In 2011, the FBI’s National Gang Intelligence Center labled juggalos–fans of Insane Clown Posse–as “a loosely organized hybrid gang.” In response to this, Insane Clown Posse filed a lawsuit alleging their free speech and due process rights, and those of their fans, were violated. Joseph Bruce, known as Violent J, commented, “while it is easy to fear what one does not understand, discrimination and bigotry against any group of people is just plain wrong and un-American.” 

Fans insist that they have become targets of discrimination since labled gang members, facing unfair treatment when they have their faces painted or ICP logos on themselves. 

Last week, the law suit was dismissed, with the judge stating that ICP and its fans lack evidence to show they have been treated unfairly.

Violent J responded with this statement: “This is not the end — we’ll keep fighting to clear the Juggalo family name.”

Like Deadheads or Little Monsters, music-based subcultures are vibrant and vital to many musicians. If one subculuture is subject to institutionalized demonization, what does that mean for the future of music fans? 

[Via ABC]

-Taylor Rae Almonte (@tayloralmonte)

 

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