This Ex-Skinhead Removed All Of His Racist Face Tattoos After Becoming A Father
Bryon Widner is an ex-skinhead who describes himself as a “borderline sociopath” – or at least he did. After becoming a father, the man decided to change his violent ways and leave his old life behind. And one of the biggest steps towards that goal was completely removing all of his racist facial tattoos.
Bryon became a skinhead when he was just 14 years old and spent sixteen following years involved with various racist organization in the midwest United States. He was well-known for his violent ways, even earning the nickname “pit bull”.
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The ex-skinhead even co-founded a white power group in Indiana, called Vinlanders Social Club, that eventually gained a reputation for being extremely violent.
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Bryon married Julie Larsen back in 2005 and the couple had a child a year later. This was the breaking point for the man – he decided he wanted to change and distance himself away from all the hate, something that was encouraged by his wife.
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Leaving the neo-nazi group was not easy and Bryon received harassment and death threats for years to come.
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The violent and racist facial tattoos certainly did not help the man leave his old life behind and Julie was afraid Bryon might do something rash – like douse his face in acid just to remove them.
Image credits: AP
Image credits: AP
Julie wanted to help her husband and contacted anti-racist activist Daryle Lamont Jenkins. The man put her in contact with Southern Poverty Law Center and after a few meetings and evaluations, the representatives of the center decided Bryon was ready to reintegrate into society. The SPLC helped find a plastic surgeon who would remove the tattoos and an anonymous donor provided the $35,000 needed to pay for the procedures.
Image credits: AP
Image credits: AP
It took a year and a half to remove all of Bryon’s tattoos. During this time, the man had to undergo over a dozen extremely painful procedures. The procedures were described as feeling like “you have the worst sunburn in the world, your face will swell up like a prizefighter, but it will eventually heal” by Dr. Bruce Shack, the surgeon responsible for the removal of the tattoos.
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However, that did not stop Bryon. He endured every agonizing procedure until only faint reminders of his old tattoos were left on his face.
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Bryon’s story even inspired a documentary titled Erasing Hate and a film called Skin, directed by Guy Nattiv and starring actor Jamie Bell.
Image credits: AP
The man hopes his story inspires others to change and seek help. “You do not owe anyone anything, please take a step back, and realize this world will always fight back. Before throwing your life away, quit digging your own grave, and know that hate has consequences,” said Bryon in an interview with Bored Panda.
Many people were inspired by Bryon’s desire to change
Got wisdom to pour?
What a great story. Amazing how having a family can inspire one to change their ways, aim toward a positive direction with their life. Much respect here . . . best of luck with the new family.