Sounds of hate: White power rock and roll and the neo‐nazi skinhead subculture

Abstract

This article deals with the most violent sub‐group of a variety of contemporary right‐wing extremist organizations ‐ neo‐Nazi skinheads. Specifically, I argue that in order to understand the growth and violent nature of this subculture it is necessary to address the important role played by its main propaganda tool called white power rock and roll. After reviewing the close relationship between this music and the historical development of the present day international neo‐Nazi skinhead network, I examine the main themes found within white power rock and roll by placing them within the context of contemporary right‐wing extremist ideology and noting differences where appropriate. In general, this propaganda seeks to incite violent activity by accentuating perceived threats from a conspiracy of enemies and by constructing a ‘warrior’ subculture that glorifies aggression and sacrifice. Contrary to some predictions, skinheads will continue to present a significant problem in terms of hate crime due to the steady proliferation of producers of this propaganda and profits associated with its distribution.