Even the most radicalized minds never believe they are operating from a position of hate or being wrong. But through friendship first, which can bring unconditional love, things can change.
Even when someone joins a white supremacist organization, they never once think they are operating from a position of hate. They think their very existence is being threatened. And that’s the danger of terrorist organizations and cults.
Those members often believe they are fighting the good fight and doing the “Lord’s work.” It’s all under the guise of moral superiority that they do what is right. As white, straight Christian males, they believe they are under attack.
To them, inclusivity feels like oppression. And this is why education is so important—having conversations with people of different beliefs and backgrounds.
Changing The Narrative
If we’re going to change the narrative, we must first change our approach to the conversation.
No matter what belief system you come from or what side of the aisle you are on, choose to see the good in everyone. Always operate from a position of love.
You never know when the lights will come on for someone.
You could be the person who plants the seed that changes someone’s life. And you never know what kind of impact that person may have on the rest of the world.
Diehard Trump fans say Trump would be the best thing for this country. There’s a strong sense of having the white savior complex that many people on the right have.
They think they know what’s best for every other group. Whether it’s women, marginalized communities, or minorities, it doesn’t matter. They know what’s best for you.
Becoming Un-Radicalized Through Friendship
Someone who was radicalized read these books for guidance:
- Blitz: Trump Will Smash the Left and Win
- Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House
- What Are the Odds? From Crack Addict to CEO
- Resistance (at All Costs): How Trump Haters Are Breaking America
- Blackout: How Black America Can Make Its Second Escape from the Democrat Plantation
Through friendship first and the unconditional love that evolved from that friendship, those books were replaced with these:
- The New Jim Crow
- The Color of Law
- How To Be Anti-Racist
- Black Reconstruction
- The Quacking of America
- My Grandmother’s Hands
A slow, un-radicalized transformation took place.
If people take the time to develop friendships and meaningful relationships with each other, we can unite and change the world.
Unconditional love is a power strong enough to transform lives.
Note: There are no links to the books mentioned in this article. To purchase any of them, consider alternatives to Amazon and Audible. Also, consider ordering from bookstores owned by people of color.