Some people should really think twice before settling on a name for themselves.
When I decided to incorporate after I retired from CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) in early 2015 I had to come up with a name for myself. I did ponder this for a while and I needed to make sure that my moniker was not already registered with the Canadian government as an existing company.
See also: Top 10 Worst Terrorist Group Names
I ended up with Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting for a few reasons. The latter part (Threat and Risk Consulting) was a no-brainer: it summarised what I set out to do. The ‘Borealis’ part was settled on because I wanted to reflect the fact I am Canadian (where the Aurora Borealis often appears). And when I contracted out for my company logo/trademark – which I think looks very cool for what it is worth! – I was happy with the result.
Your name tells your audience lots and as the first thing your audience sees it is important to get it right.
Some right-wing extremism (RWE) groups need some help. Following my earlier Top Ten Worst Terrorist Group Names, here is my take on the Top Ten Worst RWE Group Names:
Top 10 Worst Terrorist Group Names:
#10 Stormfront
This sounds like a weather system, not a white supremacist bunch!
#9 The Remnant
Remnant of what? Are we talking leftover casserole? Those awful beady licorices no one wants at the bottom of the bag? The dregs? Back to the drawing board gents!
#7 The IIIpercenters
This group claims that only three percent of Americans fought in the Revolutionary War against the British. Hence they are the vanguard of the new revolution, I guess. It is also said, although it is a myth, that we use only five percent of our brains. These guys can’t even manage that!
#6 Oath Keepers
These guys claim to have tens of thousands of present and former law enforcement officials and military veterans as members, is one of the largest radical antigovernment groups in the US today. They sound more like one of those conservative Christian virginity clubs to me!
#5 Order of the Nine Angles
These guys are ‘Nazi Satanists’. Whatever. It sounds like a club for high school math geeks to me! What are the nine angles? Is it a typo for the ‘nine angels’? Or rather ‘fallen angels’, like Satan? I am confused!
#4 The Proud Boys
These guys recently took part in the January 6th siege at the US Capitol and were listed as a terrorist entity in Canada. Is it just me, or do you immediately think of Gay Pride when you hear this? I am pretty sure the Proud Boys are not pro-LGBTQ! And ‘boys’? Boys? Who can take a group that calls itself ‘Boys’ seriously?
#3 The Hammerskins
What a stupid, stupid name! This bunch is the oldest hardcore racist skinhead groups in the US and takes its symbol from Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” consisting of two crossed hammers, usually superimposed over a cogwheel. Looks more like a Mason sign or what your local union may put up!
#2 The Boogaloo Bois
Not only can they not spell, but see above for why it is a bad idea to use the word ‘boys’ to describe a bunch of RW men. Also, ‘boogaloo’? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Why is it that when I hear that name I feel like dancing, not trembling in my shoes?
#1 Soldiers of Odin
Originally a Finnish group, it now has chapters in Canada as well. It was created as an anti-immigrant group in 2015 as a response to thousands of migrants arriving in Finland amid the European migrant crisis. I think they are just pissed that they were passed over for bit roles in Thor: Ragnarok. They are Marvel wannabes.