I have frequently employed the slogan "bad boys, good habits" when discussing the nationalist attitude, and I wish to elucidate its meaning with greater clarity. Let us begin with the first segment: "bad boys." What does this signify in our contemporary culture, and what historical significance does it hold?
When one hears the term "bad boy," a myriad of images may surface. Typically, it conjures up the image of the rule-breaker, the outlaw—an individual characterized by toughness and masculinity, as often depicted in popular culture. A quintessential example is Tyler Durden from *Fight Club*, a character whose allure remains potent even two decades after the film’s release. What accounts for this enduring attraction? It can be understood through two lenses.
Firstly, in our modern, domesticated world, many individuals feel confined by a labyrinth of rules, laws, and bureaucracies. There exists a collective longing to shatter these societal chains and embrace the "bad boy" persona, forging one’s own path without regard for the judgments of others. This fascination is not novel; it has deep historical roots. Take, for instance, the allure of rebels, outlaws, and anti-heroes during the Wild West era. The defiance of authority has perpetually captivated the imagination, particularly among the youth inclined toward rebellion.
This leads us to the second aspect of the "bad boy" phenomenon: the timeless rebellion of the younger generation against their forebears. In contemporary discourse, this is often viewed negatively, particularly as recent generations appear to gravitate toward cultural Marxism, distancing themselves from traditional values. However, this dynamic of generational rebellion is far from a modern invention. A century ago, in the 1920s, "bad boys" in black shirts were taking to the streets of Rome, distributing fascist pamphlets and engaging in barroom brawls. The older generation dismissed them as troublemakers and dreamers, while the youth derided their predecessors as weak and ensnared in aristocratic antiquity.
These young radicals, brimming with ambition and passion, sought a new trajectory, drawing in risk-takers, idealists, artists, and outlaws who resonated with their rebellious ethos. This sentiment echoed in the ranks of the SA in 1930s Germany and even further back to Julius Caesar, whose contempt for the Senate earned him the scorn of his elders. While recent generations have leaned further left, we now find ourselves positioned to challenge the prevailing status quo. This emerging sentiment defies both conservative and liberal ideals, casting us as the outlaws, radicals, dreamers, and, indeed, the "bad boys" in the eyes of contemporary authorities.
We must embrace this identity without diluting our radical ideas to placate those we oppose. As previously stated, our "bad boy" status can galvanize those yearning to break free and carve out a new path. To facilitate this, we must differentiate ourselves from our predecessors in style, attitude, and ideology. Our objective is not to restore or revive anything but to forge something entirely new.
Radical change demands both determination and, perhaps more critically, creativity. How can one envision the future while remaining tethered to the past? This has been a perennial challenge for nationalists, often attempting to reverse the wheels of history rather than steer them. When the NSDAP ascended to power, they did not wave the flags of Imperial Germany or advocate for the return of the Kaiser, despite many yearning for such a return during the Weimar Republic. Instead, they drew lessons from the successes and failures of that era, ultimately crafting something distinctly different in terms of attire, tactics, and vision. Much like a narrative, we do not reread the same chapter repeatedly; it is our responsibility to pen a new chapter that captivates the public's imagination
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The latter segment of the slogan, "good habits," completes this message. Simply being a "bad boy" is insufficient to garner respect. Consider the character Bill the Butcher from *Gangs of New York*. While he engages in acts of violence, he also embodies "good habits" that render him relatable and admirable. His loyalty to his race and country, coupled with his bravery in the face of adversity, earns him respect even from outsiders.
I refer to these as "habits" rather than traits because they are not innate gifts; they require diligent practice and internalization. Courage, for example, emerges from consistently placing oneself in situations that demand it. This rarity is why such characters command reverence. Unlike Bill the Butcher, who possesses goals and ambitions, the character Leatherface from *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre* lacks redeemable qualities. He personifies the nihilistic elements of society, engaging in senseless violence, and is relatable only to the most depraved
While Leatherface is primarily a figure of shock value, Bill the Butcher stands as an anti-hero, celebrated for exemplifying the "bad boy" with "good habits." Today, nationalists find themselves cast as antagonists and villains, the "bad boys" of the current narrative. However, this can work to our advantage, provided we avoid descending into the nihilism represented by characters like Leatherface, whose actions ultimately undermine meaningful aspirations. So embrace the bad boy and keep your habits good.