The Proud Boys are a far-right white nationalist organization based in Canada that was recently designated a terrorist entity by the Canadian government. This designation, however, will not stop violent extremists from attacking Canadian values.
This is a moment in time where extremism now pervades social media. This change has been so gradual that we have not noticed our tacit involvement each time we post or pass on softly violent memes and slogans wrapped in humour.
Story continues below advertisement
The criminal justice system will be unable to weather this storm unless it adjusts its approach to understanding the true nature of social movements and determining whether terrorist designations are the most appropriate means of dealing with social movements that express soft violence.
Soft violence describes harmful activities that stop short of actual physical violence. It takes the form of culturally nuanced, inexplicit cues that reinforce perceived power disparities. Specific clothing, memes and symbols are all types of recorded social violence activity associated with right-wing extremists.
While groups like the Proud Boys are undoubtedly violent in intention, they are softly violent in their expression. This soft violence demonstrates the creeping normalization of extremist sentiment in our communities.
To receive a terrorist designation, an organization must meet three criteria: it must intend or have committed physical harm; it must intend to impact decision-making by policy-makers and or intimidate citizens; and it must be driven by ideological beliefs. The danger of physical harm to citizens must be clearly demonstrated with reasonable grounds that it has carried out, attempted to carry out, participated in or facilitated terrorist activity.
Story continues below advertisement
Groups that plan, conduct and execute physical harm driven by ideological beliefs are just the tip of the iceberg. Neo-Nazi groups like the Atomwaffen Division and The Base also designated terrorist organizations by the Canadian government fit this designation: they sell guns and train militias for race wars, and utter and disseminate hate speech.
These organized right-wing extremist groups are the violent visible minority, and a small part of the much larger movement of sympathizers and supporters.
Trending Stories
Extremists thrive in environments where they can easily cultivate an identity that is fixated on maintaining the dominance, authority, legitimacy and superiority of the white race. Misogyny and ultra-nationalism are extensions of these constructs of what white well-being and white welfare should look like.
Groups like the Proud Boys recruit and spread their messages through non-offensive affiliations where grievances align. These destructive, inward-looking, nationalistic, race-dominant, regressive beliefs can lead to oppression, community strife and dehumanization.
This is especially true in an uncertain pandemic, where lockdowns lead to an increase in time spent online and conspiracy theories and anger at restrictions prevail.
Story continues below advertisement
My research studies a dataset of more than 94 million extremist transactions to examine how online activity may be a confident predictor of the escalation to violence, based on the degree of usage of softly violent mass identity manipulators, like memes and visual cues.
In particular, I look at how these mass identity manipulators strengthen the bonds of violent transnational social movements. My research lab is currently tracking 16 Canadian Facebook groups with over a quarter-million followers who engage with extremist rhetoric.
When other platforms are considered, Canadian support for these groups might number in the millions. These followers make up a range of segments within extremism violent transnational social movements are often elements within broader social movements.
Many of the groups we are examining are actually derivatives, splinters or rebrands of known extremist groups. Elements of the Proud Boys have already refashioned into a new incarnation called Canada First, effectively sidestepping their terrorist designation.
Story continues below advertisement
The Three Percenters, a far-right militia movement, have created a group called Canadian Sheepdogs, which has more than 400 followers. The Aryan Guard became Blood and Honour, but three of its members who were charged in racially motivated assaults in Vancouver allegedly joined the Asatruu Folk Assembly. The Qubec Soldiers of Odin splintered into the Northern Guard. The Wolves of Odin, Canadian Infidels and The Clann all emerged from the Edmonton Soldiers of Odin.
Alleged neo-Nazis like Gabriel Sohier Chaput have shown that Canadians are highly influential on message boards and forums. The activity of right-wing extremist groups in Canada is a real and present danger.
It is a positive sign that the Canadian government has asserted that violent extremists will be held accountable for their activities, but the punitive measures are incidental at best. The Proud Boys as an organization will not be able to hold property or be named as a charitable foundation.
Story continues below advertisement
The members of the group, however, are free to join other groups because they have not been named individually, and expressing nuanced hate is not a crime or a terrorist offence. These groups, like other extremist violent transnational social movements, raise money through crowdfunding being designated a terrorist organization will limit their ability to do so.
This is possibly the single positive tangible benefit of this action.
Candyce Kelshall, adjunct professor, Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies, University of Buckingham.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.
Follow this link:
COMMENTARY: Designating the Proud Boys as terrorists wont stop the violence - Global News
- Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams Are Proud Parents of 2 Boys Discover Their Family - AmoMama [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield Wins Two National Awards, Totaling Seven National Awards in Six Years - HamletHub [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Self Care Revolution, Mayor Asks Advisory Board Member to Resign, Nebraska Files Lawsuit Against Stem Cell Clinics and more Top Local News for Friday,... [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- From Portland to Palestine to the Southern Cone: The Reappearance of the Disappeared - Palestine Chronicle [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- 'They're really good men': Victoria Beckham is proud of her sons - FOX 11 and FOX 41 [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Simply Healthcare Foundation Directs More Than $125000 to Support Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Florida during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Business... [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Workplace Inclusion Study Highlights Need for Change - Oregon Business [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Extremist Proud Boys have been trying to ally themselves with Philadelphia police and showed up at a local FOP event: report - AlterNet [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- 'The Largest Terror Threat Facing the US' - KNPR [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Michale Graves says he is a "proud western chauvinist" and a "proud boy" - Punknews.org [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Lauren Boebert Proud Boys and QAnon Report and If It Matters - Westword [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Proud Boys, Women for Trump march to Oregon governor's mansion in Salem - Statesman Journal [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Letters to the Editor | Opinion | westvalleyview.com - westvalleyview.com [Last Updated On: December 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 4th, 2020]
- Pro-Gun Lobbyist: If the Proud Boys show up there's nothing we can do about it - WAVY.com [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Pro-gun lobbyist: If the Proud Boys show up on Lobby Day, theres nothing we can do about it - WAVY.com [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Proud Boys - Anti-Defamation League [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Who Are the Proud Boys Trump Told To 'Stand Back and Stand ... [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Proud Boys: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.com [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Who are the Proud Boys? A look into the group and its leaders [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Researchers: More Than a Dozen Extremist Groups Took Part in Capitol Riots - Voice of America [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Proud Boys Supporter With 1,000 Rifle Rounds Made Threats, U.S. Says - The New York Times [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Proud Boys among groups being watched as inauguration approaches. Do they have Northeast Ohio ties? - Akron Beacon Journal [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- A political brawl at the Capitol with weapons - Times Union [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Proud Boys supporter who U.S. says had ammunition cache and made threats pleads not guilty - Reuters [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Sacramento GOP call for resignation of member with ties to Proud Boys - ABC10.com KXTV [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Two Proud Boys face conspiracy charges over the US Capitol riot - Vox.com [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- One Of The Proud Boys Who Stormed The Capitol Had Instructions For Making Guns And Bombs In His Home, FBI Says - BuzzFeed News [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Self -proclaimed Proud Boy member one of 21 Texans facing charges in connection with Capitol riot - San Antonio Express-News [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- 'Proud Boy' with local ties charged in storming of US Capitol - The Cross Timbers Gazette [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Our President Wants Us Here: The Mob That Stormed the Capitol - The New York Times [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Two members of the Proud Boys face conspiracy charges in US Capitol riot - CNN [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Self-proclaimed Proud Boy from North Texas is latest to be arrested in storming of Capitol - The Dallas Morning News [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Who Are the Proud Boys? Canada Names Far-Right Group a Terrorist Organization - The Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2021]
- Explained: Who are the Proud Boys, far-right group declared a terrorist entity in Canada? - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2021]
- Designating the Proud Boys a terrorist organization won't stop hate-fuelled violence - The Conversation CA [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2021]
- Canada designates the Proud Boys as a terrorist entity - PBS NewsHour [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2021]
- Judge halts Proud Boy's release in Capitol breach case - ABC News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2021]
- A woman who was charged in connection with the Capitol riot bragged about being recruited by the Proud Boys - Business Insider [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2021]
- Federal prosecutors investigated Proud Boys ties to Roger Stone in 2019 case: CNN | TheHill - The Hill [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2021]
- Biden: Proud Boys one of the greatest threats to America - WISN Milwaukee [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2021]
- Proud Boys terrorist group designation may deter new recruits and fundraising - The Conversation CA [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2021]
- Proud Boys calling Rep. Bennie Thompsons phone over Capitol riot lawsuit - Yahoo Sports [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2021]
- Gottheimer Announces New Steps to Combat Violent Extremist Groups, Calls for Proud Boys & Other International Extremist Groups to be Officially... [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2021]
- Every Proud Boys Leader Arrested Over Capitol Riot So Far - Newsweek [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- D.C. Judge orders East Naples man with Proud Boys ties to remain jailed through trial - Naples Daily News [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Pro-Trump group and Proud Boys gather in downtown Raleigh - CBS17.com [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys among several groups to lead rally in downtown Raleigh - WRAL.com [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys | Southern Poverty Law Center [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys Leaders in Four States Are Charged in Capitol ... [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys Members Allegedly Warned That Cops Were The Primary Threat The Night Before The Capitol Insurrection - BuzzFeed News [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Leader of Proud Boys' Philly chapter among those charged with conspiring to plot Capitol riot - PhillyVoice.com [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- U.S. charges Proud Boys with conspiracy in Capitol assault that turned deadly - Reuters [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Briefly Noted: Overland Park residents considered calling on Proud Boys for Black Lives Matter protest last year - Shawnee Mission Post [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Small-Town Sandy Hosts a Public Standoff Over LGBTQ Rightsand the Proud Boys Resurface - Willamette Week [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Canadian government designates Proud Boys as terrorist ... [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- 4 Proud Boys Charged With Conspiracy Over Jan. 6 Capitol Riot - NPR [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- 4 Proud Boys conspired in deadly Capitol riot, new ... [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Indictment Details Proud Boys' Group Chat Before Capitol ... [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Four Proud Boys leaders charged in relation to Capitol ... [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Auburn-area Proud Boy arraigned in federal court for Capitol riot charges - KUOW News and Information [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2021]
- What to watch for in the Democratic primary between Philly DA Larry Krasner and Carlos Vega - The Philadelphia Inquirer [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2021]
- Commentary: As the Palestinian minority takes to the streets, Israel is having its own Black Lives Matter moment - pressherald.com [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2021]
- Here's what a sprawling investigation has found about the Capitol riot arrests - Anchorage Daily News [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2021]
- Erin Weir: The NDP were wrong to call for the Proud Boys to be labelled as terrorists - Saskatoon StarPhoenix [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2021]
- He led the Proud Boys in the Capitol riot, shaming his town - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2021]
- Charges from US Capitol insurrection roil Proud Boys and Oath Keepers - WRBL [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2021]
- Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, Forceful on Jan. 6, Privately Are in Turmoil - The Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2021]
- What we know about NFAC, the extremist group linked to accused cop-shooter Othal Wallace? - Daytona Beach News-Journal [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- 2 more extreme right-wing groups join Proud Boys on Canada's terror list Peace Arch News - Peace Arch News [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- Suspect in bear spray attack linked to Proud Boys incident - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- Six Proud Boys involved in Capitol riot may have plea deals in the works: report | TheHill - The Hill [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- Proud Boys Ordered to Remain in Detention Over Jan. 6 Charges - Bloomberg [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- Oregon LGBTQ groups fear Proud Boys will return to Sandy - Pamplin Media Group [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- They joined the Wisconsin Proud Boys looking for brotherhood. They found racism, bullying and antisemitism. - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- Pezzola's attorneys argue Proud Boy should have access to laptop and be released pending trial - Democrat & Chronicle [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Kernersville Proud Boy arrested in Capitol riot will appear in court - WGHP FOX 8 Greensboro [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- This Texas Democrat Doesn't Want Proud Boys Standing Over His Grandmother as She Votes - The Nation [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys representative says group plans to withdraw sponsorship of September event in Scotland, South Dakota - KELOLAND.com [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys withdraw from sponsoring dance in Scotland, SD - Associated Press [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- WMNF says it fired host Rob Lorei over email containing ethnic slur - Tampa Bay Times [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2021]