# 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:** 6
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2020, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/101 "2020-10-02T01:15:06Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > On a serious note, I object to your use of the word ‘retards’. I also object to your use of the word. It is offensive. Even in the Pit slurs related to a disability are beyond the pale. Don’t be a jerk regarding this **@Tripler** , even in the Pit. ---
**Author:** ![Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mundane_super_hero/32/6304_2.png) [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mundane_Super_Hero)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2020, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/102 "2020-10-02T01:25:09Z")
I’m not sure if this adds to the thread; ignore if it doesn’t. Earlier tonight I was out on a take-out food run… and while I was driving I observed something. Every guy in a p/u truck… or work van… or tradesman van… or a box truck that I saw had their window down with their pudgy fingers hanging outside of it… scrunched up into that “WP” sign. I guess it could just be the “bad joke of the day” but I didn’t like it at all. ---
**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 2, 2020, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/103 "2020-10-02T01:56:40Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > On a serious note, I object to your use of the word ‘retards’. > [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > I also object to your use of the word. It is offensive. Even in the Pit slurs related to a disability are beyond the pale. Don’t be a jerk regarding this **@Tripler** , even in the Pit. I understand, and I apologize. I withdraw the comment, understanding that I cannot ‘unring that phone.’ Trip ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2020, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/104 "2020-10-02T03:44:00Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > understand, and I apologize Accepted. ✌🏼 ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2020, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/105 "2020-10-02T09:37:54Z")
My first instinct would be that this means they were related to NoFap, a group pushing the idea that not masturbating was better for your mental health. And while I’m sure it could those who had made it into a compulsion, I do remember some touting it more that it would help “maintain testosterone” and “make you more manly.” I could see this as part of the reason it would catch on here. Yes, in other words, I’m saying it sounds like there’s Incel involvement here. As for why it sticks around, I actually think similarly to that 1984 quote. I think that’s why it gets pushed so hard by cult-like entities. It’s an aspect of pleasure that is not under the control of the cult. Cults are set up where they create displeasure by feeding you propaganda, but then make it where the only way to feel better is to be part of that cult. It thus makes sense to try and strip away pleasures that people can do on their own–and masturbation is the one most widely available. But see also strictness on alcohol or other drugs. It is very 1984-esque. It doesn’t actually matter that they can’t really check. Because they can use any noncompliance as a way to make you feel guilty, to help wash out those who won’t listen, and get the others to come to “absolution,” where they then redouble their efforts to be part of the faithful. And now I want to take a shower after thinking about all that. ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2020, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/106 "2020-10-02T16:28:39Z")
In probably the most shocking development in the last several months, Individual 1 actually called in to Hannity and condemned white supremacy. > **['I condemn all white supremacists,' Trump tells Hannity](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/i-condemn-all-white-supremacists-trump-tells-hannity-11601606576)** > > President finally says the words he was sharply criticized for not saying at Tuesday night's debate. ---
**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 2, 2020, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/107 "2020-10-02T16:30:19Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > In probably the most shocking development in the last several months, Individual 1 actually called in to Hannity and condemned white supremacy. > ['I condemn all white supremacists,' Trump tells Hannity - MarketWatch](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/i-condemn-all-white-supremacists-trump-tells-hannity-11601606576) Is delirium a symptom of COVID? ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2020, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/108 "2020-10-02T16:44:21Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Is delirium a symptom of COVID? > **[Coronavirus: Delirium 'key symptom' in frail older people](https://www.bbc.com/news/health-54353888)** > > Doctors and carers advised to watch for signs of confusion because it could be a sign of Covid-19. Of course, Trump also denounced far-right agitators at Charlottesville before his infamous “fine people” remark. Let’s see how long it takes him to backpedal on this one. ---
**Author:** ![MEBuckner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mebuckner/32/2896_2.png) [@MEBuckner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MEBuckner)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2020, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/109 "2020-10-02T16:47:03Z")
I agree that dynamics of the whole “no masturbation” commandment include the “control of pleasure” and the “make their members feel guilty about violating a prohibition they will almost certainly all violate”. (_“Aw man, I did the Bad Thing! Again! I…I’ll make up for it by really cracking heads at the rally today!”_) An additional thing, though, may be precisely that such a prohibition seems so weird and frankly silly in 21st century America. It sets up that whole _Don’t you hear their mockery?!? The “world” calls you **fools**!_ dynamic which can be useful in isolating cult members from the broader society and reinforcing their identification with the cult. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2020, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/110 "2020-10-03T07:41:00Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > 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.** Nice, tidy summation, especially the bolded. Scapegoating’s a scary thing. > [@ThelmaLou](#): > > The proud boys aren’t the only ones to ~~hear the dog whistle~~ heed the call. > > > **Other groups include:** > > > > - **Three percenters** , named for the myth that only 3% of colonists were willing to take up arms in the Revolutionary War. The militia group has threatened force against Democratic politicians. > > - **Oath keepers,** who seek to serve as private back-up for police forces around the country. Many members are themselves former police or military. > > - **Boogaloo bois** , identifiable by the Hawaiian shirts they typically wear in concert with body armor and, often, Make America Great Again hats. Like the Proud Boys, they bring the winking irony common to online extremism into the physical world. Even the name “boogaloo bois” is a [joke](https://www.adl.org/blog/the-boogaloo-extremists-new-slang-term-for-a-coming-civil-war) — but their call for a second civil war, drawn along ideological lines, appears very real. > > - **Atomwaffen** , the most nihilist of all the major groups, which openly calls for mass murder of lefists, ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQ individuals and others. It’s been linked to [killings](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/06/neo-nazi-arrests-deals-blow-us-group-atomwaffen-division) and terrorist threats in the U.S. and abroad. > > > > **That’s on top of:** > > > > - Local groups like **Patriot Prayer** , which organizes rallies and disrupts left-wing protests, chiefly in the Pacific Northwest; > > - Longstanding hate groups like the **Ku Klux Klan** ; and > > - Groups like **American Renaissance** that seek to put the gloss of academic legitimacy to far-right, racist views. > > > > … > > > > **The bottom line:** Any one of these groups on its own represents a small sliver of the far-right fringe. But together they constitute a potential paramilitary force that has an increasingly explicit endorsement from the president and that’s hungry for violent clashes with their political opponents. Thanks for that list - there were a few that were new to me. Revolting to think how many more smaller nascent petri dishes of scummy hatred are given agency and validated and flourish in that climate. Hoping as many of them as possible stay in their mom’s basement, watching Teletubbies or Duck Dynasty. > [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](#): > > Every guy in a p/u truck… or work van… or tradesman van… or a box truck that I saw had their window down with their pudgy fingers hanging outside of it… scrunched up into that “WP” sign. Appropriating (misappropriating? same thing?) the OK sign is so…whatevs: use the thumbs-up sign, instead, as a just-pulled grenade. Or for Der Leader to sit on and rotate. (SIt on it, Ponzi!) (no - Sit on it, _Bronzi?_) ---
**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 3, 2020, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/111 "2020-10-03T13:17:34Z")
> [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](#): > > Every guy in a p/u truck… or work van… or tradesman van… or a box truck that I saw had their window down with their pudgy fingers hanging outside of it… scrunched up into that “WP” sign. Do you have a link to a picture of the “WP” sign? Two reasons: 1. I want to be able to recognize these chowderheads for what they are. . . and, 2. I drive a pickup truck, and want to make sure I don’t do anything similar to their sign. Criminy, at this rate, the surfers’ “hang loose” sign I sometimes use is gonna be co-opted, ain’t it? Tripler Of course, half the vehicles on the road 'round here are pickup trucks. ---
**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 3, 2020, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/112 "2020-10-03T13:19:47Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > Do you have a link to a picture of the “WP” sign? - It’s the OK sign. [https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/styles/open\_graph\_image\_1200\_x\_628\_/public/2019-04/OkayLarge267x296.jpg?itok=WLf-njmM](https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/styles/open_graph_image_1200_x_628_/public/2019-04/OkayLarge267x296.jpg?itok=WLf-njmM) ---
**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 3, 2020, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/113 "2020-10-03T13:23:39Z")
Oh fer fuck’s sake. _Really?_ I thought it might have been one of those signs like the old, sophomoric “look at the circle” game. The one where you look at the similar circle, and get slugged in the arm. I also thought it might have been more involved, like spelling “Bloods” with two hands. Tripler I need to get out more. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2020, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/114 "2020-10-03T13:32:29Z")
Some years ago, during the web’s infancy, when I was younger and, shall I confess, less confident about my own aptitude in relationships with the opposite sex, I recall that I started digging around on the internet for some self-help guidance. Most of what I found was just harmless (but probably useless) advice, with a side order of gender-typing. But some of the stuff I encountered was just straight up misogynistic, borderline psychotic. I remember there were one or two ‘gurus’ writing things like: _"Women don’t really want to be independent. Their desire for “independence” is just a test for you, to see if you’re really man enough to control them. Women want to be dominated, and a woman won’t love you until she respects your male dominance._" Some went so far as to suggest that gas lighting and being a total fraud were necessary methods to ‘control’ a woman, especially if she thought she was ‘out of your league.’ “_You have to show her that you can control her_.” Just really nutty stuff. And there were very active message boards with these kinds of creeps talking to each other about this kind of stuff. I think that Proud Boys is what these message boards turned into. Wouldn’t be surprised of Gavin McInnes or these other founding fathers of this clan were at one time administrators for these kinds of message boards and dating guru sites. They feed off of the frustrations of young, under-educated, under-skilled, under-employed, and under-sexed guys. The leaders at the head of the organization know it’s schtick, but the true believers really buy into this new identity of theirs. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2020, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/115 "2020-10-03T15:00:32Z")
Haven’t read the whole thread because proudboys needs to find the tree making the oxygen they’re using and apologize to it. But has anyone been paying attention to their [twitter](https://twitter.com/hashtag/proudboys) lately? It’s been taken over by some real proud boys and I’m laughing so hard I’m crying. No, I hadn’t paid any attention to their twitter until some of the pics made it over to imgur. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2020, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/116 "2020-10-03T18:23:50Z")
A local Portland comedian went out to the Delta Park rally and interviewed those idiots. Here ya go, nine minutes of Proud Boys in their own words. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/K41tFDGFo7A/maxresdefault.jpg "Jake on the Streets- Proud Boy Rally") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K41tFDGFo7A) ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2020, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/117 "2020-10-03T18:29:08Z")
> [@Projammer](#): > > But has anyone been paying attention to their [twitter](https://twitter.com/hashtag/proudboys) lately? It’s been taken over by some real proud boys and I’m laughing so hard I’m crying. > > No, I hadn’t paid any attention to their twitter until some of the pics made it over to imgur. I noticed it on Reddit, but didn’t think to check Twitter hashtags. I had no idea who started it, so thanks for that link. Edit: one even posted this: [![](https://i.redd.it/b60isjtoovq51.jpg) ](https://i.redd.it/b60isjtoovq51.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2020, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/118 "2020-10-03T18:42:34Z")
I don’t fear Proud Boys specifically; they don’t strike me as major league. But I worry a lot what something like Proud Boys, QAnon, and other related groups can eventually turn into, particularly if economic conditions deteriorate for the average young male. ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/119 "2020-10-04T02:13:51Z")
It’s intended to keep them in a constant state of frustration. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896/120 "2020-10-04T04:45:59Z")
Meanwhile, the #ProudBoys hashtag has been…hijacked. In a very good and totally fabulous manner. Heh heh. > Here’s hoping their nofap policy gets strained by all this hawtniz. 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-these-proud-boys-anyway/921896.md?page=7)