Juggalos march on Washington to protest ‘gang’ label
WEARING piercings and horror makeup, a thousand fans of controversial US rap group Insane Clown Posse descended on Washington on Saturday, alleging discrimination since the FBI labelled them gang members in a 2011 report.
With its extravagantly dressed participants, many adorned with tattoos and piercings, the “Juggalo March” was an offbeat addition to the regular political rallies staged in the capital.
Saturday also saw a right-wing demonstration by supporters of President Donald Trump, dubbed the “Mother of All Rallies”, as well as a left-wing protest by a group called “Protect American Democracy” against alleged Russian interference in last year’s election.
The introduction of the third event was seen as potentially adding fuel to an already combustible mix – though apart from a brief interruption of the pro-Trump rally by Black Lives Matter activists all three demonstrations came off without major incident.
Assembled near the Lincoln Memorial, the “Juggalos”, as they are known, spoke of the difficulties they have faced since the FBI’s decision: losing jobs, custody of their children and excessive police attention.
“We do our things. Live and let live man, I’m a regular citizen, I pay my taxes,” said Scott Creel, an imposing figure with a long beard who was pierced from head to toe and who had travelled from the southern state of Arkansas.
Participants took to the stage in turns to denounce the FBI’s decision, interrupted by chants of “family” and rap performances.
“Some juggalos may have been as individuals part of gangs, but they were not in a juggalo gang,” said another protester, Rob Sinning from New Jersey, adding: “We work hard, we clown hard.”
The term “Juggalo” is derived from the lyrics of one of the band’s songs. Founded in Detroit in 1989 by duo Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, Insane Clown Posse performs a brand of hiphop known as “horrorcore”, which is influenced by supernatural themes and violent horror movie imagery.
The band has sold millions of records despite a lack of exposure on national TV or radio.
Fans are known for their esoteric behaviour, sometimes wearing clown makeup in homage to the band, as well as chains or tattoos featuring a silhouetted man running with a hatchet. Many profess a love for Faygo, a little-known soft drink produced in Detroit.
In a 2011 report, the FBI classified Juggalos as a “loosely organised hybrid gang” – which are defined as having a nebulous structure or being mixedgender and multiethnic.
The group is said to have a strong Midwest presence, but the report noted it was expanding in New Mexico “because they are attracted to the tribal and cultural traditions of the Native Americans”.
Like Trump supporters, many come from lower-income families – but being a follower of the group gives them a sense of belonging.
“These people come from broken homes, split families, drugs, poverty, discrimination and they found an outlet to come together,” explained Scott Donihoo, who runs a website dedicated to the movement. “We identify with this music because it literally saved our lives in one form or another.”
Logan Wolfe, an LGBT activist said he was bullied as a child but found acceptance with the group, since “Juggalos are more accepting than the rest of society.” And, he notes, a recent beauty pageant for female Juggalos – featured a transgender contestant.