We’re back! #WATWB is here for another month of good news stories. Our co-hosts in this line-up are:
Damyanti Biswas,
Simon Falk,
Shilpa Garg,
Mary J. Giese ,
and Dan Antion.
Please hop on over to their pages and check out their posts.
On a recent cold day I was putting away some clothes that had been drying by the heater. Listening to a TEDTalk podcast I was stopped by the story. A skinhead who had changed. Although the story was not new, this TEDTalk bundle was. And…. it was, is, good news.
You can view Christian Picciolini’s TEDTalk ‘Mile High’ here
A look at Christian’s website reveals:
After leaving the hate movement he helped create during his youth in the 1980s and 90s, he began the painstaking process of making amends and rebuilding his life. Christian went on to earn a degree in international relations from DePaul University and launched Goldmill Group, a counter‑extremism consulting and digital media firm. In 2016, he won an Emmy Award for producing an anti‑hate advertising campaign aimed at helping people disengage from extremism.
You can check it out for yourselves.
In times where we hear that trolling online, and ‘hate speech’ online or offline, can grow to worse measures, a story like Christian Picciolini’s is a heartening one.
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Simon's still stanza 
Will watch the TED talk when I can Simon but your brief on it is hopeful – thank you. It’s so necessary that the hate speech is counteracted –
I agree wholeheartedly, Susan.
Love, love, love this, Simon. Christian is an example of how people can change from something very dark to a positive force. His last statement about finding someone who is least deserving of your compassion and to give them compassion, because they are the ones who need it most… so true! He’s right that people hate out of fear and of wanting to belong. It’s up to all of us to help quell the fears and give everyone a chance to belong to something good. Thanks for the Ted Talk and the wonderful share for #WATWB.
Isn’t it just fabulous, Mary! I thought it such a good thing. Great that tries to get to the heart of the matter – the causes – of hate.
It is always good news when someone turns their life around.
Let’s hope it moves others to do similar things, Norah.
I hope so, Simon.
A story of change – negative to positive – and how he is doing what he can to help others… inspiring! Thanks for sharing this with everyone and for being a part of #WATWB!
I think it really can help others too.
Goes to show that each action has consequences – positive and negative. I’m so glad he found a path that has him helping others. Thanks for sharing this story and for being an integral part of #WATWB!
Thanks, Lynn. May he continue on such a path, and make one for others too.
Hi Simon – I’ll be back to listen to the TED talk … but have looked a bit more at his life and how he’s thankfully done more than a U turn and is helping others, as well as advising how to counteract the hate in the world. through his non-profit peace advocacy organisation, particularly Life After Hate programme … thank so much … cheers Hilary
http://positiveletters.blogspot.com/2019/05/we-are-world-blogfest-25-lemon-tree.html
I think you’ll like the TED Talk, Hilary. Thanks for looking further too, he has a lot on his website.
Thanks for broadening the reach of this man who has not only reformed himself but is working so diligently to help others do the same. I have seen him on various cable news shows and seen the work he has done with others. It’s a challenge to maintain hate in its most virulent form. Rid someone of it before middle progresses to old age and success is more likely I believe.
It was my pleasure to share this story, John. Thanks for visiting.
This is a story of change and redemption. Thanks for sharing it, Simon.
My pleasure to share and to continue with WATWB, Damyanti. That we may have more stories like this. That we may have more champions like Belinda and yourself to promote it.