.

  • @klaytonmayeaux8966
    @klaytonmayeaux8966 5 місяців тому +3

    "Fear is it's father & isolation is it's mother" REALLY struck me there! There is A LOT of truth in that statement when he talks about Hate!

  • @MotivationHaus
    @MotivationHaus 2 роки тому +13

    Incredible story, this filled my heart with a lot of love. We are all one 💕💕💕💕

  • @emilyspiegel-batchelor5040
    @emilyspiegel-batchelor5040 4 роки тому +315

    "Hatred is born of ignorance, fear is it's father, and isolation is it's mother.'

    • @jenniferlee5609
      @jenniferlee5609 3 роки тому +1

      Hared in born of ignorance, fear is it's father, and isolation is it's mother

    • @jenniferlee5609
      @jenniferlee5609 3 роки тому

      Hared in born of ignorance, fear is it's father, and isolation is it's mother

  • @spencerheaton8926
    @spencerheaton8926 4 роки тому +652

    Mans came to speak at my school what a G taught me a lot about forgiving myself and admitting when I'm wrong

    • @jeffreyhullumjr1286
      @jeffreyhullumjr1286 4 роки тому +4

      Lies

    • @hanque4684
      @hanque4684 4 роки тому +32

      @@jeffreyhullumjr1286 hey f you

    • @hobojoe1482
      @hobojoe1482 4 роки тому +5

      Patrick Holleran f u

    • @spencerheaton8926
      @spencerheaton8926 4 роки тому +4

      @@jeffreyhullumjr1286 lol it aint like i have anything to prove. 211 likes on a yt comment lacks benefit, why would I lie?

    • @spencerheaton8926
      @spencerheaton8926 3 роки тому +4

      @Amina I'm a student in California. He goes to speak at schools around the US.

  • @nostalgicuniverse9747
    @nostalgicuniverse9747 4 роки тому +226

    I’m so glad that he got out. Hopefully he can get more people out with by speaking about this.

    • @awokeorasleepgodsaves.
      @awokeorasleepgodsaves. 3 роки тому

      amen

    • @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906
      @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906 2 роки тому

      No he can't because those who developed this views for there selves can never understand this man
      Because we are nothing like him

    • @LC-sc3en
      @LC-sc3en Рік тому +7

      @@keepingbloodpuretypenation5906 i hope one day you are no longer so lonely that you can only find community in a death cult that will start killing each other for lack of purity after they run out of other people to blame. You can only fix problems that are really plaguing you if you identify the actual causes.
      Until then you will just go in circles and the hate, anger, and helplessness will consume you. All of humanity can be your brothers and sisters and friends. To join with and help solve your loneliness and despair to alleviate your fear. Now you are limited to a small arbitrarily defined sliver of humanity and cutting yourself off from many who could or would help you in life.
      It seems like an awful way to live. I sincerely hope you start doing better and get the things you really need.

  • @bentheoutdoors
    @bentheoutdoors 2 роки тому +54

    One of the best Ted Talks I’ve seen. I agree with a few Conservative ideals and a few Liberal ideals, but his message is universal to everybody, especially in our world today. Ignorance leads to fear and hatred of what we do not understand. I pray everybody, no matter your age, race, ethnicity, or gender, tries to talk to one another and realize that the people who say ridiculous statements or claims are the minority. The only way we can solve one of our worlds most serious problems is to communicate and try to learn from one another.

  • @DesertFox1978MJ-rd3tc
    @DesertFox1978MJ-rd3tc 4 роки тому +322

    This is one of the most Human TED talks. a personal story with certainly some dark corners and some dark spots. But it will remain to be a classical inspiring humanistic tale, because it's the story of a smart survivor looking for answers. it's an honest and seemingly simple effort to make a humanistic common sense in an increasingly polarized world.

  • @thegreenmanofnorwich
    @thegreenmanofnorwich 4 роки тому +646

    Extremist groups and cults tend to most effectively target isolated or emotionally vulnerable people. It's sad and frustrating and aggravating.

    • @ricky7426
      @ricky7426 4 роки тому +1

      frustrating and aggravating is the same word mate

    • @haydengomez8752
      @haydengomez8752 4 роки тому +27

      @@ricky7426 not exactly

    • @gardenguster5271
      @gardenguster5271 3 роки тому +5

      @@ricky7426 no

    • @QT5656
      @QT5656 3 роки тому +2

      True, e.g. scientology sent out recruiters on 9 11 to prey on the vulnerable.

    • @adorablyadorable5665
      @adorablyadorable5665 3 роки тому

      Democrats call people Victims and create boogey men to keep them in their sphere.

  • @user-iy6ol5lu8e
    @user-iy6ol5lu8e 4 роки тому +224

    "An enemy is someone whose story you haven't heard"

  • @garbagepailkids81
    @garbagepailkids81 8 місяців тому +9

    I was filled with anger for a long time and was starting to have the same ideas.
    Recently I had a long and heart felt discussion with someone close. It really helped guide me to much better place.

    • @ijm1261
      @ijm1261 8 місяців тому +1

      What did you discuss?

    • @Propain4eva
      @Propain4eva Місяць тому

      @@ijm1261 Bro got laid

  • @muffintime4889
    @muffintime4889 4 роки тому +770

    I'm 14 and I'm so happy that he got out, because if I got pulled into that situation I'm not even sure if I could have the emotional strength to break away like he did. He's extremely brave, and I applaud him for that.

    • @muffintime4889
      @muffintime4889 3 роки тому +66

      @@HELLO7657 I don't get what you're implying..? Because bigotry for sure isn't caring about your future. Are you talking about the homophobia? The Nazism? The racism? The sexism? I don't know what you're trying to get at.

    • @Pure_Linnsanity
      @Pure_Linnsanity 3 роки тому +37

      @@HELLO7657

    • @karlmarx920
      @karlmarx920 3 роки тому +23

      @@HELLO7657
      What does "the nation" mean to you?
      As I see it, Heritage, Culture, And loving the "glorious" past and all of that BS have a net negative effect on people, Because it all means nothing,It only exists in your mind.

    • @siri_siri4709
      @siri_siri4709 3 роки тому +20

      @@HELLO7657 you realise they’re talking about far right nazism right?? Did u forget we’re talking about nazis 😭

    • @siri_siri4709
      @siri_siri4709 3 роки тому +10

      @@HELLO7657 the only current threat to white lineage in America is immigration/diversity and there is absolutely no harm in that. I am so glad I was able to grow up in a multicultural environment.

  • @9hawk16
    @9hawk16 5 років тому +755

    Damn, I knew that "i'm sorry" was going to be cliche but damn that got me crying a lil.

  • @andrewlim9345
    @andrewlim9345 3 роки тому +18

    Thanks for your testimony and message about love overcoming hatred.

  • @soundsgoodmanrecords
    @soundsgoodmanrecords Рік тому +20

    Great talk and it's great to see someone so bought into something was willing and able to question his views and then change.
    We all need to do that even if we think we have our act together and think we care and are right about our beliefs/thoughts.
    All of us, me included.
    Peace.

  • @oldmanold7863
    @oldmanold7863 5 років тому +2807

    Hatred is a disease, but diseases can be cured. And this guy found the cure.

    • @SageVaughn
      @SageVaughn 5 років тому +40

      Not all diseases can be cured..

    • @drenkydrenk7544
      @drenkydrenk7544 5 років тому +33

      @@SageVaughn I suppose you are right, are you trying to make a point?

    • @electric8668
      @electric8668 5 років тому +7

      Trump ended funding to his organization. No need to wonder why.

    • @electric8668
      @electric8668 5 років тому +42

      @gianni pischella Who are these leftist?

    • @electric8668
      @electric8668 5 років тому +51

      @gianni pischella So you're calling people fighting against a system of injustice and inequality leftist? That's what Tim Wise does so why is that wrong to you?

  • @studentlogan
    @studentlogan 4 роки тому +202

    One thing I notice about this is when he transitions from recounting his history into beginning to explain the lessons to be learned, he seems to get more nervous. I suspect he still struggles with guilt and the idea of trying to inform people who may think poorly of his past probably is a point of anxiety. Could be reading it wrong, but it's very cool to see the courage here. Thank you for sharing, Christian.

    • @scottbarclay2122
      @scottbarclay2122 Рік тому +1

      Great comment. Experiences vary, but I've found guilt never goes away. This can be a very useful thing, to never forget. Regarding the matter of informing his audience, I can imagine it could be partly the feeling of being judged, while at the same time recognizing that there is righteous judgment vs. self-righteous condemnation. He has lived both experiences quite fully. He began his life self-righteously condemning others, then judged himself righteously, and now recognizes both toward him from others. Wisdom is the scar of experience. In the same way that he spoke of drawing those who needed compassion closer in order to help them see for themselves-- even as he felt the urge to show them directly-- he knows that it is the same with his audience. I would guess he meets a variety of reactions offstage post-talks, and I can see him exercising compassion in those situations as well, both toward them and toward himself. He has discovered and practices Love.

  • @nityaanand6128
    @nityaanand6128 3 роки тому +10

    The world needs more people like Christian. A touching story well told. He finds himself as he explores his hate and nurtures it to love. A remarkable man. Truly uplifting talk.

  • @inferno156
    @inferno156 8 місяців тому +16

    I just told my parents about how ive been feeling for awhile now, and this video is the reason for my courage. hopefully i get better, ill come back in a few months if i remember and edit this to update it.
    Edit: I know its only been a month, but ever since I got my feelings out I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and that I can be more energetic, happy, and even procrastinate less and be more responsible with my surroundings. I 100% urge you to tell people how you feel even if its once in a while. its quite nice.

    • @ijm1261
      @ijm1261 8 місяців тому +4

      Please just know that you are on the right track and the majority of the planet has more in common with each other in terms of class than on racial lines. Class solidarity, friend. ✊️

    • @rikallan5742
      @rikallan5742 7 місяців тому

      Good luck with your journey.

    • @jonah.donohue
      @jonah.donohue 6 місяців тому

      You got this bro. Don't stop you will have obstacles but you will succeed

  • @grassfedcharlie
    @grassfedcharlie 5 років тому +893

    You can hear the anxiety in his voice. He’s still effected by his past.. like PTSD or something.

  • @TheCupcakeaholic
    @TheCupcakeaholic 5 років тому +270

    Isolation is radicalizations bestfriend. This is why we have to work hard to build relationships in our community outside of our comfort zone. What an inspiration for the ability to change. ❤️😭🙏🏽

  • @sebjink.9037
    @sebjink.9037 3 роки тому +95

    "Bonding over chuck norris" The god of this world unites us all

  • @nerdy4172
    @nerdy4172 Рік тому +7

    When we listen to people like you, the faith in humanity strengthens.

  • @CapeEniEer
    @CapeEniEer 4 роки тому +387

    This is very true, I joined an extremist group because I needed to belong and when I joined i felt like i finally had a family. And I left it because I met a wonderful guy who is against racism, and he gave me love and understanding and im still with him.

    • @keikofay9804
      @keikofay9804 3 роки тому +17

      Happy for you. Congratulations.

    • @keithlaub2178
      @keithlaub2178 2 роки тому

      That is what makes you a rare byrd.. mass love.. S. H. A. R. P.

    • @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906
      @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906 2 роки тому +4

      Lies!

    • @nopenope4502
      @nopenope4502 2 роки тому +6

      @@keepingbloodpuretypenation5906 Can you explain what your username is?

    • @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906
      @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906 2 роки тому +1

      @@nopenope4502 Do i need to? It says what it is, it describes what type of nationalist i am because there is also fake nationalism like civic nationalism,
      Lingistic nationalism, and cultural nationalism,

  • @damageincrn
    @damageincrn 4 роки тому +152

    We went to High School, it's so good to see him doing well.

    • @damageincrn
      @damageincrn 4 роки тому +27

      Man, I can't even speak...
      Mr. Holms, and Cooper,...my childhood just slapped me in the face.....

    • @emilyakalbun5540
      @emilyakalbun5540 2 роки тому +2

      That’s amazing hahah. Yeah he is incredible, I’ve read his memoire. I bet it’s crazy seeing him like this.

  • @hollyobaby6949
    @hollyobaby6949 3 роки тому +5

    I’m from Charleston and I’m in tears. My librarian was killed by Dylan Roof. He came from North Carolina... he almost shot at my sisters college. But he killed the most accepting people I had ever known.
    I remember having to print out my papers for abortion because I was in an abusive relationship and she saw my bloodied gums and she didn’t make me pay for the papers. She just smiled and said she’d pray for me to get through what I was going through. No judgement. She was Christian but she didn’t have any prejudice towards me.
    I would stay in the library as much as I could to avoid the abuse. She never did anything but smile and I could feel her warmth.
    I wish sometimes she was alive instead of me. It was such a loss. It breaks my heart to this day. It really does.

  • @victoriagrace2850
    @victoriagrace2850 3 роки тому +13

    I grew up in foster care so I grew up many different cultures. One blessing from that life that I'm grateful for.

  • @JH-kw8zy
    @JH-kw8zy 4 роки тому +1478

    I feel sorry for racists. They're afraid of their world, unhappy, and alone. That's why they blame all their problems on people who don't look like them. It's easier for them to isolate than to embrace change and accept happiness. Hopefully love can convert them the way it did this man.

    • @potentiallyvalid9906
      @potentiallyvalid9906 4 роки тому +21

      Amen sister

    • @CL-fs3kt
      @CL-fs3kt 3 роки тому +103

      Yup. I was an overall bully in high school, so that consisted of racism, sexism, basically just picking on anybody for anything. And I know for a fact it came out of insecurity and unhappiness. Learned my lesson into adulthood.

    • @potentiallyvalid9906
      @potentiallyvalid9906 3 роки тому +40

      @@CL-fs3kt You learned that vunerability is strenght. Thumbs up

    • @terrenceroll3848
      @terrenceroll3848 3 роки тому +15

      "embrace change" = mass immigration and top down social engineering.

    • @goldsmithstudent
      @goldsmithstudent 3 роки тому +26

      Sounds just like BLM

  • @truegrit7697
    @truegrit7697 5 років тому +1648

    Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.
    Mark Twain
    Get out there people - we all have more in common than you know.

    • @LifePlusOne
      @LifePlusOne 5 років тому +50

      I would agree but being a white catholic male I would not have a good time if i traveled to Iran or saudi arabia

    • @masonmichalec2942
      @masonmichalec2942 5 років тому +5

      Yeah but mass immigration is inducive to it

    • @theinfiniteeternal9719
      @theinfiniteeternal9719 5 років тому +31

      Mason Michalec
      ...depends on the person, i think. some embrace immigrants and learn from them while others fear and reject them. this TedX gives a good explanation of why some choose fear over embrace.

    • @leekenyon8705
      @leekenyon8705 5 років тому +43

      You learn once you traveled enough to sleep with one eye open and to distrust everybody.

    • @pandaska4192
      @pandaska4192 5 років тому +22

      @@LifePlusOne lol you would I'm a white Christian (born into the religion, now am agnostic) male from Iran but, idk about Saudi. As a female you'd have less of a fun time as you'd have to wear a hijab. They actually love visitors but hate western governments.

  • @jessicaemilia101
    @jessicaemilia101 3 роки тому +6

    Your son must be so proud of you as am I, a perfect stranger. Keep telling your story; the world is prime for listening. Ty.

  • @taharris25
    @taharris25 3 роки тому +15

    Beautiful change I’m literally in tears. Amazing I wish everyone was open to understanding others the world would be so much better

  • @MuMu-fu7qe
    @MuMu-fu7qe 4 роки тому +655

    My ex went from voting to Bernie to going down the alt-right rabbit hole discovering nazis at the bottom. I don’t know what happened to him. I broke up with him when I couldn’t take it anymore. He was becoming a monster before my eyes.

  • @Jhonzification
    @Jhonzification 5 років тому +41

    How beautiful is this man to share his heartbreaking truth with such vulnerability?

  • @victoriagrace2850
    @victoriagrace2850 3 роки тому +57

    I admire this man. One of my closest friends has struggled her whole life with this ideology. It's gotten much worse since 2016 and extremely bad in the last couple months. She's not even talking to me now

    • @drfabsoonjd
      @drfabsoonjd 2 роки тому +9

      Praying for whoever it is. God can reach and change stony hearts to flesh

    • @cartman331
      @cartman331 Рік тому

      Sending love to you and praying for your friend 🙏

    • @DWBI3735
      @DWBI3735 Рік тому +2

      She’s a real one, you should take a note or 2 from her

    • @winniejohnson5559
      @winniejohnson5559 11 місяців тому

      @@DWBI3735she did .. that’s why she is sharing her notes..

    • @deeznutz8320
      @deeznutz8320 8 місяців тому

      Based if your white you should support her

  • @frankenstein6677
    @frankenstein6677 3 роки тому +72

    Empathy is the death of bias. As long as you can understand the other person is a human being, that's half of the way to becoming more understanding of their situation. The echo chamber created by movements deprives people of that very vital interaction with those that are different from them.

    • @gwho
      @gwho Рік тому

      facts still remain. logic still holds. empathy gives another side/perspective to make their case - it doesn't guarantee that it will change the outcome. it may, but not necessarily.

  • @terribreed7637
    @terribreed7637 4 роки тому +167

    Most people wouldn't go to such lengths to make amends. I applaud him.

    • @keikofay9804
      @keikofay9804 3 роки тому +11

      Indeed. I read someone's post on this thread, criticizing him for using his violent past for profit. They suggested that he should volunteer instead. Maybe so.
      But if you think all of us and our value in the workplace, we are a walking toolbox of self-worth. Where is this man's true worth of benefit in society? Installing computers in a school, while a valued job to be sure, any number of people can do that.
      But how many people are out there who know what he knows, who have come out on the other side, are willing to share their story and be in a headspace to help others leave that world, too?
      To me, his knowledge is a commodity worth every cent for which he may get paid.
      Too much hatred is dismissed as acceptable.

    • @SomeGuy-up4yz
      @SomeGuy-up4yz 11 місяців тому

      It's people in things like Google, the UN, and AIPAC who should be making amends.

  • @fireskycam9889
    @fireskycam9889 5 років тому +19

    This is very worthwhile listening.
    The reason he can "talk the talk" is because he has "walked the walk".

  • @penelope-oe2vr
    @penelope-oe2vr 3 роки тому +102

    No one chooses what race they are when they are born. How can that be held against them? I've never understood this concept. But, then again, I was raised in a mixed family.

    • @yeeter5328
      @yeeter5328 3 роки тому +9

      At its core I beleive its a igorant fear of people in the "other" group. could be wrong tho

    • @faithnolasco7506
      @faithnolasco7506 3 роки тому +2

      Its just fear. These people are scared and were not raised in loving and supporting families. Hate comes from fear. They want someone to connect with them. And they connect with others who have the same hate in their souls. And they connect with something horrible like prejudice activities. Its really sad.

    • @jamesdavid4964
      @jamesdavid4964 3 роки тому +1

      You won't know what it truly feels like you experience it and luckily most of us don't. People always have a reason for the way they are,

    • @faithnolasco7506
      @faithnolasco7506 3 роки тому

      @La ϟϟ It doesnt. So what does that have to do with anything? Whats your point?

    • @faithnolasco7506
      @faithnolasco7506 3 роки тому +1

      @La ϟϟ You shouldnt. Thats being prejudice toward other races and thats how racism began. You should only like someone because of their personality. Racism was built off someone thinking their race was more superior. it wasnt really about not liking other races, it was about thinking their own race was the best and everyone should respect that race. You understand?

  • @WishYouWereHere7572
    @WishYouWereHere7572 4 роки тому +6

    "Hatred is born of ignorance. Fear is its Father and isolation is its Mother. When we don't understand something we tend to be afraid of it." - BRILLIANT!

  • @xymoerixy7856
    @xymoerixy7856 4 роки тому +273

    The relevance of this speech at the moment hit me hard.

    • @MasteIsIllmatic
      @MasteIsIllmatic 3 роки тому +3

      Pep Ciccarelli a WOP? WTH is that! Also your name is Ciccarelli.

    • @jimjimmy8900
      @jimjimmy8900 3 роки тому +1

      @@MasteIsIllmatic without papers

    • @neosapien247
      @neosapien247 3 роки тому +7

      @Pep Ciccarelli If the descendent of immigrants "went back to where they're from", the US economy would crumble overnight. Also, it's "should have" not "should of", you illiterate moron.

  • @kdholden
    @kdholden 4 роки тому +16

    The end was almost directly the same as the "I was almost a school shooter" one. Two completely different stories that ended with the same encouragement of compassion. I love it.

    • @gregvaldez1269
      @gregvaldez1269 2 роки тому +1

      I've seen that one , it shook me to the core and gave me goosebumps .

  • @gypsyqueen3806
    @gypsyqueen3806 3 роки тому +1

    You are a beautiful person!! Don’t ever change!! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story!!! ❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕

  • @riccardotrombetti6663
    @riccardotrombetti6663 3 роки тому +4

    one of the best speeches I've ever heard. thank you Christian. Greetings from Italy

  • @aSpeakerOfTheTruth
    @aSpeakerOfTheTruth 4 роки тому +146

    "I was too embarrassed to sell my music in front of my friends"
    This is how you know it ain't right. Reason why I stopped making a certain type of music myself. Good video

    • @drumraider
      @drumraider 4 роки тому +2

      without too much detail, can I ask what kind it was you stopped producing?

    • @aSpeakerOfTheTruth
      @aSpeakerOfTheTruth 4 роки тому +1

      @@drumraider certain street music.

    • @thomaserickson568
      @thomaserickson568 4 роки тому +13

      It wasn't because you sucked at it?

    • @Puerco-Potter
      @Puerco-Potter 4 роки тому +5

      @@thomaserickson568 I rolled on the floor with this because of what it made me think.

    • @Puerco-Potter
      @Puerco-Potter 4 роки тому +1

      - I stopped making certain type of music myself because I feel ashamed
      - Was the type "bad music"? That's why you feel ashamed?

  • @diannh2894
    @diannh2894 4 роки тому +30

    It hit me hard when he said I am sorry and the man embraced him and asked him to make that promise. Then hit me harder when he said that was 18 years ago and I've been doing it ever since.💙 that is love

  • @waltslife155
    @waltslife155 4 роки тому +41

    This is how redemption sounds like. Great speech brother 👊🏿🖤

  • @24get24give
    @24get24give 3 роки тому +22

    i'm Italian, too as are most of my friends, we all got endless anti-fascism and, of course, near-rabid catholicism talks from our grandparents and great grandparents didn't you? regardless, I am glad you came to an epiphany and walked away and that the right janitor was put in your path!

  • @carmensidari5288
    @carmensidari5288 5 років тому +184

    Crazy on how this guy went from such a low.... to an incredible high !! Much respect

  • @jeanettewaverly2590
    @jeanettewaverly2590 5 років тому +109

    It takes courage to bare your soul like this. My hat is off to Mr. Picciolini.

    • @MorusAlba1975
      @MorusAlba1975 4 роки тому +1

      He simply figured out a good way to make money, giving talks like this for TED and schools. It's entirely self-serving.

    • @user-ej3iw8lw3w
      @user-ej3iw8lw3w 4 роки тому

      nah. it's way easier to be anti-white on the mainstream media

    • @deeznutz8320
      @deeznutz8320 8 місяців тому

      ​@@MorusAlba1975Not really guys like these are hired by Jewish NGO's to stop the spread of rightwingers
      Notice how they say ignorance yet dont adress thr claims

  • @kimberleyhosmer5997
    @kimberleyhosmer5997 3 роки тому +15

    Listening to this post 2020 election, post January 6th riot on the Capitol...
    Brings a whole new urgency to the work.

  • @mowtown75
    @mowtown75 3 роки тому +1

    One of the most articulate and gifted speakers I have listened to. Succinct, thoughtful, rich in content, its evident that he is sincere and knows how to connect.

  • @stolenjam
    @stolenjam 5 років тому +32

    Ignorance is BLISS!
    Perfect example of its NOT how you Start, it's how you FINISH!!
    Thank you for Sharing!

  • @nathanielcargile7135
    @nathanielcargile7135 4 роки тому +35

    I wish there was a way to “like” this a thousand times. Very inspired to spread love and compassion. It is true that many will not care if you are right about something, if you don’t first show you care abort them first.

  • @marzuqahmed218
    @marzuqahmed218 3 роки тому +35

    Thanks to this man for showing how people can change.

  • @teresaharley5913
    @teresaharley5913 4 роки тому +18

    This guy bought tears to my eyes, absolutely brilliant

  • @uhateulame9092
    @uhateulame9092 4 роки тому +5008

    If you think that this guy deserve empathy but an ex ISIS recruit doesn't, you are controversial. Both this man and an ex ISIS recruits should be understood in order to prevent this problem. And they should be helped not
    condemned.

    • @izzielazickas
      @izzielazickas 4 роки тому +104

      yes!!!

    • @halfbloodprincess989
      @halfbloodprincess989 4 роки тому +416

      I personally think anyone can redeem themself. The recruits of ISIS/neonazis and similar groups are often terribly young, so they have a real chance to see the light someday. It's probably a lot harder for old people to get out of a movement like that, as they would have to shed a believe they held for decades, but never impossible.

    • @boosted211
      @boosted211 4 роки тому +306

      the isis person maybe even more deserves a second chance. look at where most of them came from. watching their innocent family members die because another country wants to take your land and resources. having zero chance to move up in society because there is no society after other countries destroyed yours. going through things people in america think only happen in hollywood. i hate to think of all the potential lost to groups like this. 😥

    • @Grubiantoll
      @Grubiantoll 4 роки тому +93

      I am pretty sure the guy in his speach explicitly said, that the people who seem the least deserving of compassion and forgiveness are the ones that need it the most, and from the people they last deserve it from.

    • @vantastroganoff4370
      @vantastroganoff4370 4 роки тому +8

      Not the same
      Once CAUSE damage across the land
      Please show me gutting of human

  • @abbashaidari8313
    @abbashaidari8313 4 роки тому +63

    What I'm extremely afraid of is that we're doing the exact opposite of this as a society, instead of understanding what is going so wrong in these people's lives that they're joining and forming such movements.. we're labeling them as monsters and isolating them more..

    • @kamzamosweu2269
      @kamzamosweu2269 3 роки тому

      True, we don't give them a chance to say how they feel and why. The only people who should be attacked are these internet websites and channels that exploit the feelings of these people and leaders like trump should be shut down no matter what.

    • @tessy28
      @tessy28 Рік тому

      Some of them are monsters....

  • @oliviag.3365
    @oliviag.3365 Рік тому +2

    This was SO heart warming!!! Empathy is an outstanding force that has changed so many lives for the better. Well done, and I give you best wishes for your journey to help more young people find the right path.

  • @tweetybird7667
    @tweetybird7667 2 роки тому +7

    We need more people like you. Your story brought tears in my eyes. Kudos to you and your family.

  • @RuggerDez
    @RuggerDez 4 роки тому +19

    Nearly brought me to tears ... I’ve done so wrong how could I ever be right? Yet, the power of forgiveness is so strong, it allows you to love, and move on.

  • @farleydbear
    @farleydbear 6 років тому +3833

    he's right, u hate what u dont understand. how many times have u guys punched a machine when it stops working rather than fixing it?

    • @jackedwards8707
      @jackedwards8707 6 років тому +286

      NOICE but why does it work after you punch it

    • @vice6650
      @vice6650 6 років тому +73

      Jack Edwards still doesnt work.

    • @jackbotman
      @jackbotman 6 років тому +58

      This is why I hate math >:|

    • @Amoogus
      @Amoogus 6 років тому +109

      I don't know, why do you have loli hentai as a profile picture?

    • @talen-jei8032
      @talen-jei8032 6 років тому +3

      Sir Butternuts IKR

  • @dannyv2230
    @dannyv2230 3 роки тому +52

    I love this so fitting for these times. The best part of it was that he didn't need to mention religion at all. No, "I found god and got out." no, "I hated everyone else because they were a different religion than me." Just self reflection taking a step back from the person he was being upset about it and changing. Truly inspiring.

    • @centerfield6339
      @centerfield6339 3 роки тому +5

      "The best part of it was that he didn't need to mention religion at all". I thought the best part was he realised what he was, changed, and told us about it.

    • @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906
      @keepingbloodpuretypenation5906 2 роки тому

      You love this because your anti religion

    • @ShApeigen
      @ShApeigen 2 роки тому

      @@keepingbloodpuretypenation5906get off this site

  • @abemi869
    @abemi869 2 роки тому +8

    What a wonderful talk. If only there were more people like him.

  • @isa-mf5vq
    @isa-mf5vq 4 роки тому +18

    Imagine being his son and hearing him tell this story for the first time. ❤

  • @_1442
    @_1442 5 років тому +562

    I am of Jewish decent and this was very hard for me to listen to and I have always had a frame of mind of hate towards natzis / neo natzis which seems understandable but I really don't like the burden of hate. I want to forgive them and I know that I should. Hearing this from someone who was one of them showed me how much I need to learn to forgive. I wanted to scream at him at the beginning of the talk. What neo Nazis have done is horrible but in my heart I am starting to forgive. He changed his frame of mind in the end and that showed me that they are still people and they can change.

    • @johnathons1789
      @johnathons1789 5 років тому +64

      OPen borders for Isreal

    • @Bertiebaby
      @Bertiebaby 5 років тому +30

      @@johnathons1789 Does the irony of calling people "NPCs" and then being a parrot for /pol/ slogans escape you?

    • @Ultrameowmeow
      @Ultrameowmeow 5 років тому +5

      Don't worry, this guy is just a LARP

    • @dannykelly7159
      @dannykelly7159 5 років тому +21

      Well you did kill Jesus lol

    • @adrianapeissel113
      @adrianapeissel113 5 років тому +67

      Danny Kelly did this person directly kill Jesus? No. Grow up. Also it was the romans headass not the Jews. Also it was hundreds of years ago

  • @lilbee03
    @lilbee03 3 роки тому +19

    This is one of my favourite Ted ever. I really felt him and it reminded me a phrase from a famous Italian children's book writer (Rodari): "in every mistake lies the possibility of a story."
    It takes courage to become better, and you had it. Thanks a lot 🧡

  • @Mollybad
    @Mollybad 2 роки тому

    Wonderful. Just so real and sensible. Thank you, Chris!!

  • @damngoodlife1307
    @damngoodlife1307 6 років тому +296

    I am touched. You can see that prejudice is rooted in many other issues. I love how he interacted with the very people he hated. Great talk!!!

    • @bijoubijoux5185
      @bijoubijoux5185 5 років тому +1

      ya, drop your prejudice against men now

    • @thepeopleslast2579
      @thepeopleslast2579 5 років тому

      @PCPofficial I literally live in a place where whites are rare af and its on the border and we our crime rate is pretty damn low.

  • @revfuryfoxfive1857
    @revfuryfoxfive1857 5 років тому +12

    I cried when he said I'm sorry.
    This really needs more views.

  • @j.d.445
    @j.d.445 Рік тому

    I was very moved by this 🥺. So honest, so strong, powerful and emotionel.

  • @jillkregstein9644
    @jillkregstein9644 Рік тому

    You are Amazing ! Thank You so Much for giving me back Hope and Understanding to move on in this Crazy World ! I am sharing your talk with everyone I know!