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LeoMercado t1_j5zirv2 wrote

Hey Sammy, this is Leo and I'll be testing your ability to use Reddit. Can you respond to this question?

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Critical_Wish2185 t1_j5znwt1 wrote

What advice would you give to someone with a family member who is on the pathway to radicalization?

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sammyrangel__ OP t1_j5zqo95 wrote

First and foremost is understand for yourself that you may not be able to change what is happening in real time but can begin to plant the seeds that will foster change later.

Lead with being a good listener. What I have found in my experience talking with many individuals struggling with this is that they have grievances, they have a sense of not being heard, therefore not understood, therefore not ever validated in their own experiences.

Listening can lead to a sense of being heard which will strike them as different. Enough to perhaps stay involved in the convo or to at least think about it later.

Lead with empathic responses and approaches.

Try not to rebuttal.

Try to remain calm no matter what you are hearing.

Avoid being or sounding judgmental.

Remind them you love them unconditionally, even if you cannot support their actions, lifestyle.

Remember listening is not a sign of conceding or agreeing, but rather an indication of the worth and value you have concerning that person.

Avoid "cutting the person completely off". You can still maintain healthy boundaries and limits. There can still be accountability but think of how to apply that compassionately.

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Critical_Wish2185 t1_j5zoemf wrote

What is the best part of your current job?

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sammyrangel__ OP t1_j5zt9te wrote

I am working in a space helping others think about whether or not they are willing to close the distance between people in your world. Essentially, We are encouraging people to recognize that differences are never the reason we are so far apart, but rather the boxes we put others in, or lines we draw, that do not exist but only in our own minds. I love helping people and making things better.

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bdevzzz t1_j5zor8z wrote

Do you still have friends "on the other side", that are violent extremists?

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sammyrangel__ OP t1_j5zu4k5 wrote

I still know people in that life. I would not say I am friends with them as much as I remain a compass pointing to the way out. I personally have distanced myself from the people, places and things that I use to be a part of. I go back into those places to be of service. I encourage a few of them to consider an other alternative. I started a 12 Step group for men and women trying to leave street life and a life of hate.

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