There's a group of predominantly working class Aussie's who choose a lifestyle based on mateship, mutual interests, loyalty, community and an expression of a little bit of that "inner rebel" that exists in most of us if we are honest with ourselves. Harley Riders, Bikeys or Bikers are fast becoming a marginalised group, and ill-informed stereotypes and mis-conceptions propagated by an ignorant media, law enforcement and self righteous members of the public simply re-enforce this. The smear campaign that seems to have grown from a few unfortunate incidents MUST be challenged. What is missing from the whole equation are simple facts, easily observable by anyone who has spent even a limited time amongst the bike community or club scene. Lets list a few and attempt to gain some perspective.
1. There are instances of criminal activity amongst many social groups, from footbal clubs to RSL clubs, clusters of computer geeks who live on forums, the local pub, bike clubs and even - shock horror - the police force.
2. The fact that some small groups of bikers within larger groups operate in an organised criminal manner does not mean the majority condone or emulate this behavior. If this were so, the fact that the Police Force has to operate groups such as the Office of Police Integrity and Internal Affairs would make every uniform on the street a person of dubious character.
3. The biker lifestyle as a whole has never been, and never will be, predicated on an inherant propensity for criminal activity or enterprise.
4. Owning a Harley does not indicate financial wealth, successful criminal activity or a neanderthal approach to life and the world. A large percentage of bikers live in a humble median size home, often rented, and drive a car worth probably less than 10 grand. Their bike may have cost them 25 to 30 grand, but is unlikely to ever depreciate below the low 20's, and at some point will actually begin to increase in value. They often make personal sacrifices to keep their bike on the road and maintain their chosen lifestyle. They would often give a mate the shirt off their back if they thought it would help out. On the other hand, the aveage Aussie "family man" (2.5 kids) keeps much to himself besides the odd trip to the footy, lives in a much bigger home than they need, with a mortgage they can barely afford, has a car loan for a 35 to 40 grand sedan or four wheel drive (sometimes two) that will depreciate WAY below 20 grand within a few years, and runs the risk of going bankrupt if his wife or partner loses her job or falls pregnant! Who is the better role model here?
5. Loud pipes actually DO save lives, and make a LOT less noise than even your smallest prime mover. And they actually sound good.
6. Bike Club Houses are one of the safest places to hang out I have ever been to. Unlike the majority of city night spots, pubs and clubs, where excessive alcohol consumption, use of dangerous chemically concocted drugs, violence and aggression are destroying what used to be a fun night out with the boys. At a Club House, most of the anti-social behaviour the police and publicans seem to have so much trouble controlling would NEVER be tolerated.
I'm sure there are many more points I could add given the time or the inclination, but for now that's my stance. Things are not always what they seem, and the uninformed public needs to understand that the guy riding past on his big twin is not necessarily the emissary of evil he is so often portrayed as.
Nado.
19/08/2010
well put brother....
here here.....
+1 Nado only today Shazza was at work and was asked what we are doin on the weekend.
She replied "we are going to the bikers ball" (local ulysses event)
The response was "oh so ur a bikie".
To which she replied No.
What sort of bike do you have?
A harley.
Ohh so u r a bikie??
Now this didnt come from some naive young secretary, this was from a construction worker on the Desal.
How do we change peoples perceptions, other than making every ride a donation or support ride and gettin local news coverage showin the good that we do, maybe.
That was well said Nado. But what do you do, keep fighting on and explaining everytime I guess?
you will never change the masses, the government and media has them in a spin regarding harley riders....i wear my harley stuff to work, my screen saver is full of harleys...heard some dickheads at work the other day say he rides a bike must be a biker, what gang does he belong to... felt sorry for them poor ignorant fools, not an ounce of brains between them....like Dave said...FUCK THEM.
and MJ i'd have a beer with ya mate, even thou you are a cunt...but only if you shout...
People (the general populace) will alway fear that what they do not understand. The Government will always feed on that fear to get themselfs re-elected at the next election.
Take muslims for example, those that don't understand there religion or dress preferences will take them all for terrorists because the government has used the media to put fear into Mrs & Mr Joe average. Now there pitifull attempts to secure our borders will seem to have to be rewarded by Joe average voting for them.
Same for Bikers. Most of us that have been exposed to to the 1% clubs know the real story behind there code of conduct and the bond, loyalty, and respect those colours demand. Mr & Mrs Joe average only know what they are being spoon fed by the Government, and there paid media co-horts.
It shits me off big time, and I will do everything in my power (supporting the UMC's, joining F.R.E.E Aust Party, attending all the MC's protest & poker runs) until the day I meet my maker.
I urge my fellow brothers & sisters to do the same, before our love of big twins is legislated off the road.
Regards Lofty
Nado. Spot on,but how do we draw these truths to those who make the rules. pete.
your mates dad is spot on bucket,why do we have act old if we dont feel old,been told the same thing,but hair cut gettin hard not much left,just cos we ride a harley we get labeled as trouble oh how they have brainwashed the people,i pity em,my life and ill live it myway.
This Conversation/Discussion/Debate has been hashed and re-hashed ever since 4 July 1946 when the Boozefighters decided to hold an impromtu race meeting at Hollister. American media, never being shy to sensationalise a few facts into great story embellished the event and sold papers, so much so the event was even discussed in Congress where the catch phrases "1%er" and "Outlaw" were first coined.. In 1947 Life magazine also finding that disenfranchised returned servicemen in the guise of motorcyclist made great sales they featured an article with the famous photograph spread of the Boozefighters having another party. When Movie town latched on the idea and subject of covering stories of returned servicement disenfranchised with life back home, they struck their best hit with the "Wild Ones" The image was set by the big screen and there followed a pletherer of cheap drive in movies of wild motorcyclists, including UK made movies of "Cafe" racers.
Of course in reality the disefranchised servicemen were not restricted to forming motorcycle clubs, but also are responsible for Hot Rods, Barn Storming, Swagmen, Tent fighters etc. etc. The press, pulp fiction, movie image of motorcyclists has set a long time ago in the psychy of main stream society. This society cannot grasp an understanding of those that are forced or choose not to be part of the compliant mainstream. It was the disenfranchised returning servicemen that were excluded from the new way on their return from war.
A disitation on "The disenfranchised" would take far too long to explain here, but other examples of who in our society are disenfranchised includes
Hippies
Tree Huggers
The Homeless/ Street people/ Bag ladies etc.
Swagmen
Self suffient lifestylers
Survivorists
and so on
In the past as well as motorcyclists there were, Hot Rodders, Car racing clubs, Rock and Rollers, Barn Stormers, Street gangs of the cities, but no group has been as sensationalised and had an image set as solid as motorcyclists have, whether as the classic "Outlaw" or "Cafe" racer. This is set and will never change, so live with it or buy a car.
i find i somewhat amusing that some people i have known for a long time treat me different now that i own a harley.
i havent changed since i got it, except i now wear harley/bike clothes (never felt right being a tryhard pretender)
peoples misconceptions dont bother me, fuck em. its what the gov is doing that gives me the shits
