With all of the ire levied at Washington today, there are all sorts of groups taking to the streets of the capital to register their disgust, their concern, their desire for change. The latest march to be announced is the Juggalo March on Washington, a display of dismay by Juggalos at the FBI's portrayal of the fandom as a 'hybrid gang'.
I have to confess that I feel a contempt for the Insane Clown Posse, almost entirely due to the revulsion, not unmingled with amusement, I feel when I watch this NSFW clip, which I am watching at work:
Yes, I think the ICP is utter crap, but I really can't hate Juggalos. While they are pretty messed up, there is a sense of community among the group's members which I didn't appreciate until I read the story of a gravely-ill teenager who asked the Make-a-Wish Foundation to send him to the Gathering of the Juggalos, where he received an unsolicted free lap dance from a Juggalette. While the Church Fathers would not have recognized this as a Corporal Work of Mercy, I would say that Rendering Erotic Comfort to Horny Stricken Youths should qualify. Yes, I cannot stand the Insane Clown Posse or their music, but I have an admiration for a community which can selflessly grant a wish that a direly sick boy would actually make, with no desire or expectation of reward.
Thus, I solidly support the Juggalo March on Washington. Enough of this stupid FBI witch hunt targeting Juggalos, so similar to the anti-metalhead witch hunt which landed three innocent youths on death row. There should be room in which to be a freak in these here United States, to dress in outré fashion, to listen to strange music. The Juggalos, despite the ignorance in which their heroes wallow, are standing up to an oppression which is overtaking many non-mainstream Americans, and that is enough reason to get behind their day in the streets.
"Hybrid gang". What's that mean? The F.B.I. or whoever can't find actual evidence?
ReplyDeleteWhen I was sheltering at the West L.A. Armory in 2008 there was a group of younger (had to be 18 to be in the shelter) people who all sported Juggalo Hatchetman patches, clothing or accessories; have to assume they were all on the streets because they were fleeing abuse from their working (or lower) class families, probably in flyover country. Nonetheless, never saw any indications of violence or gang activity, "hybrid" or otherwise.
"Hybrid gang". What's that mean? The F.B.I. or whoever can't find actual evidence?
ReplyDeleteIt means they are a highly visible bunch of weirdos, so Law Enforcement can pin all sorts of unsolved crimes on them.
It's the 'Satanic Panic' all over again.