"If we can find a way to amplify the good things that people are passionate about, and provide opportunity, I suspect we’ll see less extremism when people are more resilient." - Christian
On the Get InPowered Podcast, we often talk about transformation and life-altering moments. Christian Picciolini is perhaps the prime example of such a transformation. A leader of white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups in his youth, Christian now works as an ambassador to help members of those communities transition out of hate and violence back into the broader community.
Christian’s perspective is unique and his passion for helping people overcome their hatred and defeat the core issues in their lives that lead them to these paths is overwhelming. How do you reach people who’ve turned against their fellow man? By listening first, then extending the three things people want most: Identity, community and a sense of purpose.
"It made me feel powerful when I felt the most powerless, and I was willing at that time to put aside the racism just to belong, just to feel accepted and have a status of somebody who was not on the margins anymore." - Christian.
"It’s pretty simple. We tend to hate other people because we hate ourselves, we hate the situation we’re in. And we project the pain that we feel onto other people so that we can rid ourselves of that pain." - Christian
"Hatred is born of ignorance; fear is its father and isolation is its mother." - Christian
They (men) were securing benefits and status, for a role they had not performed. - Judithe Registre
In this episode, Judithe completes her visit with Ambassador Henry MacDonald discussing violence against women, and the personal stakes this fight have for men. Ambassador MacDonald discusses the necessity of engaging men to achieve gender equality and the need to create a platform for men to engage with other men in finding solutions to ending violence against women.
If you’re a feminist, if you’re speaking in support of women’s right, you’re not just doing something for humanity. You’re doing something for men, and for males and for boys because we all will benefit. - Ambassador Henry MacDonald
If men understand they have a stake in it (gender equality) and start working, we can reach this in 15 to 20 years. - Ambassador Henry MacDonald
"Violence against women is the biggest human rights violation in the world. We’re talking about 50% of the global community, and seven in 10 women will experience violence in their life. These are serious issues." - Ambassador Henry MacDonald
In this episode, Judithe is joined by Ambassador Henry MacDonald to discuss violence against women, one of the most devastating issues affecting gender equality. Ambassador MacDonald discusses some of his work with the United Nations and the government of Iceland to increase male awareness as both the source of this endemic problem as well as the solution to it.
"A feminist is nobody else than a person who is supportive of the fact that girls and boys should have the same opportunities. That’s all!" - Ambassador Henry MacDonald
"Low-income is low-income, whether you’re black, white, brown or blue. Each individual has an individual need."
Judithe continues her conversation with Kay Kunda Musonda. Kunda discusses the importance of community, the ways seemingly small details can have huge impacts, how continued support changes lives, and the secret to moving mountains.
"Band together, and really work at these challenges that are challenging not only those of us who stay at home, but those of us who go to work!"