Brotherhood
I
often wonder what the true meaning of Brotherhood is. Webster defines it as an “Alliance” or “Fellowship”. I guess that qualifies. But you know I’ve been wrong before. Especially in the club life. I mean I thought I knew where to find it. Sometimes our outside perspectives are so very wrong. I was one of those that grew up around a community of Bikers, Friends, and Brothers. But what I’ve grown to discover is the term is used way too widely and way too loosely. I mean I hear it all of the time. It could be another Biker at a bar, or even a gas station. “Hey, how’s it going Brother?’ Does the fact that I ride make me a Brother to everyone else who rides? You know what I’m talking about if you ride. That guy you pass coming down the road who gives you the quick wave. Sometimes even Jap Bike riders’ wave. Am I their Brother because we both share a passion for wind in our wheels? I’m pretty sure I don’t think so. What about members of other clubs? Do I automatically hate a person for the color or style of their patch? No, I usually don’t. But do I feel that they are my Brother because they wear a patch as I do? No, I don’t. So you know I’ve had the opportunity to ride with many different style clubs, even as a member and President in a couple. So are those current or former members automatically my Brother? No, they aren’t. I bought on earlier in life that members in my same organization were all my Brothers. But in the end, things don’t always work out like we think they will. I think some people find me approachable, others not so much so. In fact, one of my favorite sayings is that I want to be seen as “approachably unapproachable”. I find humor in that. The truth is I think I’m still defining Brotherhood. I mean I ride with several Club Brothers that wear the same patch as I do. I assume that they are all my Brothers. The truth is it doesn’t always end up that way. The only constant in life is change. People change. Attitudes change. Things change. So I wonder if I have Brothers in my club, who decide for one reason or another not to do what is expected of them to keep their membership, and they leave good or bad, are they now not my Brother? I find it all very confusing. I think sometimes I give people more credit, or hold higher expectations for them than they do themselves. I’m often disappointed in people who I was too quick to call my Brother. I’ve seen top tier players in clubs betrayed by their own so called Brothers. Much of this has really tainted my view on what real Brotherhood is. 50
At this point in my life here’s how I see it. If I know you, ride with you, hang out with you and you are dependable and solid, I don’t mind if you think we’re Brothers. The truth is when I leave all of this, one way or another; I think that’s when I’ll know who my real Brothers are. The ones I will still hear from, who will visit me in Florida when I move away. The ones who will raise their glass to my memory after I’m gone, you will be my Brother. Until then, don’t get your britches in a bunch if I don’t wave back on the highways. If you don’t know me, don’t Bro me.
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