Because the “Proud Boys” were a major component of the recent insurrection resulting in five deaths in the Capitol, I am trying to understand what they are about.

I start with their name. “Proud” of what? One common definition of this adjective is “feeling deep pleasure or satisfacton as a result of one’s own achievements, qualities or possessions.”

Achievements? Uh, no.

Well, how about qualities? To have had the good fortune to be born with white skin?

Maybe “possessions?” What, to have the tremendous wherewithal required to buy a gun and ammunition, or a flag on a pole with which to beat someone?

How about the definition of “boy?” This is “a male child, from birth to full growth, especially one less than 18 years of age, a young man who lacks maturity, judgment, etc.”

These brave patriots must have had some other meaning in mind. 

According to Wikipedia, their founder took the name from the song “Proud of Your Boy” in the Disney movie “Aladdin.” Wikipedia further explains that the songwriter was describing the feelings of Aladdin who “thinks he’s a screw up but also believes he’ll turn things around and make his mom proud.”

I guess I understand now. The “Proud Boys” are immature white guys whose self-perceived inadequacies are shored up by buying weapons and flags, who have commiserated with other like-minded losers and engaged in a mob attack on others who were too surprised and defenseless to resist. A great way to make mom proud.

But when the feds come around, they hide away or, when caught, say they were just following orders. Hey, where’s the pride now?

Jim Brennan
PORT TOWNSEND