What is a Juggalo?

Their faces painted like clowns, the fans are growing anxious as they await the entrance of their idols.   They're jumping around and bumping into each over.

They're also chanting:

"Who's goin' chicken huntin'? We's goin' chicken huntin'."

The band runs out on stage. The devotees go wild.  The music starts. Before long, the performers spray the audience with soda. Not any soda; it has to be Faygo.

It's just another night at a Juggalo concert.

The band is called Insane Clown Posse, but they are more than a band. They are the founders of a movement that's part religious cult, part philosophical statement, a lot of adrenalin–and a distinct sound  "horrorcore."

 The male fans are called Juggalos, the women Juggalettes. The music and culture have grabbed the attention of tens of thousands of mostly young, white and rebellious followers.

Even celebrities have become self-proclaimed Juggalos. Actor Kane Hodder, who played the role of Jason Voorhees in the "Friday the 13th" movies, and rapper Vanilla Ice are among the reported celebrities who have become Juggalos.

So what's a Juggalo? The definition varies depending on whom you talk to.   Some say it's simply a fan of Insane Clown Posse (ICP); others say it's about being different, an outcast.

"You can't define Juggalos by their looks or what they listen to," said Juggalette Alaina Phipps.
 
The most common response among Juggalos is that it's all about family. They stick together and help out those who need help.

"If someone needs a place to stay or food, we take them in," said Matt Bledsoe.  

The definition goes beyond the music; gear such as clothing, backpacks and shoes with the logo of the hatchet man also represent Juggalo culture. It may seem violent to people because the man is carrying a raised hatchet, but supporters say it is a symbol of the family.

"It means I'm equipped and ready to go at it if need be," said Phipps. "But it doesn't mean that I am going to be the one to start it."

With the symbol of hatchet-wielding guys combined with violent lyrics of ICP, it's easy for outsiders to draw conclusions.

The "horrorcore" music is described as hardcore hip-hop, which is featured on the Psychopathic Record label that includes artists such as Blaze, Boondox, and Twitzid.

"It deals with family situations. It's fun and twisted; I don't feel it as violent," said ICP supporter Burgundy Kelly.

Others point to crimes that are linked to the group. Some law enforcement officials on the East Coast have labeled some fanatics as a gang and blamed the music of ICP for encouraging killing and violent behavior. Juggalo supporters deny this to be true.

"You can't always be influenced by what you listen to," said Kelly.  

Juggalos stand behind their statement that they are not a gang. They do not want to be called a gang and find the accusation to be offensive. According to juggalo  Dennis Wilson, an ARC student, the Juggalos are being labeled as gangs because so much of the rest of younger generation is involved in gangs.

 "The older generation gets angry a lot because the younger generation is bringing in gang affiliation that is not necessary," he said.

Amid the accusations and criticism, the group still manages to have a good time. Every year Juggalos nationwide get together for a week to celebrate their culture. It's called "The Gathering" and includes various activities such as contests, events, autograph signings, seminars, and parties.

"We just kick it and have a good time. It's a positive way to relieve stress," said self- proclaimed Juggalo Demetrius Williams.

Clearly the Juggalos just want it to be known that there is more to them than meets the eye. Books shouldn't be judged by the cover, they say, and neither should the Juggalos and Juggalettes. They say they are not violent nor are they a gang.

 "We have a passion for keeping people out of trouble," said Williams. "We want to keep them on the right path….we like to have a good time."