Skinheads, named after their shaven heads, are members of a working class subculture that originated in Britain in the 1960s, where they were heavily influenced by the rude boys of the West Indies and the mods of the UK.
In subsequent decades, the skinhead subculture spread to other parts of Europe, North America and other continents. Politically, they range from far-right racist to far-left anti-fascist — and everything in between (including apolitical). Fashion-wise, they range from the more cleancut mod-influenced 1960s image to the less-strict punk- and hardcore-influenced styles.
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Racism and anti-racism
In the late 1960s, some skinheads (including black skinheads) had engaged in Paki-bashing (random violence against Pakistanis and other South Asian immigrants).[10][11] However, there had also been anti-racist and leftist skinheads from the beginning, especially in areas such as Scotland and Northern England.[12] [13] In the 1970s, the racist violence became more politicized, with the involvement of far right organizations like the National Front and British Movement, which included many skinheads among their ranks. Those organizations' positions against blacks and Asians appealed to many working class skinheads who blamed immigrants for economic and social problems. This led to the public's misconception that all skinheads are neo-Nazis.
In an attempt to counter this negative stereotype, some skinheads formed anti-racist organizations. Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice (SHARP) started in the USA in 1987, and Anti-Racist Action (ARA) began in 1988.[14] SHARP spread to the UK and beyond, and other less-political skinheads also spoke out against neo-Nazis and in support of traditional skinhead culture. Two examples are the Glasgow Spy Kids in Scotland (who coined the phrase Spirit of 69), and the publishers of the Hard As Nails zine in England.[15]
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Political categories
White Power, Nazi-Skinheads - Racist, extremely nationalistic and highly political. Despite the common moniker, many Nazi-Skinheads have no connection to the original skinhead culture in terms of style or interests. SHARPs and traditional skinheads often refer to them as Boneheads.
Anti-racist (SHARP) - Aggressively opposed to neo-Nazism and racism, although not always political in terms of other issues. The label SHARP is sometimes used to describe all anti-racist skinheads, even if they aren't members of a SHARP organization. Some anti-racist skins have been involved with political groups such as Anti-Fascist Action (AFA) or Anti-Racist Action (ARA). White Power and Traditional Skinheads often refer to them as Baldies.
Left wing - Anti-racist and anti-fascist, taking a militant pro-worker stance. This category includes Redskins and Anarcho-Skinheads. The most well-known organization in this category is RASH.
Right wing - Conservative and patriotic, but not necessarily extreme or fascistic. This type of skinhead seems to be common in the United States.
Apolitical or Centrist - Anti-political skinheads, politically moderate skinheads, or skinheads that keep their political views out of the skinhead subculture. Skinheads on either extreme of the political spectrum sometimes refer to this type as a fencewalker.
Are they still supposed to have any credibility?!
