Arno Michaelis, a former neo-Nazi, reveals his journey from a white nationalist skinhead to a peace advocate working with Parents for Peace. At 16, he was drawn into the movement, seeking identity and belonging amid feelings of anger and loneliness. He highlights how neo-Nazi ideology, intertwined with music, indoctrinated him into a delusional sense of purpose. However, living with such hatred was exhausting, driving him to violence while he battled inner doubts about his actions. His story underscores the toxic nature of radicalization and the importance of finding hope and connection beyond hate.
I was an angry, lonely kid, searching for something: identity, purpose, belonging... The life I led was toxic to myself and everyone around me.
The only relief is violence, and even that doesn't satisfy for long. We justified brutal attacks on people we saw as enemies... anyone who wasn't us.
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