Former neo-Nazi removes swastika tattoos after unlikely friendship

Summary

Michael Kent, a former skinhead with a history of hate tattoos, shares his journey of transformation. After receiving a probation officer named Tiffany Whittier, who encouraged him to embrace positivity, he began removing his tattoos and changing his mindset. Tiffany’s support helped Michael transition from an exclusive, hate-driven lifestyle to one where he works with diverse colleagues and participates in community activities. The story highlights the power of compassion, guidance, and the belief that anyone can change, no matter their past.

Takeaways

• 😀 Michael Kent is getting a swastika tattoo covered after over 20 years.
• 😀 Michael has never been in a professional tattoo shop before, making the experience painful but meaningful.
• 😀 Michael's first tattoos were related to his past involvement with a skinhead group and included a white pride tattoo and swastikas.
• 😀 He has had a swastika tattoo on his chest for over 20 years, which is a symbol of his past beliefs.
• 😀 Michael's probation officer, Tiffany Whittier, played a crucial role in helping him transition away from hate and violence.
• 😀 Tiffany Whittier's influence was transformative; without her, Michael believes he would have fallen back into his past ways.
• 😀 Tiffany encouraged Michael to replace hate symbols with more positive imagery, like smiley faces, to shift his mindset.
• 😀 Michael now works in a diverse environment where he is the only white person among his coworkers, a significant change from his past.
• 😀 Despite being the only white person in his workplace, Michael has built strong relationships with people of different races.
• 😀 Tiffany Whittier sees her role as being a positive influence rather than a judge, believing that everyone deserves a chance to change.
• 😀 Michael credits Tiffany with giving him the strength and courage to change, believing in the goodness of people and the power of support.

Q & A

What was Michael Kent's first tattoo and its significance?

Michael Kent's first tattoo was a white pride symbol and two swastikas, which were part of his association with a skinhead group. These tattoos were a representation of his previous beliefs in racial supremacy.

How long had Michael Kent had the swastika tattoo on his chest?

Michael Kent had the swastika tattoo on his chest for over 20 years before deciding to cover it up.

What was the turning point in Michael Kent's life that helped him leave his former beliefs behind?

The turning point came when his caseload was transferred to Tiffany Whittier, a black probation officer. She played a crucial role in his transformation by offering support and positivity, which helped him move away from his past associations.

How did Tiffany Whittier influence Michael Kent's mindset?

Tiffany Whittier became more than just a probation officer to Michael. She suggested he remove negative symbols like the swastikas and replace them with positive imagery, like smiley faces, to help shift his perspective and promote a more positive mindset.

What was Michael Kent's mindset towards working with people of other races before his transformation?

Before his transformation, Michael Kent would not work with anyone who wasn't white. He had a very rigid and exclusionary view of racial interactions.

How has Michael Kent's attitude towards race and diversity changed since his transformation?

Since his transformation, Michael Kent now works in a diverse environment, where he is the only white person among 13 colleagues. He participates in company events, such as barbecues and birthday parties, alongside people of different races.

How does Michael Kent view his relationship with Tiffany Whittier now?

Michael Kent now considers Tiffany Whittier more than just a probation officer. He sees her as a key figure in his life who gave him strength and courage to change, and he describes their bond as one of family.

What was Michael Kent's job situation before his transformation?

Before his transformation, Michael Kent was not willing to work for or with anyone who was not white. This mindset has drastically changed since then, thanks to Tiffany's influence.

How did Michael Kent's support system help in his transformation?

Michael Kent attributes his success in changing his life to having a strong support system, especially Tiffany Whittier. Her belief in his ability to change and her positivity helped him believe in himself and take the necessary steps toward transformation.

Did Michael Kent ever think he would change his life this drastically?

Michael Kent admits that he never thought in a million years that he would undergo such a transformation. He credits Tiffany for giving him the strength and courage to change.