# So what's up with these 'Proud Boys', anyway? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 30, 2020, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896 "2020-09-30T15:58:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/61 "2020-10-01T15:01:24Z")
Seconded. Tripler IIRC, McVeigh was of a different “milita” with Terry Nichols. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/62 "2020-10-01T15:07:53Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > Now the Proud Boys have co-opted polo shirts as their uniform. I think they’ve now switched over to the “tacticool” look of most flabby white man militias. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/63 "2020-10-01T15:24:42Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > First the Boogaloo bois co-opted Hawaiian shirts as their uniform. Now the Proud Boys have co-opted polo shirts as their uniform. > > I wildly stand against what these idiots stand for, but in the meantime, as a middle-aged Engineer, what the hell am I supposed to wear to work now?!? 😡 > > Tripler > Damn. Time to upgrade my wardrobe. You’re safe to wear cargo shorts, and do all the opiods and crystal meth you want to 🤣 > [@solost](#): > > Another prohibition is “no cargo shorts, opioids or crystal meth” also Hawaiian shirts are probably ok as long as you don’t use camo gear as a fashion accessory. Seems like the two would clash horribly, but I’m no fashion expert. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/64 "2020-10-01T15:28:53Z")
Thank Og for two reasons: A) I keep going to the gym to dissuade any thought I might be a member of a “flabby white man militia,” and B) Cargo shorts are the keystone of my lower body-wear ensemble (although not in the office). > [@solost](#): > > also Hawaiian shirts are probably ok as long as you don’t use camo gear as a fashion accessory. Seems like the two would clash horribly, but I’m no fashion expert. I get pretty tactical with a pocket protector and slide rule. I am a member of our local workplace-based militia, though: the **XVIII Chairborne Corps**. We accept all local scientists, engineers, chemists, physicists. . . basically, anyone that stands for science and logic. Tripler Proud wearer of the PowerPoint Ranger tab. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/65 "2020-10-01T15:31:43Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > I am a member of our local workplace-based militia, though: the **XVIII Chairborne Corps**. We accept all local scientists, engineers, chemists, physicists. . . basically, anyone that stands for science and logic. Isn’t the short-sleeved button-up shirt with pocket protector your uniform? I keed, I keed! EDIT: I missed your own pocket protector mention on first pass (forehead slap) ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/66 "2020-10-01T15:33:46Z")
How do the Proud Boys stand on hoodies? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/67 "2020-10-01T15:34:27Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > How do the Proud Boys stand on hoodies? - With their feet. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/68 "2020-10-01T15:57:09Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > First the Boogaloo bois co-opted Hawaiian shirts as their uniform. Now the Proud Boys have co-opted polo shirts as their uniform. > > I wildly stand against what these idiots stand for, but in the meantime, as a middle-aged Engineer, what the hell am I supposed to wear to work now?!? 😡 > > Tripler > Damn. Time to upgrade my wardrobe Just to be on the safe side, better begin a program of frequent masturbation. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/69 "2020-10-01T16:14:44Z")
(I didn’t read the whole thread.) Was there any reaction from the ~~Humble~~ Proud Boys when trump said he didn’t know who they were? Did they get their wittle feewings hurt? ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/70 "2020-10-01T16:33:01Z")
Their reaction was to sell Proud Boys shirts saying ‘Stand By’. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/71 "2020-10-01T16:37:56Z")
They knew he knows who they are. Just like he “didn’t know” who david duke is. They were ecstatic to get orders from him to stand by to take care of the left wing. ---
**Author:** ![FordPrefect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e99b99/32.png) [@FordPrefect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordPrefect)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/72 "2020-10-01T17:03:20Z")
slow golf clap ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/73 "2020-10-01T17:05:02Z")
Masturbation is said to be an important part of prostate health. ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/74 "2020-10-01T17:09:18Z")
This is true. My prostate went Super Saiyan last week. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/75 "2020-10-01T17:21:51Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > Do we know what are they proud of, exactly?. Apparently, the blueness of their own balls. ---
**Author:** ![ArtBeforeScience](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/73ab20/32.png) [@ArtBeforeScience](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ArtBeforeScience)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/76 "2020-10-01T17:33:37Z")
I Googled all those things too, and the Wikis don’t provide a clear picture as to why someone would join, or the strange mental alchemy that members must undergo to become part of the cult. They’re clearly angry, and the only thing they can feel good about is picking fights. Anger often masks grief and loss, which American males are not allowed to feel. But what would they be grieving about? Possibly that the American Dream was never real? No wonder they’d rather beat people up. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/77 "2020-10-01T17:37:09Z")
> [@ArtBeforeScience](#): > > I Googled all those things too, and the Wikis don’t provide a clear picture as to why someone would join, or the strange mental alchemy that members must undergo to become part of the cult. It’s always the same two things: 1. Acceptance 2. Externalizing blame Always, always, always. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Proud Boys, neo-Nazis, incel groups, or any other hate group like that. The core of their membership are mostly losers. They are, to a remarkably disproportionate degree, unsuccessful in life, especially in jobs but also with the opposite sex, and joining a group like this offers a salve to their wounds. They are among people who accept them, sort of, and so make them feel as if they belong and are worthwhile, AND they have the opportunity to blame their own failings on an easily identified Other. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/78 "2020-10-01T17:58:04Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Wait, what? Did they go back in time? > > The Proud Boy group is four years old. > [@MindsEye\_Watering](#): > > Cite? Where did this come from? Yeah, I’m going to retract that statement in full. I posted it just after hearing an interview on Maddow with someone who claimed to be an expert in studying these ties. She (the expert) more than once made explicit reference to the Proud Boys as being responsible in some measure for Oklahoma City as well as the group having its origins in the 80s. The statements were strongly made, but I should not have accepted them at face value. > [@Skywatcher](#): > > I think @Aspenglow means far-right groups in general rather than specifically those guys. Thanks for being kind, @Skywatcher. I was aware of McVeigh’s admiration of right wing ideology but had never before heard any specific affiliation with the Proud Boys until last night. I ASSumed the expert cared enough about her own reputation to not make careless assertions, but apparently I was wrong. In researching more this morning, I can’t find even a tangential affiliation between the Proud Boys and right wing extremist groups in the 80s. Apologies to all. ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/79 "2020-10-01T18:14:50Z")
> [@Mickyfinn](#): > > > [@solost](#): > > > > According to the article, there are 4 levels of initiation, one of which is to “get a tattoo and agree not to masturbate”. > > They lost me at level 1. I don’t know whether it says more about me or the times that **1984** keeps coming to mind, but here’s what Orwell has to say on the subject (via Julia): > Unlike Winston, she had grasped the inner meaning of the Party’s sexual puritanism. It was not merely that the sex instinct created a world of its own which was outside the Party’s control and which therefore had to be destroyed if possible. What was more important was that sexual privation induced hysteria, which was desirable because it could be transformed into war-fever and leader-worship. The way she put it was: > ‘When you make love you’re using up energy; and afterwards you feel happy and don’t give a damn for anything. They can’t bear you to feel like that. They want you to be bursting with energy all the time. All this marching up and down and cheering and waving flags is simply sex gone sour. If you’re happy inside yourself, why should you get excited about Big Brother and the Three-Year Plans and the Two Minutes Hate and all the rest of their bloody rot?’ Substitute ‘masturbate’ for ‘make love’ and it makes sense. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2020, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/80 "2020-10-01T18:17:20Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > the Proud Boys and right wing extremist groups in the 80s. - Maybe those are the fathers of Proud Boys. 😉 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896.md?page=5)