Reason: Lots of information needs expansion, especially the music section.
Reason for Warning: This page documents a subculture that frequently includes themes of violence and criminality. The content features themes of sexual objectification (historically toward women) and frequently features smoking imagery. Viewer discretion is advised.
Bikers are a subculture revolving around riding motorcycles, and the lifestyle/culture associated with it. The biker aesthetic is not quite the bike itself, or anyone who rides one, but a specific type of style and attitude that is associated with it. The biker aesthetic is an image of toughness, roughness, sex appeal, and danger.
Origin[]
Though motorcycles have been around since the 1800s (commercially, since the 1900s), 'biker culture' as we know it now has its roots in post-WWII. With the men coming back from service, motorcycle advertising changed to reflect a masculine aesthetic, with women being pushed out of the picture, or included only as passengers for sex appeal. This push was part of the post-war movement for men to return to their prior 'masculine' roles, with women returning to their 'housewife' duties.
Region[]
Although the reach of the aesthetic has spread across the world, it's mainly associated with America, Japan, and Britain. The aesthetics vary by region, though all share common aesthetics, such as the tough and ‘criminal’ association.
Visuals[]
- Leather jackets
- Jacket patches (usually 'edgy' in nature)
- Tattoos
- Bandanas
- Black
- Bike helmets
- jeans/ripped jeans
- Leather vests
- Beards
- Fingerless gloves
Fashion[]
Biker fashion changes culturally, but most incorporate leather, blacks and reds, studs, chains, jeans/denim, 'punk' styles, and 'edgy' styles. For women, there is usually an emphasis on sex appeal, while men emphasize masculinity and intimidation.
Media[]
Movies[]
- The Wild One (1953)
- The Wild Angels (1966)
- Hells Angels on Wheels (1967)
- Easy Rider (1969)
- Run, Angel, Run! (1969)
- Sons of Anarchy The Movie (2022)
- The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
- Hell Ride (2008)
- Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (1991)
- Teen Beach Movie (2013)
- Teen Beach 2 (2015)
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
- Wild Hogs (2007)
TV[]
- Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014)
- Mayans M.C. (2018-present)
- American Chopper (2003-2010, 2018-present)
- Biker Build-Off (2002-2007)
- Ride with Norman Reedus (2016-present)
- Biker Battleground Phoenix (2014)
- Miami Ink" (2005-2008)
Video Games[]
- Ride to Hell: Retribution (2013)
- Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost And Damned (2009)
Books[]
- Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga by Hunter S. Thompson
Music[]
Metal, hard rock, and punk music is usually associated with bikers.
- AC/DC - Hell's Bells
- AC/DC - Highway to Hell
- Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion
- Allman Brothers Band - Midnight Rider
- Bon Jovi - Wanted Dead or Alive
- CAKE - The Distance
- Christopher Cross - Ride Like the Wind
- Danzig - She Rides
- Doobie Brothers - Rockin' Down the Highway
- Foo Fighter - Wheels
- George Thorogood and the Destroyers - Bad to the Bone
- Joan Jett - Bad Reputation
- Kid Rock - Born Free
- Limp Bizkit - Rollin'
- Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
- Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
- Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell
- Molly Hatchet - One Last Ride
- Motörhead - Ace of Spades
- REO Speedwagon - Ridin' the Storm Out
- Robert Earl Keen - The Road Goes On Forever
- Sammy Hagar - I Can't Drive 55
- Saxon - Motorcycle Man
- Steppenwolf - Born to be Wild
- Thin Lizzy - Whiskey in the Jar
- Tom Petty - Runnin' Down a Dream
- Willie Nelson - On the Road Again
- ZZ Top - La Grange
- Zeke - Death Alley
Resources[]
- https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/motorcycles-and-motorcycle-cultures
- https://www.gq.com/gallery/the-evolution-of-motorcycle-style
Gallery[]
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