ICP: SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL?

Earlier this week, MS reader “seasonswithered” e-mailed us about a story Nightline recently did about Insane Clown Posse, and, specifically, if they’re responsible for Juggalos who have committed violent crimes over the course of the past few years. seasonswithered promised that if we watched the video, “For the first time, you’ll be on [ICP’s] side,” and now that I finally have gotten around to watching it, I can say that seasonswithered is right.

Don’t get me wrong: this music is terrible, and ridiculous, and the dudes in ICP are clearly only slightly smarter than an amoeba. But blaming them because some of their (even) less intelligent fans may have taken their lyrics too seriously is on par with blaming Ozzy Osbourne ’cause some kid shot himself, or Marilyn Manson for Columbine, or take your pick of times metal has been unfairly held responsible for some heinous act. If it turned out that there was a serial killer who turned out to be a huge fan of Cannibal Corpse, would you wanna see George Fisher and Alex Webster strung up by their toes? Of course not.

In other words: I may not respect what ICP does, but I respect their right to do it.

Check out the Nightline report below and see what you think.

-AR