One approach to combatting racism is to have violent clashes with white supremacists and Nazis at rallies. However, these street fights may result in an even more committed group of racists with few defectors. Below are some resources that provide an insight into alternative methods of combating racism through less violent means. These videos and links are real-life examples that can hopefully inspire similar efforts.
Education
One of the key areas of action needed is in the area of providing quality K-12 and higher education, both vocational training and liberal arts education. Without education, people become ignorant of other cultures and end up unemployable without training or skills that are valuable in the marketplace.
Life After Hate Organization Helps People Escape Racist Ideologies
Through the organization Life After Hate, former white supremacists are helping others leave the movement and build more peaceful and meaningful lives. Life After Hate was featured by Samantha Bee in the video below posted to YouTube on 14 Aug 2017.
This Black Musician Explains Why He is Friends With White Supremacists
Daryl Davis tells Fusion’s Kim Brooks why forming relationships with white supremacists has lead to a greater understanding of race in America. Davis is an accomplished blues and rock n’ roll piano player but it’s his unorthodox work exploring the issue of race that turns heads these days. Davis not only attends KKK rallies, he’s welcomed. Video posted to YouTube on 15 Sep 2016.
How One Black Musician Inspired 25 Men to Leave the KKK
“Daryl Davis was the only black member of a country band that played in mostly white venues. Over his years traveling around and playing music, Daryl met many interesting people…one of the was the head of the Maryland KKK. Daryl quickly learned that a common interest like music could help him get close enough to those types of people to change their hearts and minds. Overtime, Daryl convinced 25 people to leave the KKK.” Video posted to YouTube on 30 Sep 2016.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Talks About Hatred, Racism, and Nazis
Sometimes it helps for people to hear from those they admire, celebrities, or people they consider heroes. Here’s a statement from Arnold Schwarzenegger about hatred, racism and Nazis.
Commentary from Television Celebrities
In an SNL video on 17 Aug 2017, reflecting on the tragedy in Charlottesville, Tina Fey addressed the upcoming alt-right rallies and what action people can take.
In a video from Samantha Bee on 14 Aug 2017, she discourages people from getting into fist fights and instead suggests that people donate to efforts that help eliminate racism.
Activists Aim To Keep Charleston, SC From Becoming Charlottesville
Agreements that move groups toward dialog rather than street fights are a good thing. “The Charleston Black Nationalist Movement and members of the South Carolina Secessionist Party say their desire is to peacefully disagree over Confederate monuments and avoid the violence that happened in Charlottesville, Virginia.” Video posted to YouTube on 15 Aug 2017.
Informational Videos
In the past when racism and fascism threatened America, in 1947 the U.S. War Department created materials and videos like the one below to fight the ideologies of hate.
Creative Responses to Nazi Marches
The tweet below offers a creative suggestion.
Media Coverage
News coverage that is confrontational, heavily spun, deceptive, using selective soundbites, or ambush-style reporting may produce short-term views, but generally doesn’t result in future opportunities for interviews. If people feel they were misquoted, misrepresented, they won’t likely trust ‘the media’ again.
In-depth documentary-style news coverage about white supremacist ideology and those involved in the movement helps to raise awareness and reveal the mindset behind the ideology.
This VICE Media news coverage of the Charlottesville tragedy is an example of reporting that offers a broader and deeper view into such events. Video posted to YouTube on 14 Aug 2017. Contains disturbing content.
Below, this PBS News Hour interview with a white nationalist leader offers insight into the thoughts and viewpoints and message of such groups at the level that they interface with each other and those around them. Video posted to YouTube on 15 Aug 2017.
Here is another example from the The National of Canada. Video posted to YouTube on 17 Aug 2017.