You’re not wrong, a lot of these chuds, especially the tech bros, are obviously deeply insecure and have figured out they can’t buy authenticity and coolness with money or power. That’s where that brittle and mean bitterness they all have about other people living as they choose comes from. But it goes deeper than just emulating edgelords for kicks and covering up for their self-esteem issues.

Doing it and avoiding any tangible punishment or long term fallout demonstrates what a powerful, untouchable person he is to the boot-licking right wing base. The whole goal is to build an in group of followers that is protected with power and privilege (which ensures their loyalty) and this is a signal to them that he can do just that.

It’s also a demonstration of unity in having a common enemy, and being willing to do anything to “win”. Wether it’s politics or a culture war, being willing to escalate is seen as a marker of strength. It’s the only kind of political and social interaction they can understand.

You’re right that he’s likely not a hard core admirer of Hitler. It’s not about a particular political standpoint, it’s about having the power to do whatever he wants and making sure people know it.

It’s the memory hole. Except they don’t have to burn anything because it’s all digital.

Granted…

However, the lyrics seem to be sung from the point of view of someone who turned to crime after the system failed them, and the Clash make it sound defiant and powerful despite the outcome.

It’s time to settle some grievances with the Law.

EDIT: I mean, just imagine that first guitar riff coming in right after someone kicks Thomas square in the nuts as the opening salvo… beautiful.

I Fought the Law - The Clash.