The Proud Boys is a far-right, male-only organization that originated in the United States in 2016. Founded by Gavin McInnes, the group identifies itself as a “pro-Western fraternal organization” and promotes a range of nationalist and traditionalist views. The Proud Boys are known for their opposition to political correctness, feminism, and what they perceive as leftist ideologies. Members often engage in provocative public displays, including rallies and confrontations with counter-protesters.
The group is characterized by its emphasis on masculinity and its rejection of certain aspects of contemporary social norms. Members are often associated with extremist behavior and have been linked to various violent incidents. The Proud Boys gained significant media attention during events such as the 2020 United States presidential election and subsequent protests. In some contexts, they have been designated as a hate group due to their affiliations with white supremacy and violent extremism. Over time, the Proud Boys’ image and activities have evolved, attracting a mix of supporters and controversy.
Recent developments have dramatically altered the fates of key players from the January 6 Capitol events. Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, founder of…