Boogaloo

Boogaloo
Name	Boogaloo
Foundation	2012 (online)
Ideology	Anti-government extremism, libertarianism, accelerationism
Position	Far-right to radical right

Boogaloo. The term refers to a loosely organized, primarily American anti-government extremist movement and subculture that emerged online in the early 2010s. Its adherents, often called "Boogaloo Bois," anticipate and sometimes advocate for a second civil war or violent uprising against the federal government, particularly focusing on opposition to gun control and perceived government overreach. The movement is decentralized, with ideology ranging from libertarianism to white supremacy, and is known for its distinctive memetic culture and tactical gear.

Etymology and origins

The term originates from the 1984 film Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo, used ironically online as a suffix to denote a sequel. It was adopted on internet forums like 4chan and Reddit around 2012 as a coded reference to a second civil war, circumventing platform moderation. The movement gained significant traction within the broader gun rights community and among some Three Percenters and militia movement adherents. Early online gathering points included subreddits like r/weekendgunnit and the now-defunct r/Physical_Removal, blending ironic humor with extremist rhetoric.

Ideology and beliefs

Core beliefs center on a libertarian and often anarcho-capitalist rejection of state authority, with a primary focus on the Second Amendment as a bulwark against tyranny. Many followers subscribe to accelerationism, seeking to hasten societal collapse through violence or civil strife. While some factions espouse race-neutral or libertarian socialist views, others have explicit ties to white nationalism, neo-Confederate ideology, and neo-Nazism, viewing a potential conflict as a race war. The movement is heavily influenced by the sovereign citizen movement and tax protester arguments against federal legitimacy.

Associated symbols and terminology

The movement is visually identified by the prominent display of Hawaiian shirts, often worn with plate carriers and military-style equipment, a stylistic choice originating from the phrase "Big Igloo" used as an alternative phonetic name. Common symbols include igloos, the Gadsden flag, and variations of the "thin blue line" flag reinterpreted with a Spartan helmet. Terminology includes "Big Luau," "Boog," and "Spicy Times," all euphemisms for anticipated violence. Adherents often reference historical events like the Waco siege and Ruby Ridge as examples of government oppression.

Activities and events

Online activities have included organizing on platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, and MeWe, and coordinating real-world meetups labeled as "Bible study" or "charity" events. Notable real-world incidents include the 2020 protests in Lansing, Michigan, where armed individuals demonstrated inside the Michigan State Capitol, and the 2020 George Floyd protests, where some adherents were arrested for attempting to incite violence. Several individuals linked to the movement have been charged in plots targeting police officers, FBI facilities, and federal courthouses, including a conspiracy to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Legal and societal impact

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has designated the movement as a domestic terrorist threat, leading to numerous arrests and prosecutions under statutes like the Sedition Act and laws prohibiting conspiracy. High-profile cases have involved defendants from Nevada to Virginia, with charges ranging from firearms offenses to terrorism. Social media companies, including Facebook and YouTube, have enacted policies to remove content and groups associated with Boogaloo rhetoric. The movement's presence at public demonstrations has heightened security concerns for law enforcement agencies like the United States Capitol Police and local departments nationwide.

Related movements and offshoots

The movement shares ideological overlap and membership with other far-right and anti-government groups, including the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and various militia organizations active in states like Idaho and Texas. Some factions have splintered into more explicitly race-based groups such as the "Boojahideen", while others have attempted to form alliances with left-wing antifa elements during periods of civil unrest, a strategy known as "red-black alliances." International analogues, though less organized, have appeared in countries like Canada and Germany, often inspired by the same online subculture.

Category:Anti-government movements in the United States Category:Far-right politics in the United States Category:Internet subcultures Category:21st-century political movements