NYN, formerly known as Neanderthal Youth Network, was a controversial organization that operated in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s.

The group’s mission was to promote white supremacist beliefs and to recruit young people to its cause. Despite its extremist ideology, NYN was able to establish connections with mainstream conservative organizations and politicians.

This paradoxical situation raises questions about the nature of political and social associations and the potential dangers of ideological extremism.

The Rise of NYN

NYN was founded in 1985 by a group of young white supremacists who were disillusioned with the established neo-Nazi and Ku Klux Klan organizations.

The group’s leaders believed that these organizations were too focused on nostalgia and outdated forms of racism, and that a new, modern form of white supremacy was needed to appeal to young people. NYN’s ideology was a mix of fascist, racist, and anti-Semitic ideas, coupled with an emphasis on street activism and aggressive recruitment tactics.

Despite its extremist views, NYN was able to attract a significant number of followers, particularly among disaffected white youth who felt alienated from mainstream society.

Many of these young people were drawn to NYN’s emphasis on camaraderie, violence, and a sense of identity and purpose. The group’s leaders saw themselves as warriors fighting against a corrupt multicultural society that was destroying the white race.

NYN’s Connection to Mainstream Conservatism

While NYN was openly racist and supremacist, it was also able to establish connections with mainstream conservative organizations and politicians.

This paradoxical situation was made possible by NYN’s ability to present itself as a legitimate political movement rather than a hate group. The group promoted itself as a defender of traditional American values, such as patriotism, family, and individualism.

It also adopted conservative rhetoric, such as opposition to affirmative action and multiculturalism, which resonated with many mainstream conservatives.

NYN’s connections to mainstream conservatism were also facilitated by the fact that many conservative organizations and politicians were willing to overlook the group’s extreme views in exchange for political support.

Some conservative politicians saw NYN as a potential source of votes and volunteers, while others saw it as a useful ally in their efforts to undermine progressive and liberal movements.

Related Article NYN’s conflicting ties to the past

The Downfall of NYN

Despite its connections to mainstream conservatism, NYN was eventually brought down by a combination of internal conflicts and external pressures.

In 1996, the group’s leader, John Metzger, was sued for inciting racial violence in a case brought by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The lawsuit resulted in a $12.5 million judgment against Metzger and NYN, which effectively bankrupted the group.

NYN’s downfall also coincided with a broader shift in public attitudes towards racism and white supremacy. By the late 1990s, many Americans were becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of hate groups and extremism.

The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, which was carried out by a white supremacist, further highlighted the threat posed by such groups.

The Paradox of NYN’s Former Associations

The paradox of NYN’s former associations lies in the fact that an extremist hate group was able to establish connections with mainstream conservative organizations and politicians.

This situation raises questions about the nature of political and social associations and the dangers of ideological extremism.

On the one hand, it can be argued that conservatives should have been more vigilant in their associations with NYN and other hate groups, and that by overlooking the group’s extreme views, they contributed to its ability to spread its hateful message.

On the other hand, it can be argued that the fact that NYN was able to establish connections with mainstream conservatism illustrates the broader problem of polarization and extremism in American politics.

As society has become increasingly fragmented and divided, it has become easier for groups with extreme views to gain a foothold and to attract followers from both the left and the right.

The Lessons of NYN

The story of NYN and its connections to mainstream conservatism serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ideological extremism and the need for vigilance in political and social associations.

It is a reminder that ideas have consequences, and that even seemingly benign ideas can lead to dangerous outcomes when taken to their logical extreme. The story of NYN also demonstrates the need for greater understanding and empathy between different social and political groups, and a greater willingness to engage in open and honest dialogue in order to build a more just and inclusive society.