Hate
addressing , 'hate', Neo-Nazi, white supremacy, KKK, etc
More than 200 people came to Antioch Missionary Baptist Church to listen to Meeink's story, including law enforcement agents who investigate hate groups. The former skinhead says he changed when he developed empathy for others. "That's how people stop using [drugs], to people that hate, to people that hate gay people," said Meeink. "You know it's always the same, you say to guys who are fearful and hateful of gays, 'why'd you stop hating them?' 'Well I got to know one.' Oh, so you had empathy for them? Like, they went through the same maybe things as you did in life huh?" He says empathy is the key to getting out of gangs.
Former neo-Nazi and white supremacist Frank Meeinks talks about the climate of hatred in the United States.
Former neo-Nazi: ‘You have to learn empathy for the world, for other people’
"The message Meeink wanted to send was one of empathy.
“I can’t argue with you about your concept of a higher power, what makes you a good human being, but I know the greatest thing it’s ever given us … is empathy,” he said. “You have to learn empathy for the world, for other people.” Empathy, or the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is key to fighting hatred, Meeink said."
Diversity Week: Empathy is the greatest tool to fight hate says former skinhead
MARCH 25, 2016
"Eventually, after several years of positive encounters with people from other ethnic backgrounds, Meeink finally discovered how to combat the hatred in this world and how there can be peace between people from all walks of life.
“What changed me is the greatest tool that’s ever been given, and that’s empathy. The thing that can fight hate on any level anywhere is empathy. If I can relate to you on something and you can feel my pain, I cannot hate you anymore.”"
The formula for combating hate: ‘Empathy,’ says former neo-Nazi
Frank Meeink spoke for more than two hours last week Thursday at Ripon College to a rapt audience. But his talk came down to one word. Empathy. “Look, here’s the key to the *** kingdom, to everything,” he said, interspersing “colorful” language throughout his talk. “Empathy. People showing *** empathy.”
"In these times of turmoil, Meeink argues that the best way to fight hatred is also the most difficult way — by offering empathy and forgiveness. Many white supremacists, he argues, are people who feel hurt and unloved and want to hurt others as a result. They come expecting violence, but only compassion can change them. In his closing statement, Meeink encouraged listeners to fight hatred with understanding. “We have to use empathy as a weapon for good,” he said. “The day that people treated me as a human being — I couldn’t fight that.”
Frank Meeink joined a SkinHead group a teen before finding his way out.
By: Shawn LogingOnce released, it was a Jewish business owner, Meeink says, that helped him find a way out. "When people started treating me like a human being, it changed, it changed everything. It changed the game; it changed how I could think," Meeink said. "People showed me empathy, and when you show someone empathy, it is the greatest weapon ever given to us to fight hate." Now, people he once hated have become some of his most important mentors.