Should Sideshows Be Legal?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- What do you get when you mix car stunts, youth culture, and Oakland? Sideshows! Sideshows have become big in Oakland, where drivers will block major intersections to perform car stunts like donuts and figure eights, while large crowds gather to watch. But here's the catch-- they can be real dangerous and because of that they are totally illegal. And chances are in some way or another there's a clash between youth and car culture and cops near you too. In Oakland, they are creating a huge divide in the community, where many supporters say sideshows are part of Oakland culture and are calling for legal safe venues. While many opponents view sideshows as a dangerous public nuisance and are calling for harsher legal penalties. So students in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs program at Oakland Military Institute in Oakland, California are asking: what should Oakland do about sideshows? And chances are there's a clash between youth, car culture and cops near you too.
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** What are sideshows in Oakland?
In Oakland California sideshows are events where drivers perform car stunts like donuts and figure eights, as large crowds gather to watch. They often block major intersections, bridges or highways.
** Are Sideshows in Oakland dangerous?
Sideshows in Oakland can be dangerous. Sometimes drivers doing stunts can lose control of their cars and hit people in the crowds. Additionally, crowds can get rowdy and fights can break out, and guns get pulled. When police are called to the scene-- sometimes there can be car chases and there have been reports of tear gas.
** What are the arguments for legalizing sideshows and creating safe venues for car stunts?
Many people feel that sideshows are an important part of Oakland culture and should not be criminalized. If legal safe venues were created, then the number of dangerous illegal sideshows would decrease. It would also create a business opportunity for Oakland. Instead of spending money on policing these illegal events, the city could charge admission fees to legal safe venues which would generate income, and provide economic opportunity to the drivers.
Sources
ABC7: 3 Killed in Sideshow Crash in Oakland
abc7news.com/a...
SF Chronicle: Person Injured in Fall From Highway Ramp During Crokett Sideshow:
www.sfchronicl...
ABC30: Richmond Police Officer Hit By Car While Trying to Breakup Sideshow:
abc30.com/rich...
KQED: Make Sideshows an Opportunity in Oakland, Not a Problem
www.kqed.org/a...
NY Times: The Idea of Decriminalizing Oakland 'Sideshows'
bayarea.blogs....
CNN: Six Figure Job: Stunt Drivers
money.cnn.com/...
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#sideshows #swanginandbangin #oaklandsideshow
Should sideshows remain illegal with harsher penalties? Or be given a legal venue and commercialized? Let us know in the comments! And please, as always -- keep it civil and respectful because that's how we roll. That said, we welcome your constructive criticism, feedback, questions, and of course...your love!
There will always be an attraction to (perceived) danger and breaking the rules. Also, I don't see how you could ever legalize something the is inherently dangerous to "innocent" spectators (especially youth). I understand that NASCAR grew out of illegal racing; but, I don't think Sideshow is really about racing. Just like your quote from "Richie Rich" alluded to, Legal Sideshow is an oxymoron.
@@connecticutaggie that oxymoron view was shared by a lot of people the students interviewed. But, legalizing street racing in San Diego did work for almost 20 years -- after decades of illegality. Seems that it's success was also due to a heavy police crackdown on the street version, however.
@@AboveTheNoise So what did "legalizing street racing in San Diego" mean? Was it codified into law or did the police just choose to allow it (like driving 55 in a 60)?
Certainly there must have been some sort of rules and permitting. I can't imagine San Diego saying that cars can choose to ignore speed limits and traffic control devices any time they want to because the are participating in a "street race". Certainly racing on streets has been around legally for a long time - Formula Racing; but, to me that is not the same as "street racing" and certainly not Sideshow.
Is what you are referring to what we see in the TV show "Street Outlaws"?
Mark Hancock check out the story here: www.10news.com/news/local-news/racelegal-hoping-to-restart-street-racing-at-sdccu-stadium
In the US people can find always a way of extracting the money out of something, I have no doubt they’ll eventually do it with sideshows.
They should make legal places to do it. Formula drift is a thing now.
Formula drift is too expensive for these people. They need donut pits to keep crowds safe and let em dog there cars.
I’m here for D1 Grand Prix
Pool some money in the community, buy a big parking lot, set up some walls around it and create a venue that keeps the money in the community. If Nascar is allowed to do their insane driving legally, this should be no problem.
Thanks for watching and sharing your perspective!
@@AboveTheNoise Y'all do good work. I admit I was rather gratified to hear my suggestion echoed in the video (I commented before watching all of it) (*gasp*). The notion that the draw of any activity is its illegality is asinine, though. Even if that's the appeal to some, you're never going to win the argument "It's cooler because it's breaking the law".
In addition, require that all cars have fire extinguishers, safety harnesses (not just shoulder and lap belts), structural reinforcement in the passenger compartment, plus all drivers must wear helmets, have adequate insurance, and undergo safety inspections before being allowed to participate. Spectators should be kept separate from driving area by adequate safety barriers. Obviously, sideshow areas should be free of firearms and other weapons, with mandatory criminal penalties and permanent banishment for breaking that policy. Also, sideshows, being extremely noisy, must end by 9 pm if located within audible distance of residences. These are the sorts of requirements and restrictions that are mandatory at nearly all other car racing or competition events, so it only seems fair that sideshow participants should be held to the same standards. Please feel free to add any other procedural or safety suggestions that I may have forgotten.
I feel like if it was done in a safer setting, it would lower the danger factor. I think that is the main concern
It should remain illegal to shut down intersections and disrupt traffic, but there needs to be some sort of outlet somewhere. Maybe a shutdown airstrip, or other piece of land that isn't used. Sometimes paving a "small" local racetrack is the sort of investment that'll benefit the city down the road.
Great work Amari, Karina, Alejandro, David, and the rest of the team at Oakland Military Institute!
We felt really lucky to work with this team of student reporters! They were really creative and pitched us some great stories. This one seemed so unique, but also relevant to youth culture around the country.
Build it and they will come. Imagine this...safe areas for spectators, food trucks, porta-potties and security. Funded via corporate/industry sponsorship & spectator/participant entrance fees. Location & insurance might be the deal breakers...
JB S Thanks for sharing your views! We heard a lot of similar perspectives... and insurance and liability has definitely come up as a concern as well.
What about the deaths and injuries that have resulted? Would be interested in hearing more about that?
I think sideshows should not be legal because, there’s a lot of people that love cars and drifting and no matter how many police will be their they won’t stop no matter what. Because it’s part of the culture.
Really thoughtful reporting kids!
liv Bowl thanks!!
As An Oakland Native Sideshows Originally Started On The 2nd Level At Eastmont Mall By Smith's. It Grew From There. During Jerry Brown As Mayor It Almost Was Legalized. But Due To A Young Woman's Death It Never Happened.
Legalize them! Amazing episode! So interesting and informative.
Thank you so much for watching and the positive feedback!
car culture and side show two different things!
I'm from the Town, and back in 95" it was a show in the street and you where on the side to see, the term( swang/swing) and hit that sh%$, originated happen to turn out to be the late night hosting venue of the club 🥂🍻🍹was closeds🤷🏾♀️🤷🏽♂️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏻♂️. "Parking lot pimpin" went to the straight extreme when 🚓 🚔started to shut down parking lots and ppl where still enjoying🥳🤯 there night. What did they think was gone happen. Ppl started to take it to the streets. Which turn the intersection🚙🚦💨 into a dance floor and the gas station🚏🍹🍾🍸⛽ the counter at the bar, and the night continued. "Sideshow joke" whats red, green, yellow, dancing in circles????
#Salsa 🚦🚗💨🛻🚙💨
the thing with sideshows is that they ruined the car culture in california. most of the JDM, Tuner and Stance enthusist get flagged by CHP or local pd because they're cars are modified, but the thing is that they never ever attended to go to these things. They only go out for cars and coffee events or support a bobba shop buissness. The sideshow boys are the rejects of car culture who couldn't afford to go for a drift scession, too lazy to head out to the nearest racetrack, banned at sanctioned car show events or they are a bunch of alt Lefts sabotaging trying to car culture by manipulating the local goverment mandate more smog laws.
Perspective of those in support and participating is going to differ from those residents and business owners impacted by the late night noise, and damage caused at those events.
Unfortunately there are things people do that involves risk of injury, damage or inconvenience.
Some of these events also have the side effect of crime.
It’s easy for those in support to ignore or dismiss the damage caused because they move on whereas home or business owners have to deal with the aftermath. Participants don’t care of the risk which makes them reckless.
Pretty clear why these events are disliked by those who have to put up with the nonsense.
Hollywood movies and music which glamorize these activities are part of the problem. Social Media is bad enough but turning these sideshow events into money making pop culture phenomenon encourages others to imitate and emulate what they see portrayed… just so they can be apart of what is trending.
Gee perhaps making a movie about the classic mom phrase “if your friends wanted to jump off a bridge (or cliff) would you?”
“But gee mom everyone else is doing it”
Doesn’t make it right… or smart… or less risky…
Insinuating it’s a cultural thing doesn’t help either.
Hollywood glamorized old western movies with scenes which involved “quick draw gunfights” on the dusty streets as a means of frontier justice.
Imagine if that caught on? Ridiculous
Tailpipe noise is a crime against thousands of people.
You should lose your vehicle for removing the muffler.
The question of "legality" is idiotic.
And no matter what parts you try to stop a sideshow they would still meet up as groups of cars, and go somewhere to drift and do donuts.
This is an opportunity. You need to give this a safe venue. There still needs to have danger but safer. Money can be made but you can't get to greedy. Sponsors would be great. Prizes given for challenges.
How is this even a discussion
Great Reporting! Illegal Racing and Sideshows will always exist but legalizing would make it safer for the part of the crowd that is a fan and not just a person who is anti authority.
Thanks for watching and sharing your perspective!
Nothing wrong with young reporters doing a PBS class project however…. None of them had any “skin in the game”…. Meaning their perspective isn’t from a business owner or homeowner where these events randomly pop up.
Perspective matters.. even for reporters young or more mature..
It’s easy for those in support to ignore or dismiss the damage caused because they move on whereas home or business owners have to deal with the aftermath.
There is a difference between embracing a reckless street corner event and a venue where spectators safety is considered. As well as all the troublesome aspects of actually using a location which doesn’t damage private property, cause litter, impact neighborhoods adversely…
Reporters who go into a story with a biased perspective, pro or con, is part of the problem the United States is having today with “fake news” pushing an agenda.
Making it legal would require sideshows be taken off the streets and into safe locations, not infringing on neighborhoods late at night. Stands for spectators, entry fees and parking. Insurance. Security. Vendors, restrooms.
All that basically would mean …. Not an illegal sideshow.
Sideshows should be legal in a closed off area so that it doesn’t block traffic because sideshows is a big part of the Bay Area culture especially in Oakland. 😎
I'd rather they be legalized, and regulated to ensure the driver's and audiences safety. People apparently come to a side show for the same reasons they come to see a monster truck rally; spectacle and a genuine enjoyment of the type of spectacle. Side shows just happen to enjoy the benefit of already being cultural icons in their place of origin.
I think they should be legal with a safe place to do them and regulations to keep it safe, like you know no guns?
So I live like 20-30 minutes from oakland and wonder if there's anything I can do here to help make it legal? or not since I'm technically not from there? Thou I did go to school in oakland for a bit
RenegadeWarden that’s cool that you are interested and want to help find a legal venue. We will look into who is organizing that effort and respond with some info soon.
It isn’t just Oakland culture, as pointed out, it is a rich American culture with all sorts flavors and styles. There needs to be a place for it. It won’t be the same as it was on the streets with the thrill of illegality, but you can’t hold the wind. The artists will keep that vision alive, as they have with with road racing, drag races, moonshine runs, and so much more.
Great perspective! Thanks for watching and weighing in.
sideshows should be legal!! there’s a lot of places in oakland that have big spaces that the shows can be held at instead of having them all over the streets. For example on 73rd and on 66th by the 880 , It can happen ! 🤩🤪 #sideshowyoubeezy
I'm kinda confused. How are sideshows organized? How do people know that a sideshow is gonna happen and where??
Alex Lemus if ykyk
Yes, legalize! 👍 make them safer! The cops need to step back and realize this is an opportunity for growth and bringing together the community and an important part of culture! #DecriminalizeSideshows
Yes they should have safer places to enjoy their cars.
Thanks for joining the discussion!
Should be legal with a venue
Lowriders my ass lol that’s yallCULTURE “”😂WE BEEN SWANGING DONUTS SENSE THE 80’s Oakland started this shit
they should be legal because it will keep Oakland tradition alive but they should be done in a safer location : Alberto, Stephanie, lashanti
Oakland needs a burn out pit for these people💯💯 Oakland police spends so much fighting them they should spend that money on building a safe place
Even if there was a safer place😂 Streets always gonna be funner😂🤷🏻♂️ Streets are better than tracks 😂
The Sideshow Gathering Needs To Be Banned
Personally, I'm in favor of legalization but am more concerned about the nitty gritty details. Having it take place in a parking lot for the local community is one thing but to have corporations jump in and start sponsoring people seems like a step too far off from the culture where it originated. I think monster trucks is a better analogy than nascar since a lot of the tone and atmosphere in monster trucks reflect the community more than the corporate interests that are sponsoring the event.
Thanks for sharing your views!
They should be legal but in not legal in the streets and there should be a specific place to do them.
Even more stupid shit that does nothing but hurt the environment by creating waste and exhaust. Other racing events should be outlawed, rather than anyone considering legalising this crap.
Make a legal place to do the stuff
Idk but I hate how people are going outside the box to do stupid stuff
Legal places to do it.
No end of story
No
They just wanna see how they can make money from shit we created dam come out wit yo own shit smh this world thirsty. Asf
I think the video is well scripted and is detailed on the topic at hand
Legalized sideshows from L.A. TO THE BAY!!
Abolish cars.
Well, that would be good for climate change...
What should they do about sideshows? Why is this even a question? Seal off the area and start hauling people in.
Make sideshows great again
Damn yay area we made it to opb. Got these white 70 year olds and Midwest suburbanites mad af about something they’ll never experience 😂😂
Thanks for your comment! Just wanted you to know this video was made by high school students at Oakland Military Institute because many of them have been going to sideshows and there is a lot of controversy in their school community about whether or not they should be cracked down on, or given safe, legal venues. So we helped them produce it -- and Above the Noise is produced at KQED, the Bay Area's local PBS/NPR station. So it's all yay area here.
Above The Noise I don’t have time to fully respond back. But thank y’all so much for the content you are all talented and I wish each and every single one of y’all all the best in your futures and careers! Inspiring to see Oakland doing positive things I too am into film so I appreciate this a lot!
There are suburbanites of all colors and ages who go in circles too. That’s life.