ASTRID MAKES CHANGES
Hey, Scary!
Today I finally want to thank you for the inspiration you have been for me during the last years. I saw you first on the French-German-TV-Channel quite some time ago – and to be honest I was impressed, but forgot your message too soon. Nevertheless every now and then it came back to me, when my job at a University in Germany as a research assistant became too much for me, because some students were aggressive and offending me. I wasn’t so sure if I really liked the compliment “Among your enemies you’re having a good name”, because I never wanted to be hated or give others the impression that I despised them. But obviously somehow it went that way.
One night I when I was really desperate and couldn’t sleep because of all the anger I felt, I was watching your videos on youtube and when I listened again to you telling about that offending ad in the newspaper that made you reflect your life and your attitude that was the point when I finally wanted to turn around my direction as well, because I realized it was wrong. So I quit my job and in September this year I am leaving for Canada for several months, for a complete re-start, for doing something I love, for learning more about myself and to change my attitude to myself and to other people. Because for a long time I took up all the negative energy my boss, my students, colleagues and so on gave to me and I kept it inside – and in the end it made me seriously sick. At that point I remembered you and your message I heard a couple of years ago and that was the night I sat in front of the computer for several hours, watching your youtube-videos and I said to myself “Yes, that’s the right way. You have to create love to replace hate”.
Just wanted to tell you about having this impact on me and on my life. You are an amazing and precious man, thank you for sharing your message! I love you. Facebook says you already have too many friends (can anyone have too many friends?), so you can’t ad me – but I hope you get this message.
Best wishes and a big hug from Germany!
Astrid
A LETTER FROM AMANDA PRICE
Dear Scary Guy,
My name is Amanda and I work for a program called Upward Bound, which is a college prep program for high school students. Upward Bound includes about sixty-five high school students and about twelve adults.
I’m not sure if you are aware of the goings on in Oklahoma, but two months ago, an 11-year-old boy named Ty Smalley took his own life because he was bullied so much at school. Mark Brennaman has been working with the Smalley family since the loss of their son. He came and spoke to the program yesterday afternoon where he showed us a video of you on Youtube.com. I was fascinated to say the least. I was inspired, as were many of the students. After we watched your video, one of the students suggested that we take on the “Seven Day; Seven Night Challenge.” We started this morning at 7 a.m. and so far the students have embraced the Challenge incredibly.
At Upward Bound, we have started our own program called Stand For The Silent. The students have organized this entire thing on their own. They came up with pledge cards to stop bullying in schools. There is a driver who busses students to the program who coined a phrase for us. “I Am Somebody.” The students decided that when you pledge and get a pledge card, you would also get a bracelet that says “I Am Somebody.” and on the back of the bracelet would be the initials of the boy, Ty Smalley.
You have been such an inspiration to our effort and I just wanted to tell you that the work you have been doing for the past seven years is absolutely incredible. I want to thank you for your message. I know this program, and myself, has greatly benefitted in just one day.
Truly yours,
Amanda Price
APRIL IS AWAKE!
Dear Scary Guy,
A Few years back in school, your film inspired my class be nicer to each other and to see each other without being prejudiced. But to actually meet the person that has made such a difference in the world is amazing.
My 3 year old little sister, myself and my other half (Neil) came back to our shop and she said how she had a big hug from a soft giant and i think that is what it felt like, a big warm hug with out being scared. She later watched your video all the way through, I feel as though she really enjoyed it. =] After we came home, she sat on the chair in our living room and gave herself tattoos all over her body then came to hug everyone in the house, your video really lifted her mood even though she couldn’t fully understand all of it.
It’s great to see that after so long you still care about what your doing and how your message is still going around the world.
Keep rockin’ =]
Here is a link to the photo that was taken on that day, I know we look scared but we were definitely excited and even a bit shy. I feel very honoured to have that picture taken with you and really hope to bump into you again soon or maybe when ash invites us to the studio. =P
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?pid=4837653&id=584851594
Please could you send a signed card to:
April (me 18), Emily (younger sister 16) & Taylor (my little sister 3)
Thank you. Will be in touch xxx
April
JAKE TELLS HIS STORY
Hey Scary it’s Jake,
😀 When you were in England quite a few years back now you came to a school in a small town, King Edward VI Humanities College in Spilsby. I just want to say that to be honest, since then I’ve taken on what you said and I’ve become a much better person. Your words have inspired me no end and of course I was a little scared of hugging you that day but of course all of what you do, the Scary intro is all an act, from what i have seen of you on YouTube and the videos on your site,
I understand that it’s all an act so you want them to misjudge you, so that when you tell them who you really are inside, you’re one of the nicest, warmest and hard working people i know. You are an inspiration to me and us all and i hope that one day in the future of humanity, that all the children, parents, teachers, all those you’ve talked to would use what you’ve taught them and become better people.
I would like to ask if you have a personal Email address? If so then please may I add you? I’d love to know you better, I’d wager that you have some fantastic stories to tell from all over the world. Or maybe if you’re in the area next time we could meet up somewhere and have a good chat and a coffee 😛
If you can, please get back to me, I’d really like to talk to you again Scary, I help allot of people out with their problems so it would be good to talk to someone that could help me and give me some guidance with my decision making on helping them. If you don’t have the time it’s OK, it’s perfectly understandable 🙂
Anyway, I’ll let you get back to reading your Emails 😀 I hope everything’s going OK and I’d love to catch up sometime soon.
Lots of love,
Jake Harrington
THE SCARY GUY IN SWEDEN
Scary on hate and bias
Publ: 05 maj 2010 18:54 Uppdaterad Unt.se » Uppsala
The Scary Guy spoke in Gottsunda church for students in Gottsunda School.
He stands before the altar in Gottsunda church, with a face as colourful as that of the great Jesus Christ in the painting behind him; tattooed from head to toe; a face full of piercings; and with the school’s 300 Gottsunda students total attention turned to him.
Actually, he speaks of the obvious. “Look who is Inside that body!” he urges the audience. Well … that one should not judge someone based on looks, sexuality, profession or religion we do know. But with his Scary name and Scary appearance, his message is rather a surprise. But, as he soberly notes; “nobody would be interested to go and listen to The Loving Guy?”
Gottsunda school can boast: “This is the first time that The Scary Guy has appeared for Swedish pupils. The lecture is most akin to a show, as he makes students a part of it by bringing them up on stage and by going out among them to collect hugs.”
“Researchers have actually found that we humans need an average of sixteen hugs a day!?” says Scary, and he took the opportunity to hug the two policemen from Gottsunda, who were also sat in the audience.
And the Gottsunda Students loved him. They laughed, asked questions, and hugged him back.
“At first, I thought … Oh my god, what does he look like!? But I quickly forgot my thoughts. It feels to me like I’m going to see people a little differently now. He said things that really got one thinking,” said the ninth grade teacher Linnea Lejman after the lecture, when students started to immediately flock around The Scary Guy to get his autograph and a photo with him.
Eighth grader, Ludwig von Feilitzen, looked at the autograph he had just received, noting that it was the “best lecture” he had ever been to; “He looks like the worst motorcycle biker, but really proves that you should not judge someone by appearances. I have joined his facebook group!”
Behind him Rasmus Johansson gave his seventh grade English teacher a hug, reaching five of Scary’s 16 hugs a day challenge. He said happily; “Hugs make you better friends. There are some fights and bullying in Gottsunda here, so the lecture was really good.”
It occurred to me, that when you see the students’ enthusiasm … The Scary Guy seems to be something of a modern Jesus. Not that it is religion that he preaches. It is not. And it is a coincidence that we happen to find ourselves in a church. But he succeeds in getting a message of love across … without anyone raising their eyes to the heavens or falling asleep by just being there. He is exciting because he is not the one we thought he would be!
But, as The Scary Guy would say; “Who is, really?”
Story By: Elin Sandow elin.sandow@unt.se
Photography By: Rolf Hamilton
RACHEL’S LIFE
Hey Scary,
I guess the only way to start this message is- I miss you.
Ever since your visit in October, my life has been completely changed,
your words are now my life and I try my hardest to use them as a
survival guide, I have been bullied all my life, but now it is finally
ending.
I have managed to find someone who loves me for who I am and he is
amazing, the bullies are getting bored of me not reacting how I used
to, and my life is altogether so much better.
So I’d like to thank you scary, for everything, you have changed my
life and helped me through my pain.
Rachel xxxxx
=======
DEAR RACHEL,
I WROTE THIS QUOTE TODAY.
YOU SEE, MY LIFE IS A SERIES OF WORDS AND ACTIONS THAT ARE HAPPENING
IN THE MOMENT. AND I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE ANSWERS. I JUST AM.
SO WHEN I SIT DOWN AND JUST RELAX . . . TAKE A BREATH . . .
THE MAGIC ALWAYS HAPPENS.
HERE IS WHAT CAME FROM THE TIPS OF MY FINGERS THIS MORNING.
AND REMEMBER, I DID NOT KNOW I WOULD RECEIVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL
HEARTFELT LETTER TONIGHT.
RACHEL, THIS IS IN YOUR HONOUR . . .
“May the power of your love radiate with every breath you
take and every sight you see. And you are witness to the
Blessing of all people and the essence of their love.”
-The Scary Guy 2010
RACHEL, I GUESS THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO END THIS MESSAGE,
I MISS YOU TOO.
LOVE TO YOU RACHEL.
SCARY
LIFE IS A JOURNEY. ENJOY THE RIDE!
BEN SPEAKS OUT!
Hey Scary
I just wanted to let you know you are an awesome man, your message needs to be heard by so many more.
I want to post/favorite your videos here in the chance that someone will stumble upon them, the way I have & think a little bit different
I watched about all your videos & found out about you quite a few years back.
My forehead chin neck arms scalp chest etc are fully tattooed & colorful like yours & most
people believe it or not ha actually are really cool for the most part to me about it.
When some ones not or when people don’t understand I try to set a positive example by making them see I’m no different…
I just look different, more colorful, people will say to me that I’m scary at times too even but it doesn’t bother me.
I did my tattoos in a way that I don’t see how they could feel that way but then again I think I’m a bit more open minded than most.
I talked to you on myspace a few years back when I was on there.
I’d love to be able to meet you one day give you a big bear hug & just to tell you what an impact
you have had & how wonderful you are.
I will remember your message always!!!
Much love scary you are the man, keep up the good fight!
Love,
Ben
STEPHANIE TELLS HER STORY
Dear Scary,
About a decade ago, the PTA council I belonged to was in the middle of a heated debate.
Should we bring this “scary guy” in to help with the new zero tolerance push from the school district.
My son was about eight at the time, and school was not going well for him.
He was always the kid at the end of the zero tolerance inquisition.
So I really wasn’t keen about another guy coming in and telling me what was wrong with my son.
Some fliers were passed around about the message this guy had, and I quickly realized
the discussion was about how he appeared not the message. I was interested to hear what
this guy had to say. So my vote was to bring Scary Guy to our elementary school.
Our world was harsh surroundings for my son, nothing he could do was right in the eyes
of the principal, staff, or kids. But the message of love and acceptance kept us hanging
on this pasts decade.
The school district my son was at nearly drove him to desperation, recommended medication,
and finally just threw him away. But the words and beliefs of the Scary Guy lingered.
Through a miracle of sorts, our paths crossed with Scary in 2007.
My son was just going through the motions trying to pull himself back together after the
abuse from the kids and teachers. Scary spoke with him at length in one on one sessions,
and out on road tours for charitable organizations. His words helped strengthen my whole family.
His lovely writer, Cathryn provides a inspirational muse to the troubled soul.
We are happy to report Calvin is in college, and faced with an upcoming transplant.
Sadly, he still gets harassed in person and on FaceBook, with threats and negative comments.
But with someone like Scary in his life, nothing can hold him back from success.
Love you,
Stephanie
The Scary Guy Podcast 