The Empire Never Ended 317: American Front 0 - Ćevapi 1
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May 4, 2025 Delve into the unexpected history of the American Front, the first U.S. national skinhead organization, and its punk origins. The hosts dissect the group's evolution from fringe rebels to recognized extremists amid political chaos. They explore controversial figures like Bob Hike and Jim Porazzo, revealing absurdities and infighting within far-right circles. The dark intersection of punk culture and extremist politics is examined, alongside the troubling romanticization of these ideologies and their connections to historical events.
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Origin of American Front
- American Front was the first national skinhead organization in the US, emerging from right-wing punk scenes.
- They connected with neo-fascist intellectuals and media-savvy supporters to gain visibility beyond a street gang.
Media Boosted American Front
- Media exposure in the late 80s, including Geraldo and mainstream magazines, inflated American Front's prominence.
- Media sensationalism helped them appear larger and more national than they actually were.
Working-Class Image Contradicted
- The American Front portrayed itself as a working-class movement despite member Liz B's affluent background.
- This highlights contradictions between their image and reality within the group.