Watch Healing From Hate: Battle for the Soul of a Nation

Healing From Hate: Battle for the Soul of a Nation is a documentary that explores the rise of hate groups in the United States and the individuals who have transcended their hate-filled beliefs to join a movement of collective healing. Directed by Peter Hutchison, the film features Michael Kimmel, a sociologist and leading voice in the study of masculinity and gender.

The film begins by examining the aftermath of the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where white supremacists and neo-Nazis gathered to protest the removal of a Confederate statue. The rally sparked heated debates about the role of hate groups in society and the importance of addressing the root causes of prejudice and bigotry.

Through interviews with former white supremacists, family members of hate group members, and activists working to combat hate groups, the film delves into the experiences and perspectives of those involved in extremist movements. The interviews provide insights into the personal and societal factors that drive individuals to join hate groups, and the emotional and psychological toll of extremist beliefs.

Among the individuals featured in the film is Bryon Widner, a former skinhead who underwent a painful and lengthy process of tattoo removal in order to distance himself from his white power past. Widner’s story underscores the complexities of leaving hate groups and the challenges of rebuilding a new identity outside of the tribe.

The film also explores the role of social media in fueling the spread of hate and extremism, and the challenges of regulating online speech. Interviews with tech leaders and digital rights advocates provide context for the ways in which platforms like Facebook and Twitter have been used to amplify extremist views and recruit new followers.

Healing From Hate: Battle for the Soul of a Nation also highlights the work being done by anti-hate organizations to combat extremism and promote healing. The film profiles the Life After Hate organization, which provides support and resources for those looking to leave extremist movements, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, an advocacy group that tracks hate groups and promotes tolerance and inclusion.

Overall, the film is a thoughtful exploration of the nature of hate and the potential for healing and transformation. By focusing on the experiences and perspectives of those who have lived through hate and extremism, the film emphasizes the importance of compassion, education, and dialogue in countering the forces of prejudice and hate.

Healing From Hate: Battle for the Soul of a Nation is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.