Hell’s Angels Post Update—Startling Evidence of How the Onslaught of Political Correctness Has Cultivated Deception in All of Us…
My post about the Hell’s Angels’ beating of writer Hunter S. Thomson ranks as one of the most read on my blog over the last year, so to commemorate its popularity, I wanted to share this video with you, in which Thompson and a member of the Oakland Chapter debate what really happened that day at Squaw Rock… not only is it funny, it’s very telling of the way things have changed in our society.
As evidenced by this video, in 1967 you could still say unpopular things and people knew how to laugh. Nowadays words are treated as weapons; the government may not have taken away your Right to Free Speech, but with your complicity, the people around you have.
My original post was centered around this one point: Even when they’re deceptive, “Everyone wants to have some percentage of truth in what they say.” If you missed it, you can read my original post here.
But when I ran across this video, I also realized how drastically things have changed since this incident with the Hell’s Angels and Thompson some 40-plus years ago. Watch the video and you’ll see what I mean. The Oakland Chapter member, Cliff “Skip” Workman speaks bluntly, and the crowd—a mix of well-dressed men AND women—laughs at remarks that would draw boos, jeers, and headlines today.
It’s ironic that this 1967 video clip is from a time when I believe the seeds of Political Correctness were sewn. Still, it took several decades for them to grow and take root in our culture.
What’s been the result of Political Correctness? Submission… and more deception. Don’t you feel an invisible restriction, a pressure to stand down and not speak your true thoughts when they might offend someone, or step outside the bounds of “societal expectations”?
So we submit. We commit deception by saying nothing. We sit silently while moral and political radicalism takes further hold of our society. We don’t speak up for what we know is right and reasonable, and so right and reasonable fades away all the more, taking a back a seat to minority viewpoints that have the illusion of being popular sentiment.
Watch Skip Workman, and watch Hunter S. Thompson. Notice their body language. Who do you think is being deceptive? Of the two, who do you trust more?
So say what you like about the Hell’s Angels, but I know this: They still hold a quality that has died in the rest of us. They won’t mince words, and you don’t have to worry whether they’re lying about what they believe. Can you really say that about any politician or reporter?
There’s nothing wrong with being polite; but don’t be afraid to speak up and voice your opinion. Hitler overtook Germany with nothing more than words. Don’t be offended by words, and don’t worry about stepping on another person’s viewpoint.
Consider Skip Workman’s philosophy: “If they don’t like me… it’s too bad.”
Don’t be silent; our society, our culture, depends on you.
Comment with your opinion…
-jef
You are right, Jef. This video makes an impactful point (to me as least) about the way “political Correctness” has catapulted us through such a startling change in our culture. I remember the way things were in 1967 (the way people laughed heartily at jokes containing stereotypical humor, the way people gave you direct, helpful answers when talking about politics, and the feeling of “closeness” you could have with others who had an opinion that differed from your own.).
Some of this exists today , and yet — sadly — most of it only shows up in whispers.
As for the Hell’s Angels, my wife and I were talking today about people who ride motorcycles. My wife does not ride a motorcycles, yet she said today — not knowing that I’d read your post tonight — that she has noticed through the years that “motorcycle people” are loyal to each other and they stand up for each other, no matter who they are or how they look. I agree with her.
Realizing all of this, I smiled when I read what you said in your post here, Jef. Nice going!
-Chuc
“most of it only shows up in whispers,” dead on Chuc (and only when we’re certain the other person already agrees with us!)
LOYALTY… that’s in short supply now, too, you’re right! Or maybe it always has been? I just don’t know.
True, political correctness hasn’t penetrated the ‘real’ motorcycle community, your wife makes an interesting observation… lots of Endangered List Values still alive there.
Thanks for thoughts Chuc!
=) this is great!
i’ve seen this clip before but your analysis of the audiences then and the audiences of today is astoundingly observant. i was aghast at the truth hitting me like a hammer. great job.
Thanks much, JJ, I appreciate you sharing your reaction–made my day.
Take care,
-jef
I saw Cliff (skip)Workman Yesterday in a grocery store in Maine he has lived here for several years He is alive and well with a few more years on him!
Mary, that’s so very cool that you saw Skip, I hope he’s happy & well.
He’s one of the few (are their any other than him and Sonny?) from that original Oakland bunch, ie the one’s who were in Hell’s Angels ‘69, who are still around today.
He gave it HST for sure, and certainly came off as the most honest (and likeable) of the two, didn’t he? I loved it.
Give him my best, thanks so much for your comment Mary, glad to get your report on Skip.
-j
Awesome! My father always says “id rather be in a room filled with HA then a room filled with politicians” and its so true
Point well made, thanks ak!