Chapter 6 Summary and Analysis

The Hell's Angels moral code is shocking to most people because of its inherent imbalance. They do not believe in the concept of 'an eye for an eye'. They believe in total retaliation. Insults or snubs are responded to with extreme physical violence, and an insult to a single Hell's Angel is viewed as an insult to all gang members. Retaliation is swift, violent, and complete. This asymmetrical response is a difficult and frightening concept for those who believe that human relationships should be based on essential fairness. Additionally, Hell's Angels feel that their point of view is inherently correct. To argue with a Hell's Angel is to be, in their eyes, simply wrong.

The vast majority of motorcycle outlaws belong to a gang. Going solo is a difficult and dangerous method of life. The gang offers protection and street-level credibility...