Over the past year, events ranging from widespread social media bans to criminal convictions for seditious conspiracy have left far-right militant group the Proud Boys depleted and demoralized. For readers with acquaintances within the organization’s ranks, here are things to never say to a Proud Boy.
Sorry, only men can join the Proud Boys.
Hey now, there’s no point in comparing favorite white nationalist militias.
It’s not that strange once you realize Patriot Front was founded by the editor of The Awl and Patriot Prayer was founded by the editor of xoJane.
Hating women passively is not the same as actually showing up to Planned Parenthood with a baseball bat.
Proud Boys may not be bright, but it is unkind to take advantage of them.
Don’t say this unless you’re ready to endure an hours-long shouting match of screaming the word back and forth at each other.
Don’t make them needlessly jealous.
Weird. They always thought the name “Enrique Tarrio” sounded white.
No one wants to download Paramount+.
What a stupid question. Proud Boys are always ready to rock and roll!
They don’t want change. They want to keep women out of Star Wars.
Yes, when they were young they were forced to see a Black person.
You’re just going to annoy a Proud Boy by legally deposing them and making them answer pesky questions like this!
Though none will admit it to your face, the answer is yes.
They won’t like it. Try showing them your AI portrait of Donald Trump having sex with the White House.
Just because this happens in viral videos doesn’t mean they like it.
Saying this in a September 2020 debate is just going to cause more legal headaches than it’s worth.
Don’t remind them.