"White Boy Summer" may seem innocuous, yet it carries a much darker connotation. Originating in March 2021, Chet Hanks, the son of actor Tom Hanks, began sharing posts on social media regarding the style choices of young White men. By April, he released the song "White Boy Summer," a seemingly light-hearted take on Megan Thee Stallion’s "Hot Girl Summer." However, the term quickly became a rallying cry for white supremacists, who manipulated it into a recruitment tool.

An anonymous member of a white supremacist group noted that "White Boy Summer" represented a "golden opportunity to engage normies," referring to White individuals with no prior affiliations to hate groups. By distancing themselves from overt symbols of racism like the swastika or Confederate flag, they believed they could attract new recruits without alarming them. They felt empowered to distribute promotional materials without fearing backlash, showcasing how some young White men exploit this seemingly harmless phrase to further their agenda.

For example, at a Trump rally in Detroit, supporters displayed a "White Boy Summer" flag and tossed hats emblazoned with the slogan into the crowd. By linking the phrase to Trump’s campaign, conservative activists are actively attempting to draw in young White males. The distinctions between white supremacists, nationalists, and conservatives are increasingly blurred. Initially, Chet Hanks introduced the term in a comedic context about young White men flaunting their romantic appeal, but now it serves as a metaphorical Pied Piper, luring young White men into dangerous ideologies.

A meme depicting Adolf Hitler with sunglasses and a swastika tattoo, paired with the "White Boy Summer" slogan, highlights the perversion of the phrase for extremist purposes. Such memes provide insight into how young White men are radicalized. The term has also been connected to significant events, such as Dylann Roof’s tragic attack on nine Black churchgoers in Charleston, SC. The Anti-Defamation League has pointed out that "White Boy Summer 2021" was framed as a reaction against the social justice movements of 2020, with proponents claiming that "White people have lost something that must be reclaimed."

Trump supporters have adopted "White Boy Summer" to galvanize young White men within the Republican Party. David Duke, the former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, publicly endorsed Trump in 2016, boasting about the role of White voters in his election. At a far-right event shut down by police, Duke reiterated his support for Trump, perpetuating the myth that White individuals are victims in society. While he falsely attributes power to Jewish people, in reality, White Christian nationalists hold significant sway in America, as evidenced by recent legislation allowing the display of the Ten Commandments in schools.

In a Rolling Stone article, Jeff Inaza questioned who fears "White Boy Summer," focusing on the phrase's association with the rise of viral white rappers rather than its appropriation by white supremacists. However, the implications extend beyond cultural debates, as the term reflects a deeper pattern of White artists occupying Black musical spaces, a trend with roots tracing back to figures like Elvis Presley. While some young White men seek inclusion in Black spaces, others wield the phrase as a threatening assertion of dominance.

The phrase "White Boy Summer" is inherently problematic due to the social privileges that young White males enjoy in America. In the lead-up to the 2016 election, audio recordings revealed Donald Trump expressing sexist views regarding women. His infamous remark about grabbing women without consent was met with a dismissive response from his wife, Melania, reinforcing a culture of misogyny. Until society confronts the pervasive culture of sexual assault that disproportionately affects marginalized groups, "White Boy Summer" cannot be celebrated universally; it can be a harbinger of menace.

When viewed through the lens of race, the term becomes even more troubling, given the historical exploitation of Black women by White men. By referencing Megan Thee Stallion’s "Hot Girl Summer," those who co-opt "White Boy Summer" draw parallels that perpetuate a legacy of oppression. The emergence of the "All Lives Matter" movement directly opposes "Black Lives Matter," and similarly, "White Boy Summer" exists in reaction to "Hot Girl Summer." The so-called "anti-woke" movement, which positions itself against Black advocacy, further complicates the discourse.

Young White men wield disproportionate power in American society, occupying the majority of leadership roles and enjoying superior access to education, business, housing, and healthcare. The criminal justice system treats them with leniency compared to the harsh reality faced by people of color. Many fail to grasp the essence of Megan Thee Stallion’s "Hot Girl Summer," which was crafted to uplift marginalized voices. This slogan was never intended for those who already possess privilege.

"Hot Girl Summer" is revolutionary, given the systemic challenges faced by Black women, who are often overworked and underappreciated. While summer fun is universally appealing, it loses its revolutionary nature for those who have always enjoyed unimpeded access to joy. Ultimately, although "White Boy Summer" may appear harmless, understanding its history and the context of white supremacist recruitment reveals its true, insidious nature. It serves as an entry point into adopting harmful ideologies that devalue Black lives and other marginalized communities.

Anti-Defamation League. (2021, June 29). “White Boy Summer:” From Meme to Mobilization. https://www.adl.org/resources/blog/white-boy-summer-meme-mobilization

BBC. (2016, October 9). US election: Full transcript of Donald Trump’s obscene videotape. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-37595321

Cancryn, A. (2016, November 9). David Duke: Trump win a great victory for “our people” — Politico. https://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/david-duke-trump-victory-2016-election-231072

Chet Hanx — White Boy Summer. Genius. (n.d.). https://genius.com/Chet-hanx-white-boy-summer-lyrics

Heer, J. (2021, May 11). Melania Trump’s “boys will be boys” defense betrays a maternal kind of sexism. The New Republic. https://newrepublic.com/article/137877/melania-trumps-boys-will-boys-defense-betrays-maternal-kind-sexism

Ihaza, J. (2024, June 3). Who’s afraid of “white boy summer”? Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/ian-tommy-richman-cultural-appropriation-white-boy-summer-1235028336/

Wolf, J. D. (2024, June 17). “White Boy Summer” Flag Unfurled on Stage at Trump’s Detroit Rally. https://meidasnews.com/news/white-boy-summer-flag-unfurled-on-stage-at-trumps-detroit-rally