Proud Boys
 Format for Proud Boys tattoo | |
| Named after | "Proud of Your Boy" |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2016 |
| Founder | Gavin McInnes |
| Type | Far-right men's organization[1][2] |
| Headquarters | New York City |
Region | International |
Leader | Gavin McInnes |
Proud Boys is a far-right men's organization[1][2][3][4] founded in 2016 by former VICE media co-founder and commentator Gavin McInnes. McInnes describes the organization as a "pro-Western fraternal organization" for men who "refuse to apologize for creating the modern world."[5] The group has been referred to as alt-right,[6] but McInnes describes the alt-right as "too far" because they think "Whites are what [are] important, not necessarily Western values", and instead identifies as "alt-lite". He claims to be inclusive to anyone "as long as you accept the western world as the best."[7]
The group takes its name from the showtune "Proud of Your Boy," a song introduced in the 2011 stage-show version of Disney's Aladdin.[6][8]
In 2017, Kyle Chapman, with the "full-approval" of McInnes, formed a "street fighting" wing of the Proud Boys called the "Fraternal Order of the Alt-Knights" (FOAK).[9][10]
Events
New York University
In February 2017, McInnes arrived at New York University to make a speech, accompanied by a group of about ten Proud Boys. Minor violence broke out between Proud Boys and anti-fascist protesters, and the NYPD said that eleven people (from both sides) faced criminal charges. One Proud Boy encouraged others to fight the “faggots wearing black that won’t let us in,” and was later arrested for punching a reporter from DNAinfo.[11][12]
Berkeley Patriot’s Day rally
On April 15, 2017, a Patriot's Day rally was organized in Berkeley by the Liberty Revival Alliance, which did not seek or receive a permit, and was attended by members of the Proud Boys.[13] Violence broke out between protestors and counter-protesters, with over 20 people arrested and 11 injured.[14]
Disruption of Halifax Indigenous Peoples' Protest
On July 1, 2017, five Canadian Armed Forces members who self-identified as Proud Boys disrupted a protest organized by Indigenous activists in Halifax on Canada Day. General Jonathan Vance, the head of Canada's armed forces, later stated that the five would be removed from training and duties as the military investigates and reviews the circumstances surrounding their actions. General Vance also indicated that the members could possibly be released from the Armed Forces permanently.[3][15] Rear Admiral John Newton, Commander of the Maritime Fleet of the Royal Canadian Navy, was "personally horrified" by the incident and stated that the Proud Boys were "clearly a white supremacist group and we fundamentally stand opposed to any of their values."[16]
Relationship advice
Comedian Dante Nero is referred to as the Proud Boys' "pope", who gives them relationship advice and encourages members to abstain from masturbation so as not to discourage interaction with the opposite sex. Members are encouraged to not masturbate more than once every 30 days.[17]
References
- 1 2 Mike Carter, Seattle police wary of May Day violence between pro- and anti-Trump groups, Seattle Times (May 1, 2017).
- 1 2 Colleen Long, 11 arrests at NYU protest over speech by 'Proud Boys' leader, Associated Press (February 3, 2017): "a far-right men's organization"
- 1 2 Tasker, John Paul. "Head of Canada's Indigenous veterans group hopes Proud Boys don't lose their CAF jobs". CBC. CBC. Retrieved July 6, 2017.
- ↑ Paige St. John & Veronica Rocha, Conservative and alt-right groups gather for 'free speech' rally in Berkeley, Los Angeles Times (April 27, 2017): "far right group Proud Boys..."
- ↑ Osnos, Evan (February 6, 2017). "Trump Supporters at the DeploraBall". The New Yorker. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
- 1 2 "The fratty Proud Boys are the alt right’s weirdest new phenomenon". Medium.com. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
- ↑ , The Rebel Media (April 7, 2017): "Gavin McInnes: What is the Alt-Right?"
- ↑ Disser, Nicole (July 28, 2016). Gavin McInnes and his Proud Boys want to make white men great again. Bedfordandbowery.com
- ↑ Harriot, Michael (April 26, 2017). "Meet the New Military Division of White Nationalism". The Root. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
- ↑ Bill Morlin (April 25, 2017). "New Alt-Right “Fight Club” Ready for Street Violence". Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved May 12, 2017.
- ↑ Offenhartz, Jake (February 3, 2017). "Anti-Fascist Protesters Clash With 'Proud Boys' As Gavin McInnes Speaks At NYU". Gothamist. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
- ↑ Campbell, Jon (February 15, 2017). "Gavin McInnes Wants You to Know He’s Totally Not a White Supremacist". Village Voice. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
- ↑ For many at violent Berkeley rally, it wasn't really about Trump or free speech: They came to make trouble - LA Times
- ↑ Alt Right ‘Proud Boys’ Declare Victory In Berkeley Melee « CBS San Francisco
- ↑ Elizabeth McMillan (July 4, 2017). "Forces members who disrupted Indigenous rally face 'severe consequences'". CBC. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
- ↑ Roache, Trina (2017-07-05). "The military apologizes while a grandmother demands action on “Proud Boys” behavior". APTN National News. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
- ↑ "077". The Gavin McInnes Show. Episode 77. 14 January 2016. Compound Media. (Subscription required (help)).