Most of the time these folks are cut outs, controlled by layers of other cutouts.  Have you seen the movie American History X?  It does an excellent job of showing how a controller can mindfuck it's members, pit brother against brother, and brainwash the weak-minded into committing criminal acts.  AHX also shows the underside of homosexuality within the white power movement.  They all go "gay for the stay" when in lock-up.