Torture As Street Entertainment

Coney Island Waterboarding Sideshow

Politics are a carnival of life, so why not make a side show out of a torture technique like waterboarding?

Ya pays yo money, ya gets a show that “Don't Gitmo Better.”

Steve Powers opened the sideshow in the shadow of the famous Cyclone rollercoaster. After peeking in a small window, you see a lifesize figure in a hooded sweatshirt that leans over another figure. If you plug in a few bucks, the waterboarding scene is played out for your viewing enjoyment, including convulsions.

Controversial Entertainment
The trend of providing entertainment around controversial and taboo topics presents opportunities for companies to create niche experiences for adventurous audiences.
Immersion-based Shows
As consumers crave more unique forms of entertainment, the trend of immersive-based shows allows for companies to disrupt the traditional viewing experience and create a more engaging environment.
Political Satire
The trend of incorporating political commentary into entertainment presents opportunities to address important societal issues while also providing a unique form of entertainment for audiences.

Where This Applies

Amusement Parks
The amusement park industry could incorporate controversial and immersive-based shows as a way to attract a wider range of visitors and differentiate themselves from competitors.
Live Events
Live events companies could explore the trend of immersive-based shows and political satire to create unique experiences for audiences looking for more engaging forms of entertainment.
Streaming Services
Streaming services could create and distribute political satire content to reach audiences looking for a more nuanced approach to societal issues while adding a unique form of content to their platform.
SCORE
1.8 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 8%
Activity 39%
Freshness 8%

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