Research Paper

Name

Instructor

English 130

Outline for Paper

3 April 2014

Bikers Culture

In every corner of the world, there exists numerous forms of cultures. Each culture is unique and has its own unique characteristics. When one travels to India and the East, the forms of cultures that one encounters there are very different and very diversified. Such is like the Bikers sub-culture. Over the years, bikers have come to be recognized as a unique way of lifestyle in the Southern parts of USA. There have been many forms of controversies that have been identified and associated with these bikers. It can be argued that biker culture is among the most dangerous in the United States and this is mainly because of the belief that it is associated with illegal activities such as drug trafficking and gambling as well as behavior which is antisocial and unruly. However, not all bikers participate in illegal activities. Biker culture is also repute with reputable professionals who contribute positively not only only to their biker clubs, but to local, national, and even international charities and communities as well.

Who or what is the subculture?

Bikers are a movement form the subculture here. The most common identification detail includes the use of bikes to cruise towns, living a free style life and sometimes creating.

What is the history/background?

The bikers culture started soon after the wwII with people who were enthusiasts of motorcycles. These people loved traveling and riding on motorbikes and they started forming motorbike clubs. The people who had a similar biking enthusiasm became followers immediately. They used to cruise in large numbers on these bikes, most times as a show off strategy. They started off in small groups and later as the influence spread they placed themselves in gangs and a culture was developed.

What are the core beliefs/practices/ideals?

1. They stand up for each other. Each man is the brother’s keeper. When a person messes with one member of the bikers, he or she messes with the whole group and punishment is applied accordingly.

2. They take an oath to protect their beliefs.

3. Some believe that they are social outcasts. They fit together as a group, shunning the society and adopting their own form of lifestyles.

What do they do together?

1. They ride together, often cruising over towns and long distances in a number of bikes.

2. They support each other.

3. They take care of each other during times of chaos.

4. They drink in gangs and cause chaos in form of gangs

Subculture-specific language/jargon/uniform/dress?

1. Tattoos on their bodies.

2. piercings.

3. Vulgar language.

4. Unique dress codes, mostly in gang labeled and mostly leather attire.

5. Unique and wild hair fashions.

6. Uncouth behavior- no much sense of morality.

What do others think about them?

1. Untidy.

2. Irresponsible.

3. Uncouth both in mannerisms and language.

4. Free spirits.

5. Criminals.

6. Bad role models.

What are current issues, problems, or concerns that are affecting the subculture now?

1. Rejection from the society.

2. Problems with the law.

3. High levels of illiteracy among gang members.

How do social media and media come into play for this subculture? How are they represented/misrepresented in the media? How do they use social media for recruitment? What are the key blogs/websites? How are they portrayed in pop culture?

1. Pop culture highly accentuated in this culture.

2. Many of them acclaim rock music as their chosen style and genre.

3. The media hails them as the ‘bad boys’ of the society.

4. They have a wide fan base especially from the teenagers for their rebellious freestyle lifestyles.

5. Recruitment is conducted through their blogs, tattoo shops and bars and even in academic institutions like campuses, prisons.

What is the subculture’s presence on campus? In Chico? Northern California?

1. Presence of bikers subculture in Campus taking shape today.

2. More and more youths are adopting the culture depicting it as being ‘cool’

3. Influence is great in these campuses.

4. Affordable, flashy and addictive.

Famous bikers and gangs.

Some of the renowned gangs today include the Outlaws, the Hells Angels, Sons of Silence, Bandidas and the Pagans. Wino Willie Forkner founded the Boozefighters gang. Lou Dobkins founded the Pagans. These, among others were recognized as some of the most famous bikers in history.

Works cited

Bartels, Lorana, ‘The status of laws on outlaw motorcycle gangs in Australia’, Research in

practice report, Web. 2010.

Harris, Kira, ‘Commitment and the 1% Motorcycle Club: Threats to the Brotherhood’,

Australia counter terrorism conference, Web. 2012.

Honor bound motorcycle ministries website,‘understanding the motorbikers culture’.

Web. 2014.