"How common is Nazi iconography among bikers?"

[erosvamp]

Highway to Heil
How common is Nazi iconography among bikers?
By Christopher Beam
http://www.slate.com/id/2282635/

Another day, another photo associating Jesse James with Nazi iconography.

US Weekly released an undated photo on Wednesday of James, former husband of Sandra Bullock, sitting in a car next to a man giving a "sieg heil" salute. Another picture, posted on Facebook by an employee of James's motorcycle company, West Coast Choppers, features the children's book character Flat Stanley dressed as Adolf Hitler. These pictures might be surprising if it weren't for the previously published photo of James from 2004 saluting while wearing a Nazi hat, plus pictures of his former mistress, Michelle McGee, posing with a Nazi hat and swastika armband.

A friend of James explained to US Weekly that the Nazi pictures don't make James a neo-Nazi or a racist, "He's into history," the person says. "The swastika deal is to scare people. It's part of biker culture."

That might be true—if this were 1969. Anyone who's read Hunter S. Thompson's Hell's Angels or seen older biker movies like The Glory Stompers (1968) knows that biker gangs would sometimes wear swastikas or iron crosses—a German decoration during World War II.

But Nazi symbolism is a lot less common among bikers than it used to be, says Tom Barker, a professor of criminal justice at Eastern Kentucky University who studies motorcycle gangs. "It's really unusual," says Barker. Biker gangs used to roam American highways with all kinds of Nazi insignia—swastikas, iron crosses, SS-style lightning bolts, steel helmets, peaked caps. But that stuff has gone out of fashion in the last decade or two, says Barker.

The main reason: marketing. As motorcycle organizations like the Hells Angels and the Banditos and the Outlaws have established chapters across the world—including Germany, where Nazi symbols are illegal—they've toned down the regalia. At the same time, the Hells Angels—sorry, the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corp.—have become a profitable business, selling merchandise and trademarking their logo. (When Disney used a similar-looking image in the movie Wild Hogs, the Angels filed suit.)
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There's always been a connection between motorcycle gangs and white supremacy. None of the five major American gangs—Hells Angels, Banditos, Outlaws, Mongols, and Pagans—are said to allow black people to become members (there's the occasional reported exception), although some have begun to recruit Latinos. And some members sport tattoos that explicitly endorse white power, like the "W" and "P" on the back of Michelle McGee's legs. Some chapters of the Hells Angels have even reportedly linked up with neo-Nazis.

But for most bikers, Nazi iconography has less to do with supporting Nazi ideology than wanting to piss people off, says Barker. Modern American motorcycle gangs started in the late 1940s and early 1950s, just after veterans of World War II brought home iron crosses and other trophies. "One-percenters"—so named in response to the claim that 99 percent of bikers are law-abiding—adopted the Nazi insignia as a form of patriotic rebellion: By using it, they showed their love of country (we defeated the Nazis) and their indifference toward their countrymen (they know it makes you uncomfortable). "This stuff—iron crosses, the Nazi insignia, the German helmets—that's to shock people. To let them know we're individualists," Hells Angels icon Sonny Barger told the Los Angeles Times in the 1960s. "If a Hells Angels guy is wearing Nazi paraphernalia, it's basically their equivalent of sticking up a finger to some middle class family they see in a Volvo," says Julian Sher, a Globe and Mail correspondent and co-author of Angels of Death: Inside the Biker Gangs' Global Crime Empire.

In Hell's Angels, Thompson argues the paraphernalia was mostly to épater le bourgeoisie: "They insist and seem to believe that their swastika fetish is no more than an antisocial joke, a guaranteed gimmick to bug the squares, the taxpayers—all those they spitefully refer to as 'citizens.' … If they wanted to be artful about bugging the squares they would drop the swastika and decorate their bikes with the hammer and sickle."

That's the funny thing about the claim by James's friend that he wears Nazi memorabilia because he's "into history." To most bikers, a swastika is no more about killing Jews than it was about Hindu good luck to the Nazis. It's about being a badass—and that's it. The whole point is that it's divorced from history. The fact that many profiles of James describe the logo of West Coast Choppers not as an iron cross (to which it's identical) but a Maltese cross (to which it's not identical) gives you a sense of how little the history matters. The symbol has become so assimilated that some people just call it the biker cross.

Ripped from that context, though—the context of macho bikers wanting to look cool and scary—and splashed it across celebrity blogs, it makes everyone involved seem like a Nazi sympathizer. For a true outlaw biker, that wouldn't be so bad. The whole point is to horrify people. But for a celebrity like James, it's a career killer. So he has to play the "history buff" card. James wants to be a celebrity and to have biker cred. It turns out you can't have both.

[goose]

Sonny Barger figured that out a long time ago. Celebrity makes you appear as a sell out. Tough 1%er or Celebrity? Can't be both. To Barger's credit, he was true to himself. He passed on a lot of money and fame to stay an Angel.

James, well, he just seems a bit messed up. I don't know if the guy is a racist or whatever, frankly, it doesn't even matter. Really, what in the hell does it matter to anyone what that guy believes? It' not like he's starting an army of skinheads. Who cares?

As for Nazi symbolism, hell, there are racists in every group. Most of the symbolism, however, is mostly for shock value. It's not like you're looking for a Peace Prize when you're in the 1%er world. Frankly, the sporadic racism from these guys doesn't frighten me nearly as much as the covert racism/homophobia/sexism of elected politicians. They can actually do something about it.

Funny thing is, biker gangs are like any other gangs. Really, you're only in trouble if you're in another gang, or in the wrong place at the wrong time and do not have enough sense to find another place to be.

[Jaeger]

UTMC:


--Jaeger

[rolly]

Funny thing is, biker gangs are like any other gangs. Really, you're only in trouble if you're in another gang, or in the wrong place at the wrong time and do not have enough sense to find another place to be.

Unless being in the wrong place at the wrong time includes being at home minding your own business or at work just doing your job I know people who would disagree with you. Some of them even used to say the same thing themselves.

[goose]

Funny thing is, biker gangs are like any other gangs. Really, you're only in trouble if you're in another gang, or in the wrong place at the wrong time and do not have enough sense to find another place to be.

Unless being in the wrong place at the wrong time includes being at home minding your own business or at work just doing your job I know people who would disagree with you. Some of them even used to say the same thing themselves.

Indeed, a generalization to be sure. However, living in the land of HA territory and riding all over the place, having beers with riders and HAs alike, I've never seen them cause problems more than loud bikes, and the occasional idiot that says something like "so, you think that patch makes you tough?" That guy never seems to do to well. Clearly, there's more going on than just riding big loud bikes. Crips, Bloods, MI13, Mexican Mafia, Nortenos and Sorenos and the whole host of others commit all kinds of acts. However, as a general rule, the harshest violence is "mostly" reserved for the other gangs.

[rolly]

Funny thing is, biker gangs are like any other gangs. Really, you're only in trouble if you're in another gang, or in the wrong place at the wrong time and do not have enough sense to find another place to be.

Unless being in the wrong place at the wrong time includes being at home minding your own business or at work just doing your job I know people who would disagree with you. Some of them even used to say the same thing themselves.

Indeed, a generalization to be sure. However, living in the land of HA territory and riding all over the place, having beers with riders and HAs alike, I've never seen them cause problems more than loud bikes, and the occasional idiot that says something like "so, you think that patch makes you tough?" That guy never seems to do to well. Clearly, there's more going on than just riding big loud bikes. Crips, Bloods, MI13, Mexican Mafia, Nortenos and Sorenos and the whole host of others commit all kinds of acts. However, as a general rule, the harshest violence is "mostly" reserved for the other gangs.

True enough. And generally if you can see them there'll be no problems except the ones you start, when they're in uniform they're on best behavior. I just happen to know some people who've been in some scary situations involving patchers through no fault of their own. And even in the straight world there seems to be some pressure to keep these sort of things quiet, such is the fear of these groups.

Also, certain expansion franchises seem to be more violent in new markets than in their home territories. Because there are still marbles to play for? Because the locals haven't yet learned to "respect" them? Because they're all newbie loose cannons who think they're untouchable modern samurai? I don't know.

[WeAintFoundShit]

Funny thing is, biker gangs are like any other gangs. Really, you're only in trouble if you're in another gang, or in the wrong place at the wrong time and do not have enough sense to find another place to be.

Or if you're a bunch of twenty something punk rockers, goth kids, and weirdos, and you want to start your own little motorcycle club that's largely based on cafe racers, streetfighters, rat bikes, and coffee.

[Rench]

the sporadic racism from these guys doesn't frighten me nearly as much as the covert racism/homophobia/sexism of elected politicians

+1,000,000.

And Jaeger. And WAFS.

Hell, I"m in with everyone, this is just an interesting read. Practically catered to the kinds of folks that are attracted to the UTMC. Short, sweet, calling out posers and hardcores alike.

Good stuff all around. But good on Goose again. Damn good point there.

-Rench

[MoraleHazard]

At the same time, the Hells Angels—sorry, the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corp.—have become a profitable business

haha. Let me go grab my "support" t-shirt.

[JoJoLesh]

But for a celebrity like James, it's a career killer.

Ugh...I dont think Nazi symbolism is whats going to do in Jessy's Celeb status. Nope. Think he's had bigger issues for the gen pub.
Unfortunately.
Maybe an unpopular view here but, I always thought he was a talented builder. He had an eye for details and his builds were works of art.
I assume he has carried on with this, but unfortunately nobody will notice. Now he is just everyone's favorite dog to kick

[xtian]

Well I'm sorry, not taking any judgement on the guy's work, but that's the rule of the game. You can't just build a marketing machine around yourself with a strong identity, sell millions of stickers to glorify your personality, take part in tv shows and photo shoot, then complain that people are mean to you. That's the game and I'm sure he knows all about it. Or else, stay a bike builder and not a media personality.

you want to know how we feel around here about nazi iconography among bikers ?
two words: rebel flag.

[roadmissile]

you want to know how we feel around here about nazi iconography among bikers ?
two words: rebel flag.

So you're saying a swastika is OK as long as you paint it on the roof of an orange dodge charger?

/RM

[Jonny]

you want to know how we feel around here about nazi iconography among bikers ?
two words: rebel flag.

So you're saying a swastika is OK as long as you paint it on the roof of an orange dodge charger?

/RM

Sounds perfectly reasonable.

[xtian]

you want to know how we feel around here about nazi iconography among bikers ?
two words: rebel flag.

So you're saying a swastika is OK as long as you paint it on the roof of an orange dodge charger?

/RM

something like that. It's cool because it's exotic and has nothing to do with our culture / is not any of our responsibility. Some people are embarrassed by the slave/racist links, most people just consider it a symbol of antisocial truckers and biker manhood. most of both group couldn't tell you anything about the secession war. It became detached of any political, social or geographical meaning.

but, no I personally do not think a swastika is ok anywhere else than on a indian statue.

[Metalredneck]

Don't forget Formula One... http://jalopnik.com/374038/bernie-eccle ... gy-scandal

[rc26]

Nazi iconography?

Items that remind me of it in the m/c world:
Nazi WW II "style" helmets...in chrome of course.
The "Iron Cross".
I know there other items that I'm probably forgetting about.

[Jonny]

The Iron Cross is hardly a Nazi party emblem. I believe it has it's roots in Prussia and was first awarded as a military decoration in Napoleon's time. I think. Certainly, the swastika dates back to antiquity, but I don't think the Iron Cross holds the same symbolic weight as the black, white, and red image.

Also, the Iron Cross is the current symbol of Germany's armed forces, and I doubt they would be clinging on to any old Nazi memorabilia.

[rolly]

The Iron Cross is hardly a Nazi party emblem. I believe it has it's roots in Prussia and was first awarded as a military decoration in Napoleon's time. I think. It is also the symbol of Germany's armed forces, and I doubt they would be clinging on to any old Nazi memorabilia.

Just like no one really associates the swastika with ancient Indian proinciples, I really doubt anyone is wearing an iron cross because they're into Prussia. Most of these mongoloids have never even heard of Prussia and think Napoleon is like some French poof.

And

Germany scraps new Iron Cross

By Bojan Pancevski

Last Updated: 2:13am GMT 08/03/2008

The German government was yesterday forced to scrap plans to re-introduce the Iron Cross, after opponents said the military medal still carried the "burden" of association with Nazi atrocities.

The medal, the equivalent of the Victoria Cross in Britain, was established during the Napoleonic Wars to reward bravery and valour of officers and enlisted men alike.

But its reputation was tarnished by the Nazis, who added a swastika to the design, linking it to atrocities in the Second World War. It was abolished in post-Nazi Germany. On Tuesday the Defence Minister, Franz Josef Jung, backed a campaign to re-introduce the cross for valour in combat in flashpoints such as Afghanistan. Currently, there are only medals for service.

But within 24 hours the ministry reversed its support after the move led to a public outcry, with critics claiming the Iron Cross was too reminiscent of the Nazi era. "We are not thinking of bringing it back, though we do want to introduce a medal to honour soldiers who show courage," a spokesman said.

A source from the ministry suggested a compromise solution could create a new medal, which would, however, resemble the Iron Cross.

Col Ernst-Reinhard Beck, head of the Reserve Soldiers Association which began the campaign, said "a lot of fear and horror was spread" under the symbol, but added that a modified version was still being used as an emblem of the army.

Mr Beck, also an MP in Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrat party, said: "The Iron Cross has become a sign of hope, aid and solidarity in regions of crisis around the world, and we have no reason to be ashamed of it."

[rc26]

The Iron Cross is hardly a Nazi party emblem.

When I was about 8...9 years old, a cousin of mine was in a one percenter club. I remember seeing some members with a swastika, iron (biker) cross and other tattoos together. That's my perception of the association. What's amazing, that cousin wound up leaving the club, went to college, then became an undercover cop. Worked for the prosecutor's office in NJ for 25 years.

I actually did some checking and found this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biker_Cross

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Cross

[Jonny]

The Iron Cross is hardly a Nazi party emblem. I believe it has it's roots in Prussia and was first awarded as a military decoration in Napoleon's time. I think. It is also the symbol of Germany's armed forces, and I doubt they would be clinging on to any old Nazi memorabilia.

Just like no one really associates the swastika with ancient Indian proinciples, I really doubt anyone is wearing an iron cross because they're into Prussia. Most of these mongoloids have never even heard of Prussia and think Napoleon is like some French poof.

Yeah, it's all just grasping at Badassedry. More than likely the "Biker Cross" is meant to represent the Nazi Iron Cross, but personally I don't see the Iron Cross itself as a Nazi thing.

It is interesting about the IC remaining Germany's military symbol, and yet there being controversy about it being reinstated as a military honour. I am possibly naive.



Oh, and Napoleon was a bit of a poof.

[xtian]

somehow I find it even more frightening that Nazi symbols would no longer be seen as such.

"Nazi"s ? oh right, the bikers / burlesque / kinky role play for people who want to stand out ? yeah, I know it".
And next thing you know racism and race supremacy theories are just operas and weekend hobbies.

[JoJoLesh]

how does it go?

"the devil's best trick is to persuade you that he doesn't exist!"