Inside the cape fear chapter of the proud boys

Deep in a North Carolina swamp, I'm sitting on a pickup truck tailgate surrounded by the Cape Fear chapter of the Proud Boys. The group's president, Johnny Ringo, a towering figure with a shaved head, introduces me to the circle of men in black and yellow.

Meet the proud boys

The Proud Boys, founded in 2016 by Gavin McInnes, have been called a hate group and even terrorists. But in their own eyes, they're just a men's club bound by a shared view of masculinity and common values. Today, they're hosting a Q&A session with me, Jen Golbeck, a professor of radicalization and extremism.

Hands shoot up as Johnny begins the rapid-fire questioning. The tone is friendly but guarded, with the men's intentions clear: I'm to stay put and provide answers.