I think the making of the bumfights movies was fine

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bumfights

Many people think that the creators were douchebags, and they kind of were, just not in a way that needed to change.

Critics called what they did dehumanizing and exploitative. I see what they mean, but it's fine imo.

I'm a libertarian (not of the liberal political party), which means I place strong value on free will and personal liberty.

The bums featured in the movies agreed of their own free wills to be PAID by the producers to perform those dangerous or "dehumanizing" stunts.

I don't think it could be considered real exploitation if the "victim" agreed on a fair price.

Also, paying the bums to fight or do stunts is hardly any different from violent sports like professional boxing, which are widely accepted despite the lifetime injuries we know they cause.

Despite most people knowing, at least in the backs of their minds that the football helmets can't prevent all brain damage, they let their kids play football for entertainment, opportunities, and money.

Violence and humiliation as entertainment is still alive and well, and people participate of their own free wills, because they want money and sometimes attention.

It's the way of the world, but it's not the worst thing ever, unless you have to do it do get by.

I'd go out with a cam and pay hobos to do weird shit, though not as extreme as Bumfights. However, I think I'd get shanked and robbed.

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Based on 6 votes (3 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • Shackleford96
    5 years ago

    Not really sure how I feel about it morally, but I kind of want to watch it. I love seeing people do dumb shit and having a laugh about it.

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  • Tato
    5 years ago

    Never heard of it so did a search.
    After seeing some of it I get what you're saying, but it leaves a sour taste. Despite them being consenting adults, it's still a form of exploitation.

    Wonder if that's how people really get into porn.

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  • SwickDinging
    5 years ago

    It is very different to professional sports. That's a poor analogy because those people are paid insane amounts of money and have a lot of protection in terms of insurance and also referees, security, clearly defined and enforced rules etc.

    However in principle I agree with your point - if everyone involved is a consenting adult then fine, let them do whatever terrible things they want to each other. Makes me very sad though. I'm not sure I could respect anyone who had paid to see something like this.

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    • [Old Memory]
      5 years ago

      Good point. I can see how the analogy is somewhat faulty, since the protection and quantities of money given to pro boxers help to make the sport more humane.

      However, even with all of that, brain damage in boxing is practically inevitable. One study said that 90% have it. Disfigurement is also relatively common.
      Can you respect someone who pays to see something like that?

      That's the cost of boxing for entertainment. People know it, and very few try to stop it.

      Regardless of the precautions people take to protect boxers, the effects of the damage are just as bad, or worse than the Bumfights stunts.

      Apparently, providing certain protections and perks allows people to wash their hands of guilt regarding pro boxers, as they're not considered victims.

      That's fine.

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      • SwickDinging
        5 years ago

        I have never paid to see something like that so I'm not really sure, but I'm guessing the answer is still no.

        Then again I have no interest in sports whatsoever so maybe my view on it is skewed. I like to run and I like to lift weights, everything else to do with sport bores me and I avoid it as much as possible.

        So kind of like when a Muslim says that having a glass of wine makes someone an alcoholic - maybe I'm like that with sports haha.

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  • RoseIsabella
    5 years ago

    Were the bums just paid a one time payment, or are they getting royalties?

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    • [Old Memory]
      5 years ago

      I don't know. There were one or two bums that made repeated appearances doing stunts in Bumfights. I'd imagine they were paid per stunt.

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