Rising Out Of Hatred

Book Review : Rising out of Hatred

Author : Eli Saslow

My Rating : 5 out of 5

The complete title of the book is “Rising out of Hatred : The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist”.

Just 3-4 years ago, a well known thought leader of White Nationalism, Derek Black, renounced his cause and turned into a liberal. He wasn’t just some leader, he was looked at as “The” future leader. As a son of a former Grand Wizard of the Klu Klux Klan, as an eloquent speaker, very polished in debates, with a radio show that was widely popular among the followers, as the main speaker at their conferences, he was the rising star and universally loved by White Nationalists. And all this even before he was in college. In changing his positions, he had to publicly admit that he was wrong, and proclaim that the views he once espoused were dangerous. He had no choice but to go against his father, his family and cause them great emotional stress. He had to accept the danger that he will be labeled as a “traitor to the cause”. But he did the right thing. Because he clearly understood how illogical his ideas were, and how much harm they can cause. And he had to fight against those ideas.

This is an incredible story of transformation, courage and honesty. If I had watched such a story in a Hollywood movie, I would have most likely shaken my head in disbelief. “Such things don’t happen in real life”, is what I would have said. But reality is indeed stranger than fiction. That may be a cliche, but it’s true here.

I learned about this book on “The Daily Show” where both the Pulitzer Prize winning author Eli Saslow and Derek Black appeared together. I got so intrigued by the interview that I had to read this book, and I am glad I did.

The story is incredible, and Eli Saslow’s writing is smooth and gripping. This is not a story that can be written with politically safe language. It’s just not possible. This book tells things as they are. This is a history of last few years. As Derek Black was transforming himself from a White Nationalist into a liberal, at the same time, the Republican Party was transforming itself from a conservative party to Trump’s party. Many of the ideas of the White Nationalists which were considered fringe a few years ago, were becoming mainstream and foundational to the new Trump party. What the White Nationalists were hoping to happen for many many years, was suddenly happening with Trump (and of course his team) taking the charge. They were speaking the same language, expressing the same victimhood and proposing the same talking points. While Derek was giving up these ideas that he once promoted on his radio show, those exact same ideas were actually being taken up by the Presidential candidate of the Republican Party. 

These two separate but opposite transformations have been very superbly captured by the author. I am sure, given the current state of affairs, many people on the right, and especially Trump supporters would not like reading these details. But the author has no qualms in stating the facts and writing with complete candor. As many of us know and argue, he documents how the transformation of the Republican party started with the election of President Barack Obama. It was then aided by Fox News and completed by our current President Trump and his team.

It’s not just ironic, it horrified Derek. His transformation took place over the years when he was in college, with help from his unlikely friends which included one deeply religious Jewish friend and one immigrant from South America. His girlfriend was instrumental in challenging his views with facts after facts very patiently presented over many many months. But it was personal. He did not want to make a public scene out of it. But Donald Trump’s rise was the reason he decided to write editorials in liberal newspapers including The New York Times. He felt a personal responsibility to oppose the direction taken by the new politics of our country.

It is impossible to not feel respect for Derek Black. Very few people like to admit, even to themselves that they were wrong. To do it publicly, and going against their family is extremely rare. To do so at this extent - from a White Nationalist to a Liberal - is unheard of. And remember, all this in his twenties. It’s not just that he did it, but why he did it. As the book demonstrates, Derek changed his views, because of his analytical and highly intelligent mind. When presented with facts, it became clear to him that he was horribly wrong.

I cannot recommend this book enough. Especially if you are leaning on the Republican side of the spectrum and even more so, if you are a Trump supporter. No, I am not naive to think that anyone would change their mind by reading a book. But at least to some people, it will be help understand why many of us think that the politics of Trump is so dangerous to the fabric of our society. Well that’s my hope. Not expecting any agreement, just a bit of understanding.