Proud Boys

The Proud Boys is an international far-right, neo-fascist organization that promotes and engages in political violence. Founded by Gavin McInnes in 2016, the organization has been described as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and other sources due to its misogynistic rhetoric and support of white nationalist causes.

History
Vice Media co-founder Gavin McInnes founded the Proud Boys in August 2016 with “the goal of creating a men’s club for Western chauvinists.” The name was inspired by Aladdin when Genie says “Proud of your boy!” The first meeting was held September 29th at Tonic Bar on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Since then chapters have formed around North America and Europe, including Canada and Australia; however these are not officially recognized chapters because they do not pay dues or follow any rules set forth from headquarters. In 2017 the SPLC designated it as a hate group due to its misogynist rhetoric which demeans women while promoting male superiority within society. In 2018 Twitter suspended accounts associated with Proud Boys following reports that members were harassing journalists online during protests over police brutality towards people of color such as George Floyd’s death in May 2020 . Members also attended various rallies throughout Trump’s presidency but stopped attending after January 6 2021 coup attempt against Congress led by former president Donald J Trump himself who had endorsed them priorly calling them “very good”.

Organization Structure & Membership Requirements:

To join proud boys one must declare themselves ‘western chauvinists’ who refuse to apologize for creating modern world ; attend four meetings called ‘drinking parties’; undergo an initiation ritual involving physical fights between prospective members; memorize 10 slogans about their beliefs; wear Fred Perry polo shirts bearing their logo – black/yellow stripes resembling those used Nazi Germany flag often seen sported proudly amongst groups ; be sponsored two existing members before being given full membership status upon completing all criteria . Additionally , there are three levels of membership : 1st degree (general member), 2nd Degree (Officer) 3rd Degree(Grand Officer). Each level requires higher commitment than preceding rank example third degree would require much more active participation like taking part actions deemed illegal or physically violent etcetera .

Activities: Aside from participating rallies , they actively engage events intended spread awareness regarding issues affecting western culture like immigration policies freedom speech laws many others take shape public demonstrations xenophobic statements made some leaders affiliated movement whom condone anti semitism racism sexism among things despite continuous disavowals this behavior presented official capacity reportedly still occurring behind scenes unofficially sanctioned activities outside view general public eye .. Moreover recent years controversial videos surfaced internet featuring young girls singing songs meant promote ideals espoused aforementioned topics thus furthering agenda through utilizing impressionable minds reach broader audiences without necessarily having own face attached directly cause . Furthermore reported instances open display weapons cases where individuals carrying guns even knives marches gatherings resulted heightened security risk attendees bystanders alike leading calls authorities clamp down activity deem unlawful dangerous communities should taken into consideration future planning such undertakings order ensure safety occurance similar incidents does indeed repeat itself again soon come times ahead remain vigilant ever changing landscape politics our current climate..