Neo-Nazi Skinhead Subculture And White Power Rock and Roll

Overview of Neo-Nazi Skinhead Subculture

• The article discusses the rise of the neo-Nazi skinhead movement and its ties to violence, especially through its main propaganda tool: white power rock and roll.
• The growth of this subculture is correlated with the resurgence of right-wing extremist groups since the 1980s.
• Tailers: neo-Nazi skinheads reject competitive liberal democratic governance in favor of authoritarianism and believe in a ‘warrior’ culture that glorifies violence underpinned by a conspiracy against them.

Key Themes in White Power Rock and Roll

• White power rock and roll serves as:
  • A propaganda tool inciting violent activity and nationalism.
  • A means of building a sense of identity and community among followers.
• Central themes include:
  • Anti-immigrant sentiment
  • Belief in a global conspiracy of enemies, particularly focused on Jewish influence
  • Emphasis on loyalty and the warrior ethos, glorifying violence as a form of resistance

Historical Context and Development of the Skinhead Movement

Origins

• Emerged in working-class neighborhoods in East London during the 1960s, evolving against the backdrop of dissatisfaction with the hippie culture.
• Initially, associated with both reggae and punk music, but shifted to a nationalist agenda through the influence of extreme right-wing groups.

Evolution in the 1980s

• The rise of British punk led to the rebirth of the skinhead identity, characterized by a focus on aggression and rejection of perceived societal decay.
• Ian Stuart’s music played a significant role in politicizing skinheads and aligning them with neo-Nazi ideologies.

Current Landscape of the Skinhead Movement

• Estimated membership globally at around 70,000 with a notable presence in former communist states.
• Fragmentation due to the informal structure and overlapping affiliations with various extremist groups, complicating efforts to gauge their exact numbers.
• The movement continues to attract youth, countering expectations of its decline.

Role of White Power Rock and Roll

• This genre is integral to the spread of the skinhead ideology, with core messages often reflecting:
  • Celebration of violence and aggression as part of a ‘warrior’ identity.
  • Lyrics that perpetuate hate, racism, and antisemitism, often depicting an impending racial conflict.
• White power rock and roll exists in various musical styles, including punk, heavy metal, and even variations like psycho-billy, each carrying extremist themes.

Ideological Themes Found in Lyrics

Anti-Immigration Sentiment

• Songs often portray immigrants as threats to jobs and societal stability, calling for violent responses against them.

Antisemitism

• Conspiracy theories about Jewish control over society are prevalent, notably the concept of the "Zionist Occupation Government (ZOG)".

Racial Holy War

the idea of an impending race war against those perceived as enemies (minorities and traitors).

• Lyrics glorify historical figures and invoke themes of martyrdom, calling for an active commitment to the movement.

Conclusion: Outlook for the Skinhead Movement

• Despite predictions of decline, the neo-Nazi skinhead movement persists globally due to effective propaganda distribution and the interconnectivity of skinhead networks.
• The combination of music and extremist ideology serves as a significant recruitment and retention tool, continuing to bring new members into the fold.
• Future threats may arise from the potential for well-coordinated action as new members become more ideologically engaged.