Avast ye scurvy dogs! Ne'er abandon hope and mendin'! Me wench be settin' me free from a life o' violent villainy.
2023-12-23
Arr, me KKK ways be scarin' me goodly wife! In fear fer our wee ones 'n kith, she be seekin' solace from Google, beggin': "Pray tell, how be I rid me hubby o' this wretched hate crew?"
In a humorous tone, the author reflects on a viral video that featured him and his young son dressed in KKK regalia, throwing up salutes and shouting racist slogans. He admits to joining the KKK due to his own distorted worldview shaped by trauma and bigotry in his abusive upbringing. His wife, fearing for their family, sought help on how to get him out of the hate group and found Arno Michaelis, a former leader of a racist skinhead organization. Under Arno's guidance, the author realized that his hatred was rooted in deep trauma and pain, and he needed healing and help.Arno introduced the author to Heval Mohamed Kelli, a Kurdish Syrian refugee and cardiologist, who played a vital role in helping him leave behind his hate and addiction, and become a compassionate individual. The author emphasizes that xenophobia is flourishing in the country, but through his own journey of healing and forming relationships with people in the Muslim community, he believes that the country can also heal.
The author shares his difficult upbringing under the violent hand of his father, who instilled bigoted beliefs in him. After experiencing the trauma of 9/11, he directed his fear and rage towards Muslims. He joined the KKK after becoming addicted to opiates, seeking a sense of belonging. However, with the support of his wife and the intervention of Arno and Heval, he was able to leave the hate group and find a path towards healing.
Heval's friendship and teachings helped the author overcome his Islamophobia and understand the richness and diversity of Islam. He now attends Ramadan celebrations and iftar dinners with his family, cherishing these experiences. The author is no longer filled with hate and has become an ambassador for his city, helping others deradicalize and offering them compassion and patience, much like what he received from Heval.
The author expresses gratitude for the policies that welcome refugees like Heval, as they have played a crucial role in his own transformation. He believes that despite the fractured state of the country, people can come together and help each other heal.