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Mt. Hope Fight Sparks 'Gang' Tension

A member of the "Juggalos" goes to the hospital, and the Mt. Hope High School student body reacts.

 

One Mt. Hope High School student was rushed to the hospital and another was arrested following a fight after school on Thursday afternoon that touched off a torrent of reactions throughout the student body. The injured student is a member of a clique that identifies itself with a gang name, prompting some students to fear retaliation on Friday.

According to Bristol Police Lt. Steven Contente, two males were involved in a fight in the bus circle at Mt. Hope High School shortly after school let out.

"One of the boys was transported to the hospital with facial injuries and the other was taken to the station and will be referred to Family Court for assault," Contente said.

The fight doesn't end there. Students have created a frenzy on Facebook surrounding the fight and the student rushed to the hospital, who refers to himself as a "Juggalo," a known name for devoted fans of the band Insane Clown Posse (ICP).

According to a number of students at Mt. Hope, the Juggalos are a group of students who hang out together and share a common music appreciation for ICP and wear black face paint on their lips and around their eyes, similar to the makeup worn by the band.

However, Juggalos across the nation have been making headlines as FBI-recognized gang members. According to a recent article by Rolling Stone Magazine, the 2011 FBI National Gang Threat Assessment announced that Juggalos are a newly recognized gang whose crimes are "sporadic, disorganized, individualistic" and involve "simple assault, personal drug use and possession, petty theft and vandalism."

One member of the group at Mt. Hope recently denied the rumors that he and his friends were a "gang." On Facebook he wrote,

"I had someone tell me this morning I’m not a Juggalo and it’s not who I am well I’m sorry to the good friend who said this to me cuz I am a Juggalo and I’m down with the clown for life cuz I found my true family for life that always will have my back so f*** all you haters who can act like wiggers and preps but we can’t be who the f*** who we are and you wanna tell us we’re not Juggalos cuz to you people it’s a gang and your f****** wrong it’s a family and family lives forever WHOOP WHOOP!!!"

After the fight, Facebook exploded with status changes and comments from Mt. Hope students calling out the group of students.

"There's probably only one in every 10 posts on my news feed right now that doesn't have anything to do with the Juggalos," one senior said, noting that most of the posts were either hateful or fearful of the Juggalos. "Some people are worried that the Juggalos are going to retaliate and some are ready to fight these kids."

On Twitter, a Mt. Hope student with the username BruceyBYall115, wrote, "This juggalo shit is getting way out of hand," and followed up with a second tweet saying, "I'm deff afraid to go to school tomorrow...."

But to other students and social media users who have been kept in the loop, fearing or hating the group of students is a joke.

On Twitter, user WakaFlockaJordn responded to the hype to say, "to all my friends in Bristol, In order to destroy the Juggalos you must lure them into traps with Faygo and ICP merch."

One Mt. Hope senior said she doesn't buy into the widespread rumors.

"This is the dumbest thing I've ever heard of," she said. "Seriously, I think the people that are talking about it are way worse than the people who are dressing like that. No one is going to do anything, and in a week it'll be over."

One parent, worried that bullying has not been properly addressed at Mt. Hope, said she knows some of the kids known as Juggalos and says they are the furthest thing from an organized gang.

"I know some of these kids and their parents," she said. "They're good kids. If anything, they're the ones being picked on just because of the way they are dressed."

For another parent, the stories being told are just too much to ignore.

"It is very unsettling to hear, because as a parent, you want to know that your kids are safe at school."

Related Topics: Juggalos and Mt. Hope High School

Kris Wetterland Jr.

10:48 pm on Thursday, November 3, 2011

All this to be a fan of a terrible band... Like l dont even think terrible is the correct word to describe ICP ....When I was in school we found much more interesting ways to have fun .

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spha0260

10:48 pm on Thursday, November 3, 2011

This is amazing... I called the BPD this afternoon because my daughter is afraid to go to school tomorrow...and they told me they know nothing about any gangs or threats...that's reassuring. From what I understand the Juggalos are non-violent but have been the target of ridicule an bullying. I just hope the school will take bullying seriously. I am sickened by the stories my daughter tells me way to often about fights in school.

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Chris Robinson

2:51 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

Being a 30yr. old juggalo I can tell you this kind of bullying just because of the music you listen to is what pulled us together in the first place. We are non-violent (yet not afraid of a fight) but the point is you push the freaks and oucasts out of the normal student body they are going to become friends and form a clique. So the real problem has nothing to do with the tittle "juggalo" and everything to do with bullying and BAD PARENTING! I have a 7yr. old and I teach her to treat EVERYONE good and equal! Stop trying to call this a "gang" problem if anything Juggalo is a differnt type of people who look at the world different (just like you Christians) so if anything call us a religion or as we do "a family of freaks and outcasts." To the Juggalos going to this school: don't be stupid and play into their games no violence and when your in the hospital show a little love from Jester in Oregon! MMFCL!

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Jorn Florgin

4:44 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

Yeah, the Juggalos aren't a gang. They're just a bunch of kids who hate their stepdads.

3 All the Way

7:42 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

All the more reason dress codes should be in place. I personally put the blame on the parents who allow their children to dress in a disrespectful manor.''

Blame should also be placed on the school itself. Please put a dress code in order. If not, the whole school will be "Down with the clown"

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Sarah

2:38 pm on Sunday, November 6, 2011

I agree. There's no reason to dress like a clown at school. It's not Halloween anymore. To the person that replied to this under 'WTF' is obviously not grown "the f*** up" themselves. Dressing like a Juggalo regardless of the reason still creates a threat in the school. ICP's music is about killing people, like in 'Tilt A Whirl' and 'Boggie Woogie Wu.' I am an ICP fan and I know dressing like that in school is inappropriate. It's not like your life is going to be ruined wearing normal clothing and regular or no makeup. I'm not saying these kids are bad; they just aren't smart.

Sarah

8:12 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! GANG! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

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Marcus

8:36 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

Lets look at past gang history. Almost any group of people who call themselves a "family" and dress a like usually are identified as a gang by the FBI. Why? Well look back at street gangs like the Bloods, Crips, Hells Angels, hell even the mob. All of them called themselves a family. Originally all those gangs were out to do good but over generations lost meaning and became violent and criminal. It happens. Having a family member in Mt. Hope I have talked to, they say these kids who are Juggalos have been causing the problems and by no means are following what the traditional Juggalo family stands by. These kids are misinformed. Over generations "family values" are skewed. Thats how gangs are formed.

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Unknown

1:02 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

But the Juggalo's aren't doing anything to mess with anyone. All the "normal kids" are bullying the Juggalo's and the Juggalo's are getting in trouble for sticking up for themselves. And yet everyone is still blaming the Juggalo's for everything.

WARRENBORNWARRENBRED

8:53 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

Cant believe what a big deal the media is making about this, even now posting a letter from a "juggalette"... giving the group the attention they seek... why do you think they wear makeup to look like clowns. how can parents let their children act and dress this way? and they claim they are a non violent "family"?? well all you have to do is google "juggalo fights" and there are numerous links to reports of violence by these IDIOTS! and being a 30 year old CLOWN is not something to be proud of mr robinson.

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Diana Campbell

9:14 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

Warrenborn, your comments are not helpful. Let's allow the administration to investigate and deal with this. There's no need to generalize that just because someone takes on the name of a national group that they have also taken on the behavior of that group. The safety and security of all our students is foremost on our minds. The administration doesn't need outside observers adding fuel to the situation.

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Unknown

1:05 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

There not seeking attention. They want all the attention there getting to go away. Because there only getting negative attention and being bullied from anyone besides other Juggalo's.

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DownTown

6:52 pm on Saturday, November 5, 2011

Please, anyone wearing clown makeup to high school IS looking for attention regardless of what they say.

Try applying for work like that and see if no one notices.

Esther Trneny

9:15 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

I'm curious as to why no mention was made about the person who committed the assault, and what "gang" they are affiliated with. There is a storm brewing about the child who was assaulted, but we've heard very little about the one who beat him bloody. Who instigated this fight? And why? I'd also like to say how very disappointed I am that the school department did not send an automated message around LAST NIGHT about the incident, and what measures they would be taking to keep our children safe. If a bomb threat where no one was harmed merits a message, then this sure does.

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Gina

9:35 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

Someone said : " thankfully, our school administration has addressed the issue". Since this incident happened yesterday and most parents found out from their children & the newspaper, I would like to know how the administration has already "adressed" the issue. Hopefully not by just the more than normal police presence at the school this morning....I felt like I was dropping my son off at a school in South Providence...not Bristol.

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Kris

9:35 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

Way to go BWSD...Looks like our schools are really improving. Glad my tax dollars are being wasted on 2 towns that are turning into a ghetto of misfit children and parents.

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Esther Trneny

10:01 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

I think it's fairly inflammatory, and extremely inaccurate to call Bristol and Warren a "ghetto of misfit children and parents." I have found that over the last 10 years, the schools in these two towns have increased in excellence, by leaps and bounds. The staff, almost without exception, are caring, dedicated, and excellent at what they do. Your characterization, Kris, serves to denigrate the many teachers, students, and parents, who care about these towns, this school, and our kids.

Sarah

10:11 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

Ahhhh small town problems, gotta love it. Really people it was a fight, fights happen in every high school across America. Actually much worse happens in high schools across America, this really isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. This has nothing to do with the school at all actually.

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Scott Pickering

10:11 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

Charles and others, we want to hear from all of you on this issue, but we can't and won't allow profanity. Please keep it clean.

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George

12:36 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

Scott,

If you won't allow profanity, why do you allow it in the article? It appears as if you are contradicting your request.

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Scott Pickering

1:17 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

George and Chris, kudos for calling me out on this. You make a great point. Including profanity within an article is not something we do regularly, or lightly. In this case, we felt the language provided context that is critically important to this particular story. Allowing posters to call each other profane names and attack each other is entirely different. I deleted such a post.

John Pires

10:15 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

It's unfortunate someone got sent to the hospital, however the "Juggalos" are nothing more than a group of lost kids just trying to fit in. I've been to a few ICP shows and I've never once felt threaten. These kids have found each other because at one time in their lives they have all been labeled as outcasts and they are different. And what makes them "different" is what scares the "normals." I read the article and although it centers around the violent act, I can't get past the ignorance that some of these people have towards them. Just because they aren't on an a team, don't participate in after school activities or run for student council doesn't mean they are in a gang. And as "dangerous" as the situation may currently be for these kids on either side of this conflict keep in mind that "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." MLK jr

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Gina

10:18 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

Just because the principle has spoken to them & the police are there does not mean it has been addressed correctly. I know for a fact that they are in school fighting with each other on facebook and the hallways etc as I type this comment. All the police presence in the world does not give me comfort that these children are safe. Doesn't anyone look at their kids facebook accounts ?? ... I saw a comment on facebook from a child about the situation and their mother even chimed in...so I don't think that this is just a school administration problem....

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Candace

10:22 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

Dress appropriately? So Tshirts are not appropriate now? I have misunderstood something. You parents are what is wrong with your children today ostracizing children for the music and things they wear. This is a group of kids finding something they can relate to be it music or friends or FAMILY. My child gets picked on at school constantly I have went to the school about this she doesnt dress as a clown or as a juggelette she is 11yrs old the only difference btn her and them is she is new to that school. Let the children find an outlet so they dont kill theirselves like so many teenagers do now days TEACH your children to LOVE and RESPECT others those that are DIFFERENT than them not to single them out and beat the crap out of them. Juggalos are not a gang, this is getting rediculous.

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WARRENBORNWARRENBRED

10:44 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

so by being a "family" that makes them not a gang?? COME ON NOW! the mob, bloods, crips, hells angels all claimed they were just a "family" at first, now where are they? and dont defend the clowns by saying they were singled out and attacked, maybe you should get your head out of your butt. people fight all the time, same race, same beliefs, so to say this individual was singled out is unfair.

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Candace

11:34 am on Friday, November 4, 2011

So in other words me as a Christian is in a Gang because im in the FAMILY of Christ, alright well there you go im in a gang because im christian and part of a family, and some "christians" well they kill people so there is the violence of that gang!! DONT JUDGE PEOPLE BY THE ACTIONS OF IDIOTS, that puts you in the catagory of an idiot. Take the words of Christ "let he who is without sin cast the first stone".

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Chris

12:44 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

So I have not heard of this "family" but if these kids are looking to be part of a family maybe there home life is awful, because where are their families? FB should be monitored by these parents a dress code should be implemented, kids have been bullied for decades about the way they dress whether is be like a clown, or they are not wearing the coolest designer names bullying in any form is not acceptable....unfortunately I see adolescents everyday that have attempted suicide due to being bullied at school or being different...please take this seriously!!!!

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Chris

12:48 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

George.....you beat me to that comment I was thinking the same thing!!!

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JR

1:28 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

This comment is directed at Gina. Ok, the police are aware and monitoring the situation very closely. They are taking complaints very seriously and acting accordingly. The school administration is also aware and also taking steps including suspensions and other disciplinary action to address complaints made by students who may be bullied, threatened etc.. What part have I left out. Oh yeah....the parents' responsibility to be a "parent" and deal with their children. Look, as others have commented here already, every school deals with situations similar to what has been reported here and much worse. The school and police response has been appropriate and you can rest assure that the students who can not conform or play by the rules with be dealt with fairly, firmly and quickly!

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Rudolph Blanchard

8:35 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

So as long as kids who follow the norm and tow the societal line are just fine but if your different and express yourself in unique ways that's bad. Good job Capt. Sheep...

Gina

1:34 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

Thank you "JR" for your response. I'm perplexed as to why you would single my comments out to respond to out of the many here, I appreciate it. Also, your directed comments to me will not deter me from commenting further. Happy Friday !

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aproudmom

4:27 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

I am just disappointed in the school administration for not informing the parents yesterday so that we could help stop the rumors that were flying around yesterday as none of the kids actually knew the complete details of what went on. They say communication is the biggest key....these are words they need to start living by as well!!

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Jorn Florgin

4:38 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

What I learned from this article: Juggalos don't use punctuation

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JR

4:46 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

Gina, the only reason I directed it to you was because of the first sentence where you state, "just because the principal has spoken to them and the police are there does not mean it is addressed correctly". I wanted you to know that the schools and police will continue to address this issue and any residual issues that have already occurred and more than likely will happen in the future. My intention was not to single you out for criticism and if you took it that way, I apologize.

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Gina

8:19 am on Saturday, November 5, 2011

It's so difficult to read peoples tones in these forums...I should know better :)...just a little more on edge with this since my son came home that day with blood from the student he considers a friend on his hands & clothes from this incident.....not an everyday occurrence in school....just want to make sure it doesn't become one...

Josh C

6:56 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

Kudos to Sarah Bagwell for blowing this incident completely out of proportion, providing misleading information, and taking comments out of context. Anyone can make up claims, but where's the evidence that there's any gang affiliation involved? This is most likely an isolated incident, a fight between two students or possibly a bullying case, not a gang war.

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Beth

7:57 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

Thank the gods that finally someone spoke up about "SARA BAGWELL" Where does this women get off on writing about incidents like this? This isn't of her concern and unless she just wants moms with a lot of time on their hands, to waste their time on this website then congrats.

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Scott Pickering

9:32 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

Beth, thank you for joining the discussion. I appreciate your perspective, but I'm not sure I understand your argument. Are you saying that this incident is not newsworthy? Do you believe we should not have written about a fight that sent a kid to the hospital, prompting police force to start the school, making some parents so upset they kept their children home from school? I know Sara Bagwell wrote about this because she felt it was newsworthy. Do you disagree? As an aside, to be quite honest, we'd love Moms with a lot of time on their hands to waste their time on this website. It's actually quite good for us.

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Mike Williams

6:48 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2011

I know I am late to the party on this, but the gang affiliation label is (unfortunetly) valid. The FBI has recently labelled juggalos as a gang. I highly disagree with them, as I can assure you I do not participate in any criminal or gang activity, and I have been a juggalo for 15 years.

Alexia D'Atri

7:21 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

Listen here, ICP is nothing more then a band that those children listen to. Kids got suspended for wearing the facepaint because it made kids nervous? None of the kids that were wearing the facepaint were of any threat to any other student. Where does it mention that the other students that weren't wearing the facepaint were provoking the juggalos? Many students made remarks that were not only uncalled for but were unneccessary. The children who were suspended are not involved in a "gang" are nothing more then fans of the band. This situation has been taken too far and there is no "gang" affiliation involved in this what-so-ever. This situation is ridiculous to say the very least.

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Beth

9:42 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

Scott, the article is giving the "Juggalos" the attention they want. Besides what are a bunch of freshmen going to do? They are not threatening if you ask me. They are just further ruining Mt.Hope's reputation. That school sucks enough as it is.

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Jim Riding

10:02 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

Why would any responsible parent send there kid off to school wearing facepaint?
Or condone it?

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Roberta Thompson

9:43 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011

sooo true!!!!! and they were bullying that kid...so wat we allow it to continue an hav kids being bullyed committing suicide or something... I say if continues the bully should get a good punch..if the school won't help the kids,the kids hav to defend themsevles against these bully's... Good shot an he deserved it...

mother of bullied student

10:23 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

I have a son who has been bullied since the 5th grade. He is now in 10th grade and the child who hit the other student is the one who also bullied my son. Somehow he was never disciplined before for threatening to kill my son. My son has befriended the one who was injured, There is no gang and I will tell you there is more bullying with the normal kids than the ones that have been picked on. I will tell you this. I know what my son is thinking and feeling at all times and we have a good home and home life for him. My husband and I are more worried that this other student will go after my son next or one of that student's friends go after my son. I understand everyone's concern on both ends. Just want you all to know that the students that have been disciplined are good kids and the other ones who are in school are the ones to be cautioned with.

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landry

4:51 am on Saturday, November 5, 2011

really? almost every person on here is ridiculous? "why are parents letting their kids go to school with makeup" "juggalo is a gang" seriously let it go according to the fbi they are a "gang" although the kids in mt. hope arent i work at papa ginos in warren on metacom and my employees who attend mt hope have been talking about this "situation" since the day it happened? honestly everyone fights everyone gets bullied. i went to school in barrington and as a gay person i was bullied all through middle school people threatened to throw me off the bike path bridge pushed me into lockers blah blah blah and what did i do? i didnt run around with a "family" of clowns or any other kind of "family" expected my own blood relatives. they were there for me through out my whole ordeal in school. no matter what the school does or the cops do bullying will never stop until kids get more respectful. no this is not a low blow to the parents i feel as though being a parent is a very rough thing to do. they can only do so much to teach their kids respect it is up to the kids to follow through. parents who let their kids wear makeup is not to blame they obviously love and except their kids enough to let them do what it is they feel more comfortable with. if they feel more comfortable wearing make up weather it be a guy or girl let them do it. wearing make up does not make anyone bad wearing skiny jeans or baggy jeans does not make the person. dont get me wrong im not a "juggalo" as they call

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Josh

3:43 pm on Saturday, November 5, 2011

I've been a juggalo for 17 years (i'm 28). I wear baggy pants and t-shirts, but suit and tie to work. I have no "gang" affiliation. I am a US Air Force veteran, and still serve my country in my civilian job. I don't do drugs, i've never assaulted anyone because of the MUSIC they listen to, but It's happened to me more than once. I have a family outside of my blood relatives, some are friend's i've had since i was 5 and have always called their mother's momma and the other is the juggalo family. I can go up to a guy in an ICP t-shirt in the mall and strike up a conversation...ask them for 10$ and they'd do it because we're part of the juggalo family. But, everyone has members of their family (blood relative or otherwise) that have commited wrongful acts..whether they were pushed into it by others, or they just took things too far. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orcT0Vk1A3s) This was an act of bullying (chevy chase in the link provided) (and as usual, the juggalo kid (troy and jeff) gets the worst end of the deal.) . Not just juggalos, but nerds, jocks, freaks, whoever. It's the way it is. What happened to the right to peaceful protest? their face paint was a livestrong bracelet, or a "find a cure" ribbon.. They were responding to a friend being assaulted, and nobody doing much about it. Should they have done it at school? maybe not, but It was a candle light vigil, but instead of candles, they wore face paint. I have ALOT of respect for Gina, and i'd bet JR is the principal.

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Rudolph Blanchard

7:19 pm on Saturday, November 5, 2011

Damn that was very well said Fam.... my hat is off to you. Unfortunatly people will still continue to act they way they do towards us due to how we chose to live, what we listen too, and the fact that we might like to paint our faces. But VERY well said.... Whoop Whoop! mmfwcl

Rudolph Blanchard

7:32 pm on Saturday, November 5, 2011

I'm 29 and have been a juggalo scince I was in high school and I have no criminal record. In fact I was a Correctional Officer for 3 1/2yrs and have been working with autistic and behavioral kids for the past almost 5yrs. Juggalos are just like dead heads, fish heads, whatever you wanna call a following of a band/group of performers except like Josh said you can go up to anyone with an ICP shirt/hatchetman emblem and if your in some trouble (ie not enough money, a ride, etc) if that juggalo can help out they will. The only reason the parents who have been running their mouths on this forum is because their kids are probably the ones picking on these Juggalos. Everyone needs to have the philosophy of a Juggalo...

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Jack Baillargeron

1:08 am on Sunday, November 6, 2011

The misconception that somehow music or love of a certain band, causes violence ludicrous. How many remember rock and roll being evil? Those who listen to The Beatles were against god, after Lennon’s statement of them being more well know then Jesus. Oh platy them Backwards. The doors were the music of sexual perversion, or so it was said, Cream, Hendrix, Zeppelin all were for the acid heads and lsd users. All the rest for pot users.

Hippies, low life freeloaders, no intelligence, stoned all day losing brain cells. Oh and free love ;-}.
Black Sabbath, devils music, ACDC, devils music, Metallica, ICP, RAP and on and on all music that makes people evil we have heard for decades. How soon we forget that all of that has no basis in fact.

In my opinion what you have here is some students picking on other students; the reason is not music or appearance I suspect. We are all unique, someone’s beliefs, dress, music physical appearance etc, is no reason to cause violence. There is an issue here, what I am not sure, but it sounds more like bigotry toward either one or the other or both for choices, of music or appearance. It is sad that any of these students would resort to any action verbal or otherwise, that is intolerance toward your fellow human, That is the problem in my opinion anyway.

To the gang thing, I think it a stretch. Let the system work, get the whole story, because there is obviously something more to this then a punch. To me it sounds like "Bigotry".

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Jack Baillargeron

1:32 am on Sunday, November 6, 2011

To finish up on the gang thing ;-}.

These kids do not appear to be in any sense of the word a gang. Gangs today are nothing like these students. I suspose you could call them fans of a band, or groupies or something. However to label them a gang is ludicrous. Do I think they should have shown up with the makeup on at school? Only if they asked first as I assume there is a student guide with some rules. I understand that they were removed when they did show up at the start of school and this incident was atthe end of school. It is up to the school in the end to interpet rules.

To me Sara has over blown this a little with the to much insinuation of "Gang thing", but it is a story that should be reported. Just not so over the top like this is L.A. Just saying ;-}

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Sara Bagwell

8:30 am on Sunday, November 6, 2011

Jack,
Thank you for your comment. You made some really good points. However, I would just like to clarify for anyone who may have misinterpreted the article as Patch claiming these students were part of a gang. In the article, I merely pointed out that the group of students identify with a name that the FBI now classifies as a gang and that the student's peers identify them as a gang. However, I did highlight that the students clearly address that they are a family, not a gang. Never did we intend to insinuate that these students are actually a gang.

WTF

1:58 am on Sunday, November 6, 2011

The blame here are the parents that teach there kids to be judgemental. The parents that are against the juggalos are the parents of the kids puttin there fellow class mates down cause there different from themself. I was brought up to wear what i want to wear and not let anyone put you down for it and not to judge somone else by their apperance. And ive never been in.a fight. So all ypu parents that are against there style choice its your fault all this happend ypu should be ashamed

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WTF

1:59 am on Sunday, November 6, 2011

Superfical stuck up ignorant people

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WTF

2:01 am on Sunday, November 6, 2011

Teach your kids to pay attention to learning instead of what peole look like

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Jack Baillargeron

10:24 am on Sunday, November 6, 2011

Not to nitpick there sara but; "In 2011, the FBI listed Juggalos in its National Gang Threat Assessment, stating that "many Juggalos subsets exhibit gang-like behavior and engage in criminal activity and violence".

There is a big difference btween a gang and a subset in an assessment report which I have read. ;-}. I think you would agree under that standard, you could politicians are gang members since they have subsets that are gand like, i.e. Gang of 7 etc. You see gang isa word that has changed of the years from kids who have fights to now a very different animal of terrible violence. There lies my problem with the work gang used on an incident like this. The initial meaning of the juggalos from the Band song Juggalos was started at a performance of the song, reconized as a bunch of misfits, or better divinition is those who do not fit the norm. Same as when I was called a non-conformist inthe 60's and still tday at times ;-}

I like that as it is one thing kids need to know is that they are individual's besides knowing that teamwork is also a role they must have in life to succeed. As someone said abou the make up being on trying to get a job, I think these kids are smart enough to know not to do that I would hope. Society breeds a certain way of thinking that changes constantly, wel you have to fit into society in order to do certain things, i.e. jobs. You do not have to lose the individuality that we all have the freewill and right too. Just saying ;-}

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Juggalo pride

10:57 pm on Sunday, November 6, 2011

All of you need to shut up and worry about disciplining your kids, just because they dress nice and listen to the music you want then too doesn't mean there angels at school, most of them look for the freaks weirdos and anyone different (juggalos) the reason I became a juggalo is because I didnt get pick on from my juggalo family I was excepted no matter how I look. Open your minds do be so close minded

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3 All the Way

11:53 pm on Sunday, November 6, 2011

Have you ever met a juggalo: doctor...lawyer...pro athlete...teacher...I bet the answer is no. The only juggalos that are earning a good living is the band you people idolize.

Do you actually think the Insane Clown band live that lifestyle? They are, no matter what the lyrics readm businessmen. No different than pro wrestlers. They get their fans from young children who have no guidance at all.

I have been too nice about this subject...you juggalos need to grow up...the ICP does not think of you as highly as you think. You are the way they make a living. Its unfortunate you haven't figured it out yet.

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Queen Juggalo

1:49 am on Saturday, June 16, 2012

I happen to come across this ... and had to reply ,, why , because I can ...Well I bet your NO answer is incorrect , I have a law Degree , worked for my local Police dept was a city employee and now own my own Promotion company ..I raised 6 children who have never been in trouble , 4 in college 2 work full time . I belong to several community groups .. OH and I have been a Juggalo for 20 years , I do know the artists known as ICP and other musicians signed with their label ..they do live the life style to a degree ...get your info correct be for you speak on a topic you know nothing about .

Josh

1:19 am on Monday, November 7, 2011

3 all the way: Actually, i work for the D.o.D. and i think you've clearly missed the point here. the juggalo was the one assaulted. I don't care how ICP or anyone on the Psycopathic record label feels about me. It's not about that. Fact is, a kid got jumped because he was being himself. I got jumped in high school a few times for just being different (Got jumped by 3 rednecks on the high school wrestling team for wearing a pair of Lugz boots, which they promptly busted my eye open, took my shoes, ripped the eyee hole out of the shoe, and whipped me with the laces). Why? because i don't listen to country music, drive a truck or go hunting. I love how you say we need to grow up, but the kid in question that was assaulted is in HIGH SCHOOL. "hey, 14-17yr old who's parents may be divorced, might not be good at (insert subject), girls might not like you, and just got beaten up at school, why don't you just grow up and stop liking ICP because these things don't happen to people who don't listen to ICP". Dude, really? What are you doing besides looking down on people for the kind of music they like?

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3 All the Way

8:01 am on Monday, November 7, 2011

Did I say that if you listen to that music, that you will get beat up. No I did not. My statement, if you could follow my point was simple. Be yourself. I like listening to blues music, but I don't walk around looking or acting like Buddy Guy or BB King.

These kids are just simple-minded followers who have no guidance. The parents are just blind to what their precious darlings are doing.

I truly feel if any student impededs the educational system, like these people have, juggalo or jock, get them away from the students who want to learn in a positive and peaceful enviorment.

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Josh

11:56 am on Monday, November 7, 2011

you said nothing about being yourself. you said "don't be a juggalo because nobody likes you if you are, and you will never amount to anything." and then said grow up. you're point was "juggaos are stupid". go back and read your post. the entire message was There are no famous / rich ICP fans. MY POINT was that a kid got assaulted for being different, and when he was tired of being picked on, i bet he said "stop" and they kept on pushing him. I bet he stood up for himself by not just walking away and saying "i'm tired of your threats, either do something or leave me alone", and the bully took it as "disrespect" and whopped him. You, [3 All the way!] are accusing the kid who got beat of of being disruptive, and placing blame on the victim.

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JR

12:15 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011

Beth, you truly seem like a positve individual. "Mt. Hope sucks"???? I have no ties to the Bristol/Warren School system other than the fact I have three children attending at various levels and I've seen the positive changes that have occurred. On another note, should the Patch bury their heads in the sand and pretend nothing happened at the school? With facebook and twitter, there will always be forums for "parents with alot time to waste", And no JOSH, I'm not the Principal and I too served four years, Hickam AFB, Okinawa, Korea & Peterson AFB in CO honorably and have no problem with freedom of expression, but take issue with your characterization that this was an act of bullying. Fact: The "victim" in this case was guilty of provocation and while we can not condone violence, he picked the wrong kid and ended up in the hospital.

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Jack Baillargeron

12:47 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011

I find it amusing so many having such bigitry toward fans of one group or another, This is common throughout history, those of us who are shall we say older, know this well. Buddy Holly fans, becaus his music was considered to sexual, Elvis because many though he was black at first and then of course his so called gyrations were destroying teens, The Beatles, Janis Joplin, Hendrix, and so many others from the 60's, Kiss Army, Gratefull Dead, "Deadheads", Yes even Benny Goodman, and many Swing Bands for their music allowing people to Dance to close. Could go on forever on this even with Movies stars, authors, and sucessfull peole who have all been accused of corrupting teens and causing damage.

There is a thing called self-responsibilty, and freewill. It is an individuals choice and a Human right to run your own life. Who are all these people in these articles pre-judging these teens and their music and lifestyle, as long as they follow the laws, it is no-ones business but their parents untill they are 18.

What the whole story here is only those present at the time know that, I would hope they could work it out themselves with getting them together to talk. Neither side on this issue should be doing this prevalent bame game that permeates society right now. It accomplishes nothing. How about respecting each others rights to be who they want to be? Theres a novel Ideas huh?

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Josh

1:16 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Jack B: Good points all around.
JR: No disrespect intended. from the comments on this page, it seemed you were taking a different/school defensive position, which i respected. I assumed, and you know what happens when one does that.

I just saw that people were bashing the band (who state "we are only entertainers in every interview ever done by mainstream media) and the people who like the band/group/artist. To me, that's not what this was about.

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Nicole

12:15 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011

I'm sorry, but this is ridiculous. After graduating Mt. Hope, the best thing I ever did was get away from it. Students should not be dressing up in clown apparel or wearing obnoxious or obscene make-up to school. It is not only inappropriate but also distracting for other students. When I was there we weren't allowed to wear chains connected to our wallets, hats, certain shirts, and our hair had restrictions as well. I understand students want to express themselves freely, and I completely understand that, but they must also understand they need to have respect for others.

I am not familiar with the music, the group, or even the members within the gang, but clearly I can tell that it is not helping students, it is only hindering the entire student body. For the many parents who believe that Mt. Hope has come a long way, I do indeed agree it has. However, it has a long way to go. I see students who have graduated from other high schools and have achieved much greater success. Our academics are improving, our overall scores may be improving, but if the environment within the school does not improve, we are setting ourselves up for pure failure.

Something needs to be addressed drastically, and soon. Students who reach out for attention are getting it in ways they may never have thought possible. A family of friends should not need to defend themselves, and this defense is only the beginning for many more "gang" related problems. Bristol/Warren does need any more problems

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Jane Doe

4:26 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011

The problem with this whole situation is that people are focusing way too much on the "groups" It does not matter if the students were jocks, band kids, or goth kids. The problem is that BOTH of the kids involved took part in bullying. Not one of these students was innocent. And the parents are spending way too much time pointing fingers at who was right and wrong to realize the faults in their own children! People need to step back and take a look at the whole situation.
There is nothing wrong with liking the band ICP but when students start wearing clothes and makeup that are associated with a gang (whether or not they consider themselves a gang, it is recognized as one) the school needs to step in. It is never ok for someone to threaten or bully another no matter what the circumstances are. By trying to justify that one side of this situation is right/wrong it is making the student body think it's OK to hate each other because they are a little different. We should recognize the fault in both sides instead of trying to prove their actions were acceptable, because both of these students were ultimately wrong in the end!

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Jack Baillargeron

4:48 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011

There you go jane, like the division in this country over the last decade of 2 camps of left and right, group labeling and seperating into camps, without dialog or respect for both sides lead to status-quo and nothing accomplished. Whether it is political or social issues such as this.

Eduncation andunderstanding along with self-responibilty are the answers. Of course it goes without say parental support and active involvement with the school system and home life are paramount. Ideals and respect are learned at home also, not the schools jobs to teach that, as it should be instilled all ready from elementary and the parents home.

I believe it was called teaching kindergarteners, "sharing". ;-}

diana hitchens

10:49 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011

How about a different perspective? From a thousand miles away this story has struck a chord with me. As a teenager I changed schools and lost my way. Despite my parents attempts I became an outcast. I dabbled in drugs and violence. I was lost in the worst way. Until I met my first juggalo. I was hooked. I had friends! FRIENDS! Some of you may have no idea what that means to a lonely kid. And these friend loved me so much they called me family. They never asked me conform. Go to a gathering. They aren't all painted and tattooed and dressed in black. And while they may pull angry kids in with lyrics about axes and mayhem, listen to the messages. They are STRONGLY against domestic abuse, alcoholism, racism and bullying. Plus they are very Christian. I have heard plenty of song quotes but what about the last song on their final joker card? "The carnival is God and may all juggalos find him". I completely credit this 'family' with shaping in to a productive member of society. I have a great job in the veterinary field, I am a good wife and the mother of 2 great girls. And if they want to paint their face to protest bullying in school then I will let them. After all....I did it too!

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diana hitchens

11:02 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Additionally, ICP holds a 'Gathering' annually where 3,000-6,000 juggalos get together at a camp ground with NO law enforcement whatsoever and spend 4 days camping, swimming and partying. And of course concerts. The only.injury ever reported in over a decade of these gatherings was a fight between 2 NON JUGGALO vendors. Put any group of other people together with alcohol and lack of authority and they would kill each other. Juggalos aren't violent as a group. Which you all should know since that poor kid who got his face split open did not retaliate OR fight back. You all should be ashamed. If roles were reversed that juggalo would be in jail and this would be considered gang violence. This has me so mad I'm shaking. Check out all the juggalo food drives, charities and clean up crews. We are about doing good all the way. And I know I speak for the whole family when I say thank you to this kid for banding us even closer together with our defense of him. Much like his town SHOULD have done for him.

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Jack Baillargeron

4:17 pm on Wednesday, November 9, 2011

How sad that in this modern and enlightened age of informtion, tolerence is still such a prevailent problem in this country. People who are different or not in the so called norm, which I have no clue what that is other than an opinion in the mind of the individual. Need to educate themselves on tolerence and parents need to teach it as being tolerent, not pity, not statements of weird, ignorant, unintelligent, evil, etc. They must be told the individuals have the right to to be the way they are and that right should be respected.

History shows that a society based on non-tolerence of the differences of individual or groups, invaribly leads to violence and in many cases in history, genocide. It is the small things that add up and eventually become out of control.

Want inspiration, I suggest every parent and child watch this short video, which is not about over coming odds, but about succeeding in life, no matter how different you are and being positive about yourself. It is a man who speak to children at schools about this, you will be impressed ad amazed at this man. It is also a pleasent surprise that people with this attitude on life exist. Web site link It has been checked, for malware and virus, none exist, it is safe.

http://www.wimp.com/watchingthis/

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Jack Baillargeron

4:19 pm on Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Should have added every juggalo and anyone involved in this should watch that video link. Actually it should be shown in every school and grade in the country.

Judge for yourself ;-}

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Momma Becca

9:42 am on Thursday, April 25, 2013

Was looking for something completely different when I stumbled across this article. All I can do is laugh. First of all, this is a perfect example of the media again hyping a situation for headlines. Secondly, ohhhhhhh please! I know both of these boys personally. Now that the smoke has cleared and whatever has happened has already... Shame on the reporter! A quick background of the child purportedly in a gang would have revealed how useless this whole article is. As for the kids hyping it online? They're kids! That's what KIDS do. Mr. Non-gang member is a little bad ass whom I adore, Mr. Juggalo is the first person to run up and give me a hug if he sees me in passing. And to the parents that feigned fear of sending their kids to school... if you took a little while to get to know your kids friends and classmates, you would have laughed at this from the start. Yaaaaawn.

-I am a local mother of 3 teens.

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