Colors (motorcycling)
Colors are the insignia, or "patches", worn by motorcycle club members on cut-offs to identify membership of their club and territorial location. [1] Club patches have been worn by many different groups but, since the 1960s, have become largely synonymous with Outlaw bikers [2] They are regarded by many to symbolize an elite amongst motorcyclists and the style has been widely copied by other subcultures and commercialized. [3]
Colors are considered to represent "significant markers of the socialization" of new members to clubs, rank and present a dominant symbol of identity. They ca be sewn, stenciled onto clothing, the primary symbol being the "back-patch" of club colors. Wearing such clothing is referred to as "flying one's colors". Colors also identify the rank of members within clubs from new members, or "prospects" to full members known as "patch-holders". Colors usually consist of a top and bottom rocker stating the club name and location and a central logo with the acronym 'MC' standing for "Motorcycle Club". They are used to create social bond and boundaries.
[4]
Tattoos
Tattoos may also come under the category of club colors.[5]
References
- ^ Cultural criminology by Jeff Ferrell, Clinton Sanders
- ^ Encyclopedia Of Violence: Frequent, Commonplace, Unexpected By Margaret DiCanio
- ^ Harley-Davidson and philosophy: full-throttle Aristotle by Bernard E. Rollin
- ^ Over the Edge and Into the Abyss: The Communication of Organizational Identity in an Outlaw Motorcycle Club by Dulaney, William Lee. Florida State University
- ^ "Crime Prevention Gang Prevention". State's Attorney's Office. Retrieved 2009.
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