Media controls certain images of bikers, which shapes public views. Many of the biker movies of the 50's and 60's such as "Easy Rider," Wild One," and "CC Rider" portrayed bikers in such a manner as to stereotype all bikers as unsavory. These movies were the beginning of the discrimination and stereotyping. All bikers were viewed and regarded as, drug trafficking, tattooed, dirty, hell raising boys, always ready for a fight. The movie "Mask" however, displayed the generosity of bikers and however contrary to public opinion, was the "true" bikers. One viewer states, "Mask, shows the real biker better then any other movie I have seen."(Barry) Remember Honda's advertisement of the 60's "You meet the nicest people on a Honda." Here they are trying to re-channel the image to be friendly, all American bikers. (Honda).
An Enquire News article reporting the shooting of a young man is a perfect example of the portrayal of the stereotypical image of the biker community. The printed article claimed the victim was an "Iron Coffin" member, making the entire incident look at if it was related to a biker's club gang war. Where as it "was nothing more then a drug deal gone bad." (Iron Coffin, Enquire News) In other incidents across our country; bikers are subject to harassment and unjustness from the government because of the reputation they have. As in the case of James "Frankie" Lee Wheeler, the R.I.C.O. "Racketeering and Influence, Corrupt Organization Act" (RICO) authorities were able to recharge him with the same charge previously used against him. "This is "double jeopardy," yet our government can do this. If the person charged is even questionably associated with anyone that authorities feel falls into the RICO field, they can also be charge with the crime. (RICO ACT) The government violates this law frequently when it comes down to bikers. They railroad selected established organizations, their members and associates into long drawn out legal battles and jail terms.
