Introduction

Abstract

In early 2007 the autobiography of the Loyalist paramilitary Johnny Adair was published (Adair 2007). Imaginatively titled ‘Mad Dog’, the cover of Adair’s book in a single image confirmed a number of dominant narratives and stereotypes about Loyalist paramilitarism. On that cover Adair is photographed dressed in black, sporting a diamond stud earring and wearing dark glasses. He is photographed from side on, holding a revolver with both hands in an elevated position, as if about to fire. And he is positioned without a context to be in, except for a blood-red background, which seems to reinforce a pornographic fascination with violence. The image of Adair is that of the paramilitary as pathological gangster. There he stands as an individual with no apparent political aspiration, motivated by his own individuality and a desire to acquire status only by his ability to inflict fear through violence and murder. Brutal, callous, selfish, thuggish, ruthless, calculating, emotionless, detached and ultimately uncontrollable is how he appears.