Harley-Davidson isn’t just a motorcycle company – it’s a symbol of American freedom, rebellion, and craftsmanship. For over a century, the roar of a Harley engine has been synonymous with the American spirit. It’s a brand built on the backs of hardworking men and women who understand the soul of this country.
So when news broke that Harley-Davidson’s foreign born CEO was implementing DEI policies at the Motor Company, it felt like a betrayal of everything the company stands for. How can someone who wasn’t raised on American soil, who didn’t grow up dreaming of the open road and the rumble of a V-twin, possibly understand what Harley means to us?
This isn’t just about business acumen. It’s about cultural DNA. Harley-Davidson represents a uniquely American ethos – one of rugged individualism, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness on two wheels. Can a CEO from overseas truly grasp the significance of a Sunday ride through the heartland, or the camaraderie of a cross-country road trip on a Harley?
There’s a reason Harley-Davidson has weathered economic storms and changing trends for over 100 years. It’s because the company has always stayed true to its American roots. Bringing in leadership that doesn’t inherently understand our values risks diluting the very essence of what makes Harley-Davidson special.
This decision isn’t just about quarterly earnings or market share. It’s about preserving a piece of American culture. Harley riders aren’t just customers – they’re part of a brotherhood that spans generations. They choose Harley because it represents something bigger than just transportation. It’s a lifestyle, a statement, and a connection to our national identity.
By hiring a foreign CEO, Harley-Davidson has risked alienating its core base and chipping away at the authenticity that has been its greatest strength. In an era where so much of American manufacturing has been outsourced, Harley has remained a proud symbol of American craftsmanship and ingenuity. Appointing a leader who may not fully appreciate this legacy could be the first step towards losing what makes Harley-Davidson truly irreplaceable.
To maintain its iconic status and the loyalty of its riders, Harley-Davidson needs leadership that lives and breathes American values. The company’s future depends on staying true to the spirit that has driven it for over a century – the spirit of the open road, of rebellion, and of the American dream itself.
