# Torture As Street Entertainment Coney Island Waterboarding Sideshow By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-08-07 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/torture-thrills-coney-island-waterboarding-sideshow References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/arts/design/06wate.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Spoof Sparkling Water Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/can-of-art.md) - [Horror-Themed Overnight Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warner-bros-icons-of-horror.md) - [Thrill Ride-Topped Ultra-High Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-torch.md) - [Branded Breakfast Water Taxis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capns-commute.md) - [Underwater Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/underwater-vending-machine.md) - [Sandwich-Inspired Water Slides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dip-n-slides.md) - [Floating Escape Rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-escape-room.md) - [Gothic Poet-Themed Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edgar-allan-poe-speakeasy.md) - [Satirical Political Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thoughts-prayers-toilet-paper.md)