Sons Of Anarchy And The Culture Of Violence

Sons of Anarchy (also known as Sons of Anarchy in Portuguese) is an American series that tells the story of the motorcycle group SAMCRO* . They live in Charming, a small town in northern California that they dominate. In order to be able to carry out their illegal activities, they offer protection and tranquility to the people who live in the city, far from the crime that is multiplying in the surroundings because of rivalries between other different groups of motorcyclists. A kind of social contract is manifested between the club and the inhabitants of Charming.

Samcro is trafficking weapons for the IRA, an Irish terrorist group with which he has had ties for several years. Although initially it was a cool motorcycle club, for leisure and to be with friends, little by little it became a criminal group. Its history will be revealed little by little throughout the series, helping us to understand a little better the values ​​that underpinned the change and also the directions that derived from it.

The origins of Motoclube

The first Motorcycle Clubs were created after the end of World War II, with the arrival of American troops in the USA. The experiences between colleagues from the different divisions of the army and the companionship during battle formed unique experiences in the lives of the combatants. But when the war ends, all that disappears. Many of them missed that time, especially because their daily routines were unbearable. They didn’t consider themselves part of that world; they felt marginalized. No one had lived what they lived, no one had formed such strong bonds between mates, almost brothers.

To relive all these moments and find their place in this society that did not understand them, they formed the Motorcycle Clubs. Motorcycles were a means of transport that many owned because they were cheaper. Thus, they began to attend various group activities. Trips, walks, and other plans that they enjoyed on the road with those who had been their fellow-in-arms, by blood.

However, after some problems with the population of Hollister in the 1950s, some of these motorcyclists broke away from the traditional lifeline of Motorcycle Clubs and formed the famous 1%. The American Motorcyclists Association (AMA) stated that 99% of motorcyclists complied with the rules, so some said it was the 1% who did not comply with the social norms imposed. They became the Outlaws (Outlaws).

The Culture of Violence in Sons of Anarchy

Violence seems to be intrinsic to society itself. It supposes a social phenomenon, used as a means by a group to impose its ideals, dominate the other, etc. Violence, within a cultural context, refers to a set of values, norms… based on its structure.

In this sense, violence is understood as a means to solve problems, perpetuating behaviors that feed back such conduct. Because of this, the level of violence does nothing but increase. In the series, it is easy to see that, to maintain control, it is necessary to use more and more aggressiveness.

Why? Because these behaviors, before “not so serious”, received a violent and disproportionate response. This makes it necessary, at the same time, to employ greater repression, since the behavior that one wants to prevent is even more violent.

Likewise, violence is a manifestation of respect, of the imposition of authority. In a hierarchical system, the honor of the individual and the club comes above all else. The president, the leader of the group, must not only guide the club in the right direction, but also maintain its cohesion and ensure that the rules that underpin it are respected.

the importance of family

The family is the pillar on which the MC is built. They are not just friends or comrades, they are brothers. As such, they participate in the socialization of their children, who are already born in an environment that encourages them to follow in their parents’ footsteps.

The family is responsible for education, and Sons of Anarchy reinforces this idea. Children don’t go to school because they “don’t belong” to this society. The values ​​or norms by which they are guided are different, creating unique concepts and ideas adapted to their reality and transmitted from generation to generation. This limitation of learning, without allowing socialization beyond “family” limits, prevents new generations from having a broader vision.

the role of women

They form a group apart from what the MC itself is. Even though they are within it, they do not depart from the traditional role that women have played throughout history: wives and mothers. In this way, Sons of Anarchy portrays the violence that women have always been subjected to. There is not a physical manifestation, but a cultural one regarding the behavioral expectations held in relation to them.

In order for a woman to be accepted into the club, she must be a member’s steady girlfriend or wife. Before that, they are simply there to satisfy the most immediate desires of men, having the obligation to always be available.

The woman is the one who harmonizes and has some functions to fulfill within her position. Much importance is attached to the relationship that the club member maintains with her, as within this concept of family, they consider that it is not possible to give everything for the club if there is no cohesion in the private sphere.

Sons of Anarchy shows the lifestyle and values ​​that unite many motorcycle clubs. The feeling of marginalization after the war led them to seek a departure from society, denying it. They made motorcycles their lives, what best defines them.

*SAMCRO (Original Sounds of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood)

**MC (Motorcycle Club)