The misunderstood Juggalos

For anyone that has no idea what a Juggalo is, it is a fan of the music group INSANE CLOWN POSSE. In recent news ALL Juggalo's have been portrayed as a gang or a cult by several law enforcement agencies because of the acts of a few demented individuals who know nothing of the true meaning of Juggalo's/Juggalette's. And the reports by some of those same Law enforcement groups that the crimes committed by a few of the people that listen to I.C.P were under direct orders of Psychopathic Records which has never happened. Juggalos are not and never will be gang, yet every time any crime is committed by someone that is a fan of I.C.P. all the law wants to put a connection between the individual and I.C.P. Every other musical act that the person listens to is some how ignored and it's because it couldn't possibly be because of anything but the fact that they listen to the Insane Clown Posse. It couldn't be the violent news on TV or the horror movies that these individuals watch or the violent video games that these people play. It is far easier for the parents of the people accused of the crimes to blame the music instead of looking at their self in the mirror. And as far as the "cult" aspect of this fathers story (link to follow)it is deffinatly not a cult, it is a group of fans for Horrorcore music and that is it. I have never heard anyone from Psychopathic Records tell anyone to commit crimes "in the bands name" there is also no rules to being a Juggalo and there is also no initiation to become a juggalo. Insane Clown Posse has sold over 7,000,000 and if the juggalos were being told to commit crimes in the name of I.C.P. there would be far more reports then the few scattered reports of violence committed by juggalos.

I myself have been a proud Juggalo since 1994 and have hundreds of friends that also listen to the I.C.P. and I have also been to 7 of the Gathering of the Juggalos and have NEVER seen a fight while there. It is a group drawn together by the music, and the Gathering is like a family. As far as being a gang, the only thing that the police have to claim them as a gang is the fact they most juggalo's show their juggalo pride by wearing hatchetgear (www.hatchetgear.com) which means that we have a common symbol and as such then wouldn't the police have to consider anyone wearing a sports jersey that commits a heinous crime to be considered a gang.

I am in no way saying that the people that committed violent crimes should not be punished because if they did it and are convicted they should serve their time, but it should in no way be linked to a band that most of the people that commit these crimes may listen to but have never met but linked to the parents and the lack of parental control they had over their kids. I being a single father of a 10 year old daughter, having custody since she was 5 would never let her listen to I.C.P. or a lot of other bands that i listen to and if any parent with any concerns of what their kids are listening to should do the same.

As far as what Insane Clowns Posse had to say on their website concerning this subject.

PR Interview below curiosity of www.Insanecolwnposse.com

Who R ICP >

Parents, teachers, music industry professionals, and even Juggalos often have the same questions about ICP and their wicked style of music. Psychopathic Records appreciates the value of free speech and individual opinions, and would like to address some of the most common questions about ICP with these official responses from our P.R. department:

1. Who is the target audience for ICP? ie age, race, class
"Target Audience" is far too limiting and boring a term to use when describing ICP fans. Because ICP's music is so unique and distinct, and not promoted through public forums like radio or MTV, the audience tends to find the music rather than the music finding an audience. We see ICP fans as being open-minded, creative individuals, who seek out something more from their music, and find it in the unique message and musical style of ICP and the Dark carnival. We target no specific age, race or class; we look more for people who sympathize with what ICP do, and enjoy expressing themselves through this music. It's more a personality type than a demographic.

2. Does ICP promote violence and drugs?
Like any art form, music is a forum for the free expression of ideas and experiences, and ICP utilize that freedom to the fullest. They use their Insane Clown personas to reflect on the insane world around them, and this world is indeed filled with violence. Their music is an expression of their experiences and ideas, and a reaction to violent emotions, not an endorsement of the violence itself. For instance, when ICP tell stories of violent acts, they are just stories—expressing an emotional response not intended to be seen as an actual suggestion. The Insane Clowns carry out violence in songs, so their audience can vent vicariously. The content of ICP's music is meant to be entertainment, and as such it is no worse than a typical Hollywood blockbuster, or violent video game. Unlike gangster rap, which encourages imitation, ICP offer pure, carnival-based fantasy entertainment. If they were genuinely promoting, or carrying out, violence in such a manner, they would be the "Next in Line for a Lethal Injection Posse" and not the public figures they actually are. The emotions and the sentiments are real, the violence is not. As for drugs: this is rock and roll, so… no comment.

3. According to one fan, juggalos are known to smoke marijuana. Is ICP aware of this, do they promote it, and do they care whether or not their teenage fans are using marijuana?
Juggalos are known to smoke marijuana? Well, teenagers are known to smoke marijuana. Fans at rock and hip-hop concerts are known to smoke marijuana. Musicians of all types, from Willie Nelson to Snoop DoggSnoop Dogg are known to smoke marijuana. Musicians are also known to record songs about what they believe in. Is that promotion or expression? You tell us. Of course ICP care about what their fans are doing, and hope they are never endangering themselves or others, but they also expect them to make their own choices. There are no requirements to being an ICP fan, and they will do what they will. Smoking marijuana or doing drugs is in no way a required part of being a Juggalo, and in their 10+ year career, ICP have never promoted nor endorsed any hard narcotics. Anything else is simply free expression.

4. There are some juggalos that have disciplinary problems at school. Is this a direct effect from listening to ICP?
As stated in the answer to question 2, ICP's music is an expression. Much of what they express is a reaction to negative emotions or negative stimulus, and they provide an outlet for these reactions through song lyrics. It is only natural that someone who is already surrounded by negative emotions or stimulus would be attracted to ICP's music. While listening to ICP music may be one way to address their feelings, certain individuals may vent in other, less healthy ways beyond the music. It is unfortunate that music is sometimes not enough for these troubled individuals, but their actions are in no way a result of the music. If anything, it is a sign that these individuals have needs far beyond what an album can give-and they need to be helped as individuals, rather than judged by their choice of music.

5. What is ICP's definition of a "true" juggalo?
Only a "true" juggalo can answer that, but as stated previously, there are no requirements to being a Juggalo. We don't care if you spend a dime on merch, or if you know the words to every song. If this music touches you, and you get some positive experience from it, we would be honored to have you consider yourself a Juggalo.

6. Is ICP aware of the term "juffalo" or "juggahoe" used to describe "fake" or "posing" juggalos? What do they think about the use of the term and the term itself?
While we certainly appreciate our fans' loyalty to us and to one another, we must reiterate this statement: "There are no 'rules' to being a Juggalo." If one fan feels another has betrayed or wronged him/her personally, that is for them to resolve. We judge individuals on their own merits, regardless of their music preference. If someone is doing something a fan would rather avoid, than our advice is to avoid it.

7. What is ICP's advice to juffalos?
If you need to hate on Psychopathic music to feel good, or for attention, then you still need Psychopathic. Embrace it or forsake it, don't waste time with anything less. Life's too short.

8. How serious does ICP want their fans to take being a juggalo?
As seriously as they take anything that interests them or brings them happiness. As seriously as our artists take recording and performing it.

9. What is ICP's advice to juggalos facing problems at school with grades and fights and problems and at home?
Music is a great outlet for frustration and grief, but it is only one outlet. Fortunately, our fans tend to have a bond between one another, so that they can usually find someone to share emotions and experiences with. They can find each other and communicate online, by phone, at concerts, and any number of ways. Sometimes, though, even this is not enough, and in those cases, sometimes they gotta look somewhere else. To those Juggalos we say this: "Sometimes your choice of music makes you a rebel, and that's cool, but sometimes you gotta swallow your pride and seek help from those who are out there to give it. Teachers, parents, counselors, the clergy, and reach-out organizations may not understand completely, and they may not be Juggalos, but it's their job to help if you let them. Never let being a Juggalo keep you from being a better Juggalo."

10. One of the rumored reasons that teenagers want to become Juggalos is to fit in and get cheaper marijuana (since it is also rumored that juggalos smoke marijuana). What advice can Psychopathic give to fans concerned about this?
Sounds like "juffalos." See questions 6 and 7, but here's some further advice: Anywhere you go, you gotta look out for people tryin' to play you. Learn the difference between a friend and a user, and between love and infatuation--which can apply both to relationships and other interests like music--and you'll do alright.

We hope this addresses the most common issues surrounding the social impact of ICP's music on their fans. Please note, these words are written by Nathan Extra, (P.R., Psychopathic Records) and approved by CEO Alex Abbiss. They are not ICP's words, and should not be quoted as such. These are sentiments shared by all at Psychopathic, and are written by long-time Juggalos, but any quotations should be credited simply to Psychopathic P.R., and any questions regarding this interview should be referred to the label and not the artists. Versions of these questions were originally submitted as an interview by Emmanuel Davila for The Lane Warrior. Thank You.

Here is the link of the father i spoke of earlier....

http://www.newson6.com/global/story.asp?s=11443232