Cracker Bolts and the Lightning Bolt: A Symbol of Rebellion

The Origins of the SS Lightning Bolt

During the counterculture era of the 1960s and 1970s, bikers embraced imagery that shocked the general public. One such image was the double lightning bolt logo of the SS, the secret police of Nazi Germany. The lightning bolt often appeared in place of the Latin letter "S" in graffiti, banners, and other visual materials.

Boozefighters and the Lightning Bolt

The Boozefighters Motorcycle Club, founded in 1946, adopted the lightning bolt as its emblem, known as the "Colors." The patch, sewn onto the back of a biker's vest or jacket, represented the club's identity and values.

The lightning bolt, with its jagged edges and piercing appearance, symbolized the rebellious and anti-establishment spirit of the counterculture. It signified a rejection of mainstream norms and a desire for freedom and independence.

The Double Meaning of the Lightning Bolt

The lightning bolt has a double meaning. On one hand, it represents the power and aggression of the SS. On the other hand, it symbolizes the rebellion and defiance of the biker culture. This duality reflects the complex and often contradictory nature of the counterculture movement.

By adopting the lightning bolt, bikers transformed a symbol of oppression and hatred into a symbol of freedom and individuality. They subverted the traditional meaning of the symbol, turning it on its head and using it to express their own values and beliefs.