It all started late on a Friday night with a phone call. Beer in hand, we got a message from Chris Nieratko, co-owner of NJ Skateshop and a notorious figure in skate journalism. He was heading to Washington D.C. for some kind of clown convention and to “fight Nazis”, and asked if we had a filmer to join the madness. When Nieratko calls with something bizarre, you roll with it, that’s one of our golden rules of skate content.
It turned out they weren’t going to a clown convention, but to a political rally of sorts: The Million Juggalo March. The Insane Clown Posse’s legion of fans planned to gather at the Lincoln Memorial, the very place where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech, to protest… well, something. As skateboarding enthusiasts more accustomed to Morrissey than the Insane Clown Posse (ICP), our knowledge of the Juggalo subculture was limited. We knew three things: they love Faygo soda inexplicably, they sport face paint that looks like a cross between KISS and serial killer John Wayne Gacy, and they famously don’t understand how magnets work. But even a subculture as easily dismissed as the Juggalos deserved an anthropological observation. So, our crew painted their faces to blend in with the costumed clowns and went in search of Juggalo skaters.
The rally was a protest against the FBI’s designation of Juggalos as a gang. In a 2011 report, the Bureau’s National Gang Intelligence Center warned agents of the Juggalos, describing them as a “loosely-organized hybrid gang” involved in “criminal activity and violence.” The Juggalos, however, insist they are a loving, supportive family, not a gang. They are currently in a protracted legal battle with the government to clear their name. This rally was designed to humanize their cause.
While our crew didn’t encounter many Juggalo skaters (or Bobby Worrest), they had an experience immersing themselves in the Faygo-soaked lifestyle and connecting with genuinely nice individuals who embraced face paint. Maybe the worst part about being a Juggalo, as they discovered, is simply having to listen to the music.
PS. Nieratko was serious about fighting Nazis too. You can read about it on his Facebook page.
Inside the Million Juggalo March
The Million Juggalo March was a fascinating display of community and protest. Despite the initial strangeness, our crew found themselves welcomed by the Juggalos. The colorful face paint, the shared love of Faygo, and the unified cause of fighting what they see as unfair labeling, created a unique experience. They weren’t just clowning around; they were expressing a genuine sense of identity and solidarity. The gathering served as a powerful reminder that judging a book by its cover, or a group by their appearance, isn’t always accurate.
The experience offered an opportunity to question preconceptions and to understand another subculture, much like how skateboarders are often misunderstood. The Juggalos, like skateboarders, represent an alternative culture with its own set of values, codes, and passions. They are not what mainstream society often believes them to be, and this march demonstrated the power of collective action to challenge misconceptions.
The Juggalo Family
The term “Juggalo” refers to fans of the Insane Clown Posse, an American hip hop group that gained popularity in the 1990s. What started as a musical fanbase, grew into a culture that its members call “family.” This family extends beyond music, providing a sense of belonging and support for those who feel marginalized. This feeling of community is a common thread throughout various alternative cultures, including the skateboarding subculture.
The Juggalos’ fight against the FBI’s designation is important because it highlights the dangers of broad stereotyping. Labeling the entire Juggalo community as a gang without acknowledging their individual lives and intentions is an act of injustice. It’s a problem that’s not unique to the Juggalos, and such experiences are part of larger cultural conversations about identity, acceptance, and justice.
The Search for Juggalo Skaters
While the focus of the trip was on the Juggalo March and its political implications, our crew was also on a hunt for Juggalo skaters. It is not always easy to merge alternative subcultures, but there are many crossovers. However, the main goal of this excursion was to show solidarity, and the search for Juggalo skaters was secondary.
Ultimately, our team found themselves more interested in the cultural phenomenon itself than just searching for individuals who share our passion for skateboarding. By connecting with the people and understanding their perspectives, we got a glimpse into the heart of the Juggalo community and their movement.
A Lesson in Understanding
This experience at the Million Juggalo March was a lesson in looking beyond the surface. It showed us that despite initial differences, people can connect on shared values and experiences. What might appear strange or unconventional from the outside, can have its own unique sense of purpose and importance.
The Juggalo community, like many other subcultures, has its own stories and complexities. It encourages us to reflect on our own assumptions and to approach different groups of people with empathy and understanding. It highlights that stereotypes, whether applied to Juggalos or skateboarders, are often inaccurate and detrimental.
Beyond the Face Paint
The Million Juggalo March served not only as a protest but also as a celebration of identity and community. It gave a platform to a group of people who often face mischaracterization and unfair judgment. By participating in the march and engaging with the Juggalos, our crew saw a different perspective on how we view alternative cultures. It’s a perspective that is valuable for everyone, but especially those who are a part of the skating community.
The trip to the march became a bridge between skateboarding culture and another community, promoting tolerance and understanding. It’s a story that goes beyond the painted faces and the Faygo, to the heart of human connection and the fight against injustice.
Ultimately, the Million Juggalo March was an eye-opening experience. It taught us to question our assumptions, embrace diversity, and look beyond the surface to understand people for who they are. It reminds us that, whether you are a skateboarder or a Juggalo, you are not alone in your pursuit of identity and community. The takeaway? Perhaps the worst part about being a Juggalo is still the music, but even then, there’s a community there to support it.
Words: Alexis Castro & CK
Photos: Jonathan Mehring
Host: Chris Nieratko
Video filmed by: Taji Ameen / Edited by: Alexis Castro
