Symbols of Hate

The symbols pictured on this web page are the ones most often used by white supremacist organizations. They are used extensively by groups such as the World Church of the Creator and The Hammerskin Nation. Some of them may be familiar, such as "88". Several of the symbols represented are not explicitly racism, but when they are used in conjunction with others take on a Racist meaning, such as the Odin's Rune. They can be found on literature, graffiti, clothing, compact disc artwork, and are quite often tattooed on the body. Our hope is that by highlighting the symbols most often used, we can educate youth, parents, teachers, and the public on what to look for when confronted by anti-democratic forces which continue to threaten our civil society.

Click on any of the symbols below for a larger image.

Stormfront Logo - This symbol is often used by white power skinheads. It is the logo developed by Don Black for his racist internet site.

Celtic Cross - Although not explicitly a racist symbol, the Celtic cross is often used by people in the white power movement, especially skinheads. The cross pictured here is one most often used by racist groups. Occasionally, the cross will be made from Celtic knot work.

The Blood Drop - This symbol is most often used by various Klan organizations throughout the country.

Aryan Nations - This is the symbol used by the notorious Aryan Nations. A Christian Identity/Neo-Nazi organization based in Hayden Lake, Idaho. The organization has been at the center of violent racist activity since its inception in 1974. The Aryan Nations is the Political Arm of the Church of Jesus Christ Christian.

W.A.R. Logo - This is the symbol for the Fallbrook, California-based White Aryan Resistance led by Tom Metzger. Young racism skinheads are often affiliated with this group and can be seen wearing the logo.

Hungarian Arrow and Cross - This symbol was originally used by Hungarian fascists but can now be seen used by other White Supremacist groups.

Odin's Rune - The Symbol of a Pagan Religion called Odinism. Neither the religion nor the symbol is racist but both have been co-opted by certain sectors of the Far Right.

Deaths Head - This symbol was originally used by Nazi SS Soldiers during WWII but now can be frequently seen worn by racist skinheads. It is also a favorite among those in the white power music scene.

NSDAP - The symbol of the National Socialist German Workers Party.

Pinwheel Swastika - This is another variation on the Swastika symbol that is used by racists.

White Power - This symbol can often be spotted as a patch worn on the flight jackets of racist skinheads.

Iron Cross - Again, this is a symbol that is not inherently racist but is frequently used by those in the racist movement. The cross represents strength. To identify it as a racist symbol, it will usually have a swastika in the center of the cross.

Lightning Bolts - These symbols are frequently seen tattooed on racist skinheads. It is the symbol originally worn by Hitler's SS.

SA - The Symbol worn by the Nazi SA Organization.

14 Words - The symbol that represents the quote made famous by imprisoned white supremacist David Lane, "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children."

Iron Eagle - A symbol used by Nazi Germany that is often used by Racist Skinheads and people within the White Power Music Scene. The symbol can be represented in several ways, but all contain the same basic elements of an eagle over a swastika.

National Alliance - The symbol of the Westboro, West Virginia-based National Alliance led by William Pierce. The organization is one of the most dangerous hate groups in the world today. The symbol is also called the LIFE RUNE or YGGDRAGSIL.

American Front - The logo used by the racist skinhead organization, The American Front.

33/5 used primarily by people involved in a Klan organization. The 22 represents three times eleven, with eleven representing the eleventh letter in the alphabet, "K." The 5 stands for the 5th era of the Klan or today's Klan.

HFFH - "Hammerskin forever, Forever Hammerskin"

88 is the symbol that represents 'Heil Hitler.' H is the eighth letter in the alphabet, hence 'HH' or 88.

Confederate Flag - A symbol that is not always used in a racist context, but has certainly been adopted by those in the racist movement. It is very often seen as a patch worn on the flight jackets of racist skinheads and on the uniforms of the Klan and other racist organizations.

World Church of the Creator - The symbol of the violent and revolutionary World Church of the Creator based in East Peoria, Illinois and led by Matt Hale. The organization has chapters in 22 states as well as overseas chapters. The organization preaches a theology called 'creativity,' whose basic premise is that a person's race is their religion. The doctrine has nothing to do with any mainstream organized religion.

Crucified Skinhead - Most often adapted as a tattoo. The symbol can be used by both racist and anti-racist skinheads. It is primarily used as a working class symbol.

Posse Comitatus - The symbol used by the violently racist anti-Semitic organization, The Posse Comitatus. It is a loosely organized group that follows the doctrine of Christian Identity. The group's primary spokesperson is James Wickstrom.

Hammerskin - The symbol worn by members of the Hammerskin Nation, a notorious racist skinhead organization. Different factions of the organization will have variations on their symbols worn, but they all include the crossed hammers and cog.

Swastika - This symbol is prevalent among nearly every group in the racist movement. The symbol can often be seen tattooed on racist skinheads.