Lecture Notes: The Role of Music in Nazi Extremism

Overview

• Exploration of how Nazi extremists use music to recruit individuals to their far-right beliefs.
• The movement, known as the white power movement, spans across the USA, Europe, and Britain.
• The far-right groups use music to promote their ideology and recruit young audiences.

Recruitment Tactics

• Project Schoolyard:

  • Launched by Panzerfaust, a Minneapolis-based record label.
  • Aim to distribute free white power CDs to school children to recruit them.
  • Used tactics like handing out CDs outside British schools, inspired by successes in Germany and the USA.

• Great White Records:

  • A music label supporting the British National Party (BNP).
  • Profits from album sales fund BNP election campaigns and projects.
  • Appeals to rebellious teenagers by selling controversial music over the internet.

Key Figures and Groups

• Stephen Cartwright: Influential in bringing Project Schoolyard to British schools.
• Chris Telford & Nemesis:
  • Part of the BMP's recruitment efforts.
  • Perform controversial songs for the cause.
• Benito Fronte: Italian extreme right group collaborating with bands like Nemesis.

Global Neo-Nazi Network

• White power music acts as a funding source for global networks.

• National Alliance:

  • Headquarters in West Virginia, connected to the KKK and BNP.
  • Houses Resistance Records, a major player in the hate rock industry.
  • Uses music to promote racial hatred and fund political activities.

• Resistance Records:

  • Markets white power music internationally.
  • Music includes themes of racism and violence.

Cultural and Political Impact

• White power music promotes racism and has ties to extremist actions.

• Media and Internet:

  • Hate music sold online, reaching a broader audience.
  • Concerns about mainstream breakthrough of hate music.

• Political Aspiration:

  • Some groups seek political legitimacy, distancing from extremist behavior.
  • Others remain committed to traditional neo-Nazi values and activities.

Challenges and Legislation

• Neo-Nazis face legal challenges and police interventions, especially in Europe.
• Some countries have strict laws against race hate and incitement.

Conclusion

• The white power movement continues to grow globally, using music as a tool for recruitment.
• Despite legal and social challenges, the movement persists, adapting its tactics to reach new audiences.