The Skull and Bones

Seven clandestine societies operate within the rarefied confines of Yale University. The most notorious of these, the Skull and Bones, was established in 1832 by William H. Russell and numbers amongst its alumni some of the most prominent members of the American establishment. Living members include both George W. Bush, his opponent in the 2004 presidential race, John Kerry, and comedian Ben Stiller. Comparisons to the mystical masonic sects of the 18th century and, in particular, the Bavarian Illuminists (or Illuminati) probably flatter the 'Bonesmen' whose initiation ceremonies blend the pretension of cabalistic ritual with run of the mill adolescent fantasy. My own investigations revealed a preoccupation with group masturbation, coprophilia and graveyard desecration (it's rumoured that the skulls of Pancho Villa, Geronimo and Johnny Weissmuller are hidden in the vaults of the society's headquarters.) This desire to shock, borne perhaps, of a sheltered childhood, is a recurring theme in the Bonesmen's antics. Most recently, they outraged fans of Marilyn Manson after reports that their hero, tricked into attending a 'Black Mass', was stripped of his robes and forced to participate in a humiliating ritual known as the "chicken run".

 

Home

Glossary

Hamilton Live

Casebook

 

 

Contact