Rebellious Riding

While driving down the freeway all of a sudden a man rushes past on a Harley sporting a cap and vest with skull and crossbones. In just a matter of seconds ten maybe even 20 or more motorcyclists with similar attire speed past following the leader. They are big, burly, covered in tattoos, and look like they are ready to beat someone. These guys (and ladies) are part of a motorcycle gang and carry a bad reputation no matter where they go. Do not get them angry, or it may be the last thing you do.

The video by CNN portrays motorcycle gangs to be the danger everyone thinks they are. These gangsters may not live in the "hood," but they are easily compared to famous gangs such as the Blood and Crips. Territory disputes, drug runs, and illegal firearms are a normal part of the life of a motorcycle gangster and the list of crimes goes far beyond those just listed. There is a constant underground war between rival factions, sometimes which occur in areas where innocents frequent and may get harmed. When the gang is nearby, safety has already left the area as seen when one gangster purposely gets rear ended by a car resulting in the whole gang beating up the driver.

One of the most notorious motorcycle gangs is the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. Back in May of 2015, the Bandidos got into a dispute with a rival gang called the Cossacks at a Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco, Texas. The Bandidos were of the opinion that Texas was only big enough for them and at the restaurant began to beat, stab, and shoot the rival gangs not even caring about the police presence outside. In the end, nine were killed, and many more hospitalized before the law enforcement could break it up. This incident as well as many similar situations have often been covered in the news around the nation.

Eagan triple stabbing involved rival biker gangs, police say

Movies and TV shows even depict motorcycle gangs in a negative light. In the series "Sons of Anarchy" a motorcycle gang in a fictitious city in California receive the lime light. Despite the idea that they are trying to protect their town they run an illegal arms business and are constantly warring with other gangs, killing law enforcement, and even murdering each other over power, money, and seduction. Anarchy is their law and as seen in the banner, their symbol is death and their motto "Ride Free or Die" depicts the idea of anarchy as they will do whatever it is that pleases them, no matter the consequences.

The single story that is given is that all those who ride motorcycles are rebels and outlaws with no care for law and order. This is a stereotype that, like most stereotypes, shines a negative light on many due to select groups. Just because someone loves riding a motorcycle and happens to be part of a motorcycle club does not mean that they are delving into underground activities such as being part of an illegal drug chain or are prepared to murder someone just because that person looked at them wrong. Most of these people are regular human beings with a passion just as justifiable as soccer or cooking. It is time we put more trust in the American people and not judge a book by its cover.