skinheadz
2008-05-15 14:18:29 UTC
SKINHEAD LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE
There is little doubt that becoming a Skinhead is a life-changing
experience. But, just how life-changing is it? To Chris Tolley, it started
out by making a "political-statement" and presenting a "radical"
appearance, but, eventually, it switched from being about "self" to being
about "brothers" and that made all the difference. Tolley had been an
"independent" Skinhead for twenty years. He admired the "Order" and
"Aryan Nations", even spending time helping out Richard Butler at his
compound in Idaho. According to Tolley, who shaved his head but
sported massive and unkempt facial-hair, "I did what I enjoyed."
There have been many ways, over the years, for those committed to
a cause to display their dedication. With Negroes, it has been the
shedding of "slave-names" and adopting monikers, which descendants
of African-slaves fancy puts them more in tune with their "motherland"
of Africa. Cassius Clay, for instance, called himself "Mohammed Ali,"
to display solidarity with other Negroes against whites and against
America. With early Christians, it was, also, changing names, to indicate
a "new birth." Saul, one of the Twelve Disciples, for example, became
"Paul." It was all part of being "cause-driven."
Tolley was convinced that he would set his own agenda, however, lasting
only a few days under Butler's tutelage. By Tolley's own admission,
"I have been a traveler and street-brawler," who wound up in prison in
Colorado, for stabbing two Negroes. Then, he contacted Skinheads, who
insisted that he had to be entirely clean-cut and disciplined. Richie Rose
told Tolley that "we are glad to hear of your strong beliefs and would like to
welcome you as a brother," but that Tolley would have to "apply" himself.
Tolley, immediately, shaved off all of his facial-hair, relating that "I have
been needing brothers to get my head on right."
It was not an easy decision for Tolley. Keith Carney, who had a lengthy
rap-sheet, had condemned being totally clean-cut as a "total-joke."
Confronted with the motto, "Pure Blood, Pure Heart, Pure Skin," Carney
insisted that "I have never heard anything as ridiculous as what you say
against facial hair. It grows on your face. It has nothing to do with anything
at all." According to Carney, one could be a "Skinhead" and, at the same
time, take on a "Beatnik" appearance. But, Tolley had had his fill. "I
want something better, to make my Mom proud. Even though she doesn't
share my ideals, she and I are close," Tolley said.
Armed with his new look and attitude, Tolley pledged "to help, in every
way possible." "My health is okay and I like fishing, hunting, camping and
having fun," Tolley explained. But, "I'm sick of accomplishing very little
and need a good schedule to keep me in line." Gearing up for organized
Skinhead-recruiting, Tolley vowed that "all I need is a couch or garage to
lay my head down." From now on, "I am going to do my best." Meanwhile,
David Ridgen, a Canadian television-producer, who dons his own "Beatnik"
appearance, took note. "My understanding is that the numbers of
supporters are rising, in general," Ridgen observed.
http://www.skinheadz.com/docs/ideology/2008/051501.html
Skinheadz
Trademark/service of The Nationalist Movement
skinheadz.com
Not necessarily Skinheadz views
© 2008 Skinheadz
There is little doubt that becoming a Skinhead is a life-changing
experience. But, just how life-changing is it? To Chris Tolley, it started
out by making a "political-statement" and presenting a "radical"
appearance, but, eventually, it switched from being about "self" to being
about "brothers" and that made all the difference. Tolley had been an
"independent" Skinhead for twenty years. He admired the "Order" and
"Aryan Nations", even spending time helping out Richard Butler at his
compound in Idaho. According to Tolley, who shaved his head but
sported massive and unkempt facial-hair, "I did what I enjoyed."
There have been many ways, over the years, for those committed to
a cause to display their dedication. With Negroes, it has been the
shedding of "slave-names" and adopting monikers, which descendants
of African-slaves fancy puts them more in tune with their "motherland"
of Africa. Cassius Clay, for instance, called himself "Mohammed Ali,"
to display solidarity with other Negroes against whites and against
America. With early Christians, it was, also, changing names, to indicate
a "new birth." Saul, one of the Twelve Disciples, for example, became
"Paul." It was all part of being "cause-driven."
Tolley was convinced that he would set his own agenda, however, lasting
only a few days under Butler's tutelage. By Tolley's own admission,
"I have been a traveler and street-brawler," who wound up in prison in
Colorado, for stabbing two Negroes. Then, he contacted Skinheads, who
insisted that he had to be entirely clean-cut and disciplined. Richie Rose
told Tolley that "we are glad to hear of your strong beliefs and would like to
welcome you as a brother," but that Tolley would have to "apply" himself.
Tolley, immediately, shaved off all of his facial-hair, relating that "I have
been needing brothers to get my head on right."
It was not an easy decision for Tolley. Keith Carney, who had a lengthy
rap-sheet, had condemned being totally clean-cut as a "total-joke."
Confronted with the motto, "Pure Blood, Pure Heart, Pure Skin," Carney
insisted that "I have never heard anything as ridiculous as what you say
against facial hair. It grows on your face. It has nothing to do with anything
at all." According to Carney, one could be a "Skinhead" and, at the same
time, take on a "Beatnik" appearance. But, Tolley had had his fill. "I
want something better, to make my Mom proud. Even though she doesn't
share my ideals, she and I are close," Tolley said.
Armed with his new look and attitude, Tolley pledged "to help, in every
way possible." "My health is okay and I like fishing, hunting, camping and
having fun," Tolley explained. But, "I'm sick of accomplishing very little
and need a good schedule to keep me in line." Gearing up for organized
Skinhead-recruiting, Tolley vowed that "all I need is a couch or garage to
lay my head down." From now on, "I am going to do my best." Meanwhile,
David Ridgen, a Canadian television-producer, who dons his own "Beatnik"
appearance, took note. "My understanding is that the numbers of
supporters are rising, in general," Ridgen observed.
http://www.skinheadz.com/docs/ideology/2008/051501.html
Skinheadz
Trademark/service of The Nationalist Movement
skinheadz.com
Not necessarily Skinheadz views
© 2008 Skinheadz