White American Youth

My Descent into America's Most Violent Hate Movement -- and How I Got Out

By: Christian Picciolini

Narrated by: Joan Jett, Christian Picciolini

Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

A stunning look inside the world of violent hate groups by a onetime white supremacist leader who, shaken by a personal tragedy, realized the error of his ways and abandoned his destructive life to become an anti-hate activist.

As he stumbled through high school, struggling to find a community among other fans of punk rock music, Christian Picciolini was recruited by a now notorious white power skinhead leader and encouraged to fight with the movement to "protect the white race from extinction." Soon, he had become an expert in racist philosophies, a terror who roamed the neighborhood, quick to throw fists. When his mentor was arrested and sentenced to 11 years in prison, 16-year-old Picciolini took over the man's role as the leader of an infamous neo-Nazi skinhead group.

Seduced by the power he accrued through intimidation, and swept up in the rhetoric he had adopted, Picciolini worked to grow an army of extremists. He used music as a recruitment tool, launching his own propaganda band that performed at white power rallies around the world. But slowly, as he started a family of his own and a job that for the first time brought him face to face with people from all walks of life, he began to recognize the cracks in his hateful ideology. Then a shocking loss at the hands of racial violence changed his life forever, and Picciolini realized too late the full extent of the harm he'd caused.

Raw, inspiring, and heartbreakingly candid, White American Youth tells the fascinating story of how so many young people lose themselves in a culture of hatred and violence and how the criminal networks they forge terrorize and divide our nation.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2017 Christian Picciolini (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

" White American Youth takes the reader into the depths of the hate movement and sheds a valuable light on the mindset of those who can be lured into this dark world. Christian's astonishing change of heart is a testament to our endless capacity for personal transformation." (Lonnie Nasatir, regional director, Anti-Defamation League)

"Christian's journey exemplifies how hate and violence are unsustainable, and tolerance, forgiveness, and love are the only ways forward. If Christian can change, there is hope for all humankind - a compelling and extraordinary story." (Jane Rosenthal, Co-Founder, Tribeca Film Festival)

Brutally honest and insightful

insightful personal journey detailing the journey from anti establishment punk rock into the depths of white power street gang politics. ultimately redeeming story as the disillusionment and emptiness forces acknowledgement and reconciliation for the protagonist. very brave personal story.

Awesome!

Loved it. It was informative, gritty and honest. I'm so proud of the man Christian became.

Insightful

I drew comparisons of Christian being drawn to White Supremacist culture to the experiences I am having with my twin sons' exposure to racist sites on Instagram, Reddit & YouTube. The internet has worsened the spread of racist ideologies. It's hard to protect teenagers from the toxic, racist fearmongerers on the Internet who prey upon the lonely and disenfranchised youth. Thanks to Christian for all his hard work.

Painfully beautiful

To live through another's pain helps one's own self esteem.
His wisdom will make good happen through his ironic epiphany.

excellent read

I prefer the earlier version of this book. Still a good read. recommended reading.

Great story, heartbreaking at times

A cautionary tale of when we let hatred get the best of us. At times it was difficult to listen to the most violent passages, but it was worth it. More people need to listen or read this book.

Can I give this a 10?

Well written, raw, and real. Congrats Christian for overcoming the hate that is so deeply rooted in so many.

An important and intriguing listen.

At times, hearing this mans (and out culture’s) history was painful and diffuse to listen to. It is an important book, and I am grateful he had the courage and ability to write such an important book. I recommend this full heartedly.

wow I needed this

was never a skinhead but I grew up around a l9t of racism. even though I knew it was wrong it still seeped into me. I needed this book to know I can recover

A book truly needed in this time

What this book says if what everyone needs to hear. What Christian says of his life story offers lessons literally everyone can learn from and hopefully take to heart in order to make this place better and happier. Amazing work!