• mhague@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      I saw it described as being closely related to their identity in the context of… well, their culture war mentality.

      1: The military for all it’s power, but without the parts where you conform to a basic GI look or instill certain character. Camo, webbing, guns, but not professionalism, work ethic, discipline, strict hierarchial conformity, or adherence to real military values. (Just the violent power.)

      2: Pop culture mercenary idols. A few guys have went off to war, came back, wrote this, podcasted that, and turned into mythical personalities. They look different than normal soldiers. They have beards and wear casual attire mixed with military gear. Joe Rogans with military experience. (They like the idea of being above the law because they’re different.)

      3: The soldiers who fought to preserve slavery. The good ol’ boys. Fightin’ for the cause. To keep whites on top. The scraggly beards, the woodsmen aesthetic, rugged men fighting the good fight. (They want their fight to have never ended.)

      You end up with a dudes dressed like a soldier, but not groomed as one, with very specific casual attire and tacticool accessories thrown on top.