Why are "Bum Fight" Videos Rising in Popularity?

categories: criminalization, Hate Crimes, Research, Trends, violence

Published August 27, 2009 @ 08:19PM PT

Last year, more "bum fight" videos were uploaded to YouTube than ever before. Could this renewed interest in dehumanizing videos that exploit the homeless have anything to do with the recent rise in violent crimes targeting the homeless?

"Bum fights" are videos of homeless people being beaten or forced into humiliating acts. Usually, those filming (and instigating the antics) use money or alcohol to lure homeless people into participating in these schemes, often with no knowledge that they will be posted on the web.

Many "bum fight" videos fall into one of two equally-disturbing categories:

Physical violence
Examples: "Bums Fight In Street," "$20 Ass-Wooping," or "Bum vs. Dog"

Homeless people doing humiliating things
Examples: "Bum Smashes Head Into Glass" or "Desperate, Crazy Bums"

I haven't seen many of these videos myself (since I don't want to give the "filmmakers" the idea that people like their content by increasing the number of views). But I understand that the subjects of the films are often intoxicated or mentally unstable.

In other words, people who need to be helped, not humiliated.

If the nature of these videos isn't bad enough, they are rising in popularity, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless. In July, nearly 86,000 degrading videos of homeless people were posted on YouTube, 15,000 more than a year earlier. And since "Bum Fights" began gaining popularity on the web in 2001, over 6.8 million videos have been sold.

You read that correctly. More people have bought "Bum Fight" videos than Mamma Mia! DVDs.

So perhaps it's no coincidence that the rise in popularity of "Bum Fight" videos has coincided with an increase in violence targeting the homeless. In 2008, 106 homeless attacks were reported, 27 of those resulting in death. Ten years ago, only 60 attacks on the homeless were reported. But, according to the NCH, incidents targeting the homeless often go unreported.

Furthermore, 95 percent of the perpetrators in these attacks are men, most of whom are white and under the age of 25. The increase in violence has brought new urgency to pass hate crime legislation for the homeless both federally and in states and cities across the country.

But the question remains: What is with the increasing fascination with Bum Fight videos?

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Comments (14)

People must notice that this is a form of entertainment that seemingly is adored by those that like to see the homeless duke it out for a couple dollars and bragging rights of the streets as a tough-guy.

Do this homeless need this sort of exposure?

Although this may seem as a way to keep money in their pockets, this is only making the work of those that are actually finghting to make the homeless seem like pilable persons, the effect is to be long lasting. Violence is not the answer.

Posted by Aaron Shaw on 08/28/2009 @ 06:33PM PT
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No No this is so wrong..maybe those who have $$$ to help can give it when asked-it could be you..it was me..it can happen to anyone-How dare someone even watch such a thing Let alone participate in it. All human-beings deserve dignity-we all have a soul a spirit..many homeless are crushed due to something that happened in their lives, they need Hope, Love and a Place to Lay there head without fear..Hunger..Pain..anger..loss of hope,family etc will make one do anything.Instead of using ones unfortunate circumstances as entertainment reach-out and lend a helping hand.

Formerly Homeless

Now a Grateful Jesus Freak!

Posted by Renee Seabrooks on 08/29/2009 @ 09:58AM PT
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This is sick and anyone involved in it is sick . The watchers of the videos should be arrested also .

Posted by Grace Takelal on 08/30/2009 @ 07:51AM PT
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Bit surprided at YouTube because their terms of service speak against unsavoury films, for example nudity is not allowed,YouTube has been family friendly.

This crime is horrible and I hope the perpetrators are on the films and get caught.

Posted by Stella Solomons on 08/31/2009 @ 02:24AM PT
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Human Decency Demands that -- YouTube must rule & monitor itself with the clear rules along with NO Nudity -- NO Violence to ANY persons or animals, NO Bigotry & Prejudice, NO Acts of Hatred Behavior Verbally or Physically will be permitted on YouTube.

Posted by Mele Welte on 08/31/2009 @ 03:11AM PT
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I have been homeless before. I face that again next year due to disability and the SSA in Maryland refusing to provide survivors rights for my child next year. They refuse to consider what can happen to me and my children.

When homeless I was assaulted several times. I was robbed and badly beaten 3 times for every last penny I had.

Many homeless use drugs and alcohol as a self administered anti depressant that is cheaper than a motel room and makes one resistant to the feeling of pain, mental or physical, or the extreme conditions of the outdoor environment.

Ordinary people who have unknown perversions or have never been caught, look for those at a disadvantage. Those people always kick someone when they are down. (an opportunity for the closet sociopath)

If a person becomes homeless due to an injury or unemployment, this otherwise respectable person has to stoop to levels often considered unspeakable to themselves. If they become violent it is often because they no longer have a will to live and seriously need effective rehabilitation but still need to eat. Often psychiatric attention is necessary because of the loss of "self". Some are escaping domestic violence only to be abused over and over again.

Too often law enforcement and local governments view the homeless as people who willingly live that way. As a result, crimes against these unfortunate people go investigated unless the crimes accelerate to homicide levels. Occasionally, in big cities, not even then. I once heard a law enforcement officer comment about drug users, " More of them die or kill each other, its better. There is less time wasted on paperwork."

This will only change if society views this problem as one to be solved and not one that will simply go away. It is up to us to practice the human traits of compassion and mercy. To demand accountability of our governments.

Posted by michele chamberlain barry hale on 08/31/2009 @ 05:12AM PT
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This is horrifying on so many levels. Dignity is due to all human beings. Sadly, our culture seems to no longer value human life. We victimize those most in need of our help whether through direct violence or apathy. How often do we walk by the homeless as though they were not real people, refusing to look them in the eye and daring not to greet them? How often do we watch and even videotape horrible acts but do nothing to stop them from happening? I believe that every human being is created in God's image and that is enough for me to not judge by what I see and to treat everyone with respect. If good people continue to do nothing then our problems will only escalate. I am not a regular YouTube viewer and had no idea that this was taking place. Thank you for bringing awareness to this issue.

Posted by Karen Swim on 08/31/2009 @ 05:35AM PT
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Once again, it is the best of times and the worst of times. There is something so "Dickensonnesque" about American society at this time. Know what I mean?

Posted by grant simmons on 08/31/2009 @ 08:41AM PT
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Our culture certainly does not seem to value life - individual lives, that is. Anyone who initiates force against someone else has violated that person's individual rights, and should be prosecuted under objective laws as such. When we begin to call-out particularly offensive behaviors and litigate them as "hate crimes" we degrade the basic principle of individual rights.

Are the people who exploit the homeless for entertainment heinous? Absolutely. Are the people who watch them for entertainment equally as heinous. You bet. But in watching the videos they are not violating those people's rights (just showing what limited respect they have for human life). But even their individual rights must be upheld.

The answer is not more regulations. The law, which is already in place, must be upheld. Principles of individual rights must be better understood and applied in this country.

Posted by Lynne B on 08/31/2009 @ 11:43AM PT
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I suggest a boycott of YouTube until YouTube agrees not to circulate this sick form of "entertainment" any more. What do you think?

Posted by Amanda Woods on 09/01/2009 @ 12:32PM PT
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OMG this is so disturbing. I cant even imagine what would make the viewing of this interesting/entertaining or why the rate of it is increasing.

Participation in this horrible action, even if just seeing it and not immediately reporting it, should be a felony.

It is discouraging to know that people this ignorant and violent exist and we as a society need to address this but until then setting a few examples of how it is a crime that is taken seriously by way of the courts and media would be a nice, swift start.

Posted by Lisa Sullivan on 09/01/2009 @ 03:52PM PT
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Yes... this is a million percent sick. It just tears at one's soul to think of these mindless young guys perpetrating such sick evil on innocent people in the street.

As for people being more interested in these "bum fights..." like any disgusting horror movie, or a pile of poop to flies, we are drawn to stench, filth and shocking badness.

We have curiousity, and perhaps an adrenalin rush. We get a "jolt."

It's later, when we look back, that we cringe when we think of the things we chose to watch.

Well I do!

Horror movies are very twisted and plain evil bad. It surprises me that we even have them... but I guess the dark side has to counter balance the light side. Unfortunately.

We MUST make this a TERRIBLE crime so you go to prison just about FOREVER for perpetrating this abuse.

Picking on the innocent as a roving pack of thrill seeking sickos is an ultimate weak COWARDICE.

How would you like to know that your brother, boyfriend, friend of cousin did these things?

You'd shake your head in disgust. You'd probably think, Lowlife.

And you'd not ever trust him, or ever want him around your children or family.

If you have the desire to pick on innocent people in the street because they disturb you, it's because you have NO understanding of their lives and have not EVER walked in their shoes.

Plus, you're a kind of lilly liver! So get over it and Don't DO it!

If you do theses kinds of things, you'll discover something terrible... that it will always be with you till the day you die, and it WILL hurt your heart.

Be good to others instead, and Protect the Innocent. You'll really be glad you did.

Posted by Cdin Org on 09/06/2009 @ 02:33PM PT
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Reality, people pay for violence. They will lock a homeless person up for panhandling but bum fight film promoters go on their merry way. No law to deter them. And the acceptance of the violence becomes accepted as part of the life on the streets. In fact the incouragemnet of the violence becomes an imcome for some. It is a sad indeed.

Posted by Cathie Buckner on 09/16/2009 @ 08:55AM PT
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I see this as a symptom of a society that has turned it's back on our inner city youth. Social programs aimed at inner city development could help curtail many of these problems.

The way it stands, children are being raised by children with role models that present thuggery and gangsterism as something to aspire to. The homeless are just the easiest to access victims of the products that the lack societal ressponsiblity has produced

Welch's is giving homeless/needy free 100% juice just for YOU clicking on their website.

100% juice given to needy/homeless by Welch's for just a click on their website. You can find details and link at http://braxpeace.blogspot.com/ "easy to help"

Posted by brax peace on 09/16/2009 @ 03:21PM PT
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Author

Shannon has worked in homeless shelters and service organizations in San Francisco, the Triangle region of North Carolina, and currently in the greater Boston area. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.