BLACK AND WHITE OF MC'S

IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THE FIRST THREE EPISODES OF SEASON 4, SPOILERS TO FOLLOW.

There seems to be some confusion about Juice's discomfort and fear regarding the discovery of his black father.  This is a racial reality in outlaw motorcycle clubs.  We've  touched on the issue lightly over the first three seasons of SOA.  The fact is that most of the bigger MC's do not have African American members.  There are black clubs and there are white (Caucasian, Latino, Asian) clubs.  Most live in harmony.  HA and the East Bay Dragons have been friends for decades.  That relationship inspired the Grim Bastards in season 3.  We delve into the delicate why's and how's of this racial bi-law later in the season, but it was one of those odd, historical barriers that I've wanted to explore.  It's a throwback to a different era that is still in practice today.  I can honestly say that none of the guys I know in the life are racist, yet they function within a structure that is built upon a form of segregation.  To me, that's fascinating and fertile story turf.  The depth and weight of this rule varies from club to club and this season we see how it's handled by the Sons of Anarchy.

WINNING

Keeping my word on the promise I made in my entry SEASON 4 PREMIER CHALLENGE/PROMISE, I have chosen the winners.  My selection process was not arbitrary or random.  It was not a raffle.  It was an opportunity to give something back to the fans.  Even though I'm choosing only two, I hope folks understand that this is my way of thanking you all.  I went back to season one and looked at fan input, dedication and general enthusiasm.  It was a tough choice, because SOA fans are all incredibly devoted.  But here's where I landed --

Myra Lowe, Lowecat on Twitter and Sutterink Blog.  Hails from Indianapolis, Indiana.  
Why: Because she and her motorcycle, Tig, have been followers since day one.  Myra is responsible for shutting down more pirate DVD sellers on e-Bay than Fox.  Her upbeat, go-get-'em spirit has always felt like good energy to me.  

Mark Mitteer, Twisted_Shadow on Facebook, Sutterink Blog and Twitter.  Hails from Little Rock, Arkansas. 
Why: Mark has also been a dedicated follower since day one.  He is responsible for a good chunk of my followers on Facebook and Twitter.  His near-harassment approach to alerting folks of the joys of SOA is something that amazes and frightens me.  Part of me is curious just to see who this guy is.  

Barring a vetting out by Fox security, Mark and Myra and one spouse/guest will be joining me for a screening of a season 4 episode.  Still working out the details of when and where, but I will fly them out, put them up and entertain the fuck out of them.  We'll document it and keep you all plugged in.

Our SWAG BASKETS for our overseas friends go to:

The ever-loyal, Tina Lou of the UK.
Why: She's been our biggest fan since day one.  She created and runs Sons-Of-Anarchy.net  

And Julen Cancerbero of Spain.
Why: Because I like saying his name.

I'll have someone in my office reach out to the winners this week. Thank you all for your dedication and you know if I was Rupert, I'd fly you all out for a screening.  

Keep watching and I'll keep giving away free shit.

WHY I AM BACK ON TWITTER

I was grateful when my season 4 premier re-entry option of plus 20% over season three was met on Tuesday night.  Clearly I was looking for some bullshit way to get back to the 140 characters.  The truth is, I need Twitter.  Not so much Kurt, but SutterInk.  When I unplugged, it became very apparent to me that I was without a critical tool in the latest rules of social/marketing engagement.  After dropping off FaceBook, which I don't miss, not having Twitter felt like I was missing a tether to the SOA community.  Yes, it's a vehicle for my outrage and I know that's what has garnered most of the buzz, but it's also a direct pipeline to the fans and the television community.  I know 50,000 followers isn't exactly the body of Sons fans, but it's a pretty good sampling.  It made me feel like I had contact to likes, dislikes and a general feeling of connectedness.  Without it, I felt out of touch.  I also felt it was potentially an unwise thing for the show.  I'm not saying that my social media exploits had anything to do with SOA's big numbers Tuesday night, but I know my efforts to keep fans up-to-date during our long hiatus couldn't have hurt us.  

I'm also aware that jacking back in after my very public unplugging will make me look like a douchebag hypocrite and an attention whore.  I guess that's the price I pay.  And the truth is, if both of those things were completely untrue I'd probably still be unplugged.  I've learned some lessons about how to use and not use Twitter, unfortunately I will most likely forget them.  I will continue to say shit I regret.  I will continue to be misquoted out of context by the hack cunt bloggers.  And much to my wife's dismay, I will continue to use language that makes her toes curl.  

My sensibilities are twisted.  My humor is borderline psychotic.  My desire to slap the shit out of the stupid and make the world just a little bit uncomfortable is at an all time high.  It's who I am.  It may be my undoing.  But at least when I come undone, I'll be left with me.  Free speech comes with a price.  Hopefully my pockets will have enough coin to get me through seven seasons.  I will not leave you again.  Unless I'm dead or in jail... which unfortunately is a real possibility.

Love you.