"Born With a Hatchet and a Juggalo Face"

“What is a juggalo?

A juggalo

That's what it is

Well, [expletive], if I know

What is a juggalo?

I don't know

But I'm down with the clown

And I'm down for life, yo.”

Truer words were never spoken for a juggalo, a fan of Psychopathic Records artists.  This vast subculture does not simply have its own fashion, music, or dance; rather it has its own lifestyle.  From face paint to Faygo, the juggalo family has many customs and traditions.

As Shaggy 2 Dope of Insane Clown Posse states, "[Juggalos come] from all walks of life -- from poverty, from rich, from all religions, all colors. [...] It doesn't matter if you're born with a silver spoon in your mouth, or a crack rock in your mouth."

The degree to which juggalos dedicate themselves varies.  Some are covered in Psychopathic tattoos, never seen without face paint, and own half of Hatchet Gear.  Others simply like the attitudes of the Psychopathic artists.

That aside, the focus of juggalos is on the music.  Ultimately, it provides a harmless outlet for all things violent in nature, to which almost anyone can relate.

The juggalo family will no doubt continue to grow as Psychopathic Records continues to produce music.   

word count: 203

Impacts

Tattoos: So What?

"The world is divided into two types of people: those who have tattoos and those afraid of people who have tattoos."  A tattoo is an art form, one that is both growing in popularity and acceptance.  This photo film explores the evolution of the popularity and acceptance of tattoos in American culture over the past one hundred years, ultimately focusing on the impact being tattooed has on employment.  Popular culture has evolved to accepting tattoos, with images of tattooed stars left and right.  Whether or not "real America" can become as open to change remains to be seen.
word count: 98

BJJ in MMA

Ask anyone who saw the Ultimate Fighting Championship 118 if Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has made an impact on Mixed Martial Arts and the answer will be a resounding yes.  This photo film investigates the impact that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has had on the world of martial arts.  Boxing legend James Toney was convinced that boxing is the most effective manner of fighting, sparking outrage in the MMA world.  UFC president Dana White arranged a fight between Toney and UFC Champion Randy Couture.  Determined to prove Toney wrong, not one fight on the UFC 118 card would be won by knockout.  Couture submitted Toney at 3:19 of round one.
word count: 108

Women in a Man's World

Wrestling is, in every sense of the word, a man's sport.  Eject the videocassette; insert the DVD.  Wrestling was a man's sport, at least until 2004 when the Olympic committee forced the world to reckon with female wrestlers by adding a women's division to the most elite level of competition.  This photo film delves deeply into the impact of adding a women's division to a traditionally male-centered sport, ultimately addressing the psychological impact segregation of sports has on each gender.  The song lyrics "Anything you can do, I can do better," quickly comes to mind.
word count: 94

Who am I?

My name is Maura Gay.  I am eighteen years old and come from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.  I guess you could say I am a small-town girl at heart.

My family and friends are my strength.  My family consists of my mom, dad, and younger brother.  My mom is a painter, my dad a pharmaceutical consultant.  My brother is an amazing musician and one of my best friend.  Another of my best friends is Erin.  Erin inspires me every day to cope with whatever personal issues arise and make the most of them, while doing my best to better the lives of others.

The most meaningful place in my life is Lawler's Kenpo Karate studio in my hometown of Kennett Square.  It is here that I learned that "the most important thing is how you see yourself."  I try to live my life every day with this in mind.

I have two favorite traditions: one is a family tradition, the other a karate school tradition.  My favorite family tradition is the Italian tradition of The Feast of the Seven Fish, celebrated on Christmas Eve.  My entire extended family gathers together and we eat and drink the night away.  It is a wonderful celebration of family and Christmas, as well as traditional Italian values.  My other favorite tradition is the annual picnic for all the students and staff at Lawler's Kenpo Karate, held at Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square.  We play pickup games of various sports, socialize, snipe each other with water guns, and eat delicious hot dogs and hamburgers made by our wonderful head instructor.  Everyone always has a fantastic time.  The picnic is a great way to relax and celebrate our accomplishments.

National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Association