Outlaw clubs have been accused of using charity rides to mask their criminal nature. Charitable giving is frequently cited as evidence that these clubs do not deserve their negative media image. Outlaw clubs are often prominent at charity events, such as toy runs. Much of the mystique and many of the unwritten rules, values, and ideals of non-outlaw clubs are believed to come from outlaw clubs. Many non-outlaw motorcycle clubs adopt similar insignia, colors, organizational structures, and trappings to outlaw clubs, making it difficult for outsiders (including police) to tell the groups apart. However, there is also a subculture of outlaw biker activity which revolves around performing outrageous acts, the denigration of women, maintaining a macho image, and the heavy use of drugs and alcohol. Outlaw bikers view themselves as a fraternity of men who reject societal norms, and their sense of brotherhood is reflected in tattoos, the wearing of club " colors", and earning ranks and titles within a club or chapter. The majority of members of outlaw motorcycle clubs have no serious criminal record, and express their outlaw status on a social level, equating the word "outlaw" with disregard for the law of groups like the American Motorcyclist Association, not the laws of government. Full members are often referred to as "full patch members" or "patchholders" and the step of attaining full membership can be referred to as "being patched". A formal induction follows, in which the new member affirms his loyalty to the club and its members. Successful admission usually requires more than a simple majority, and some clubs may reject a prospect or a probate for a single dissenting vote. To become a full member, the prospect or probate must be voted on by the rest of the full club members. During this time, the prospect may wear the club name on the back of their vest, but not the full logo, though this practice may vary from club to club. hang-around, prospecting) ranging from the mandatory performance of menial labor tasks for full patch members to sophomoric pranks, and, in rare cases with some outlaw motorcycle clubs, acts of violence. In these clubs, some amount of hazing may occur during the early stages (i.e. Some clubs have a unique club patch (cut or top rocker) adorned with the term MC that are worn on the rider's vest, known as a kutte. Often, an individual must pass a vote of the membership and swear some level of allegiance to the club. The actual stages and membership process can and often do vary widely from club to club. Some "biker" clubs employ a process whereby members must pass several stages such as "friend of the club", "hang-around", and "prospect", on their way to becoming full-patch (see explanation of 'patching' below) members. Larger motorcycle clubs often acquire real estate for use as a clubhouse or private compound. Sometimes, the president of the mother chapter serves as the president of the entire MC, and sets club policy on a variety of issues, whereas other clubs either elect or appoint a National President for this role. The mother chapter serves as the ruling body of the club. In some clubs, localized groups of a single, large MC are called charters or chapters, and the first chapter established for an MC is referred to as the mother charter. While organizations may vary, the typical internal organization of a motorcycle club consists of a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, road captain, and sergeant-at-arms (sometimes known as enforcer). Organization and leadership The Hells Angels MC New York City clubhouse, with many security cameras and floodlights on the front of the building Department of Justice defines "outlaw motorcycle gangs" (OMG) as "organizations whose members use their motorcycle clubs as conduits for criminal enterprises". Instead, the clubs have their own set of bylaws reflecting the outlaw biker culture. In the United States, such motorcycle clubs (MCs) are considered "outlaw" not necessarily because they engage in criminal activity, but because they are not sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and do not adhere to the AMA's rules. Motorcycle club members meet at a run in Australia in 2009Īn outlaw motorcycle club, known colloquially as a biker gang or motorcycle gang, is a motorcycle subculture generally centered on the use of cruiser motorcycles, particularly Harley-Davidsons and choppers, and a set of ideals that purport to celebrate freedom, nonconformity to mainstream culture, and loyalty to the biker group. For the films, see Motorcycle Gang (1957 film) and Motorcycle Gang (1994 film).
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