A Brief History of SXSW's Greatest Fails and Controversies
Take a look at some of the mistakes and gaffes that have occurred during one of America's most popular festivals.
Image via Complex Original
SXSW is in full swing. So far, this year's festival hasn't set any records or established any monumental new trends. Locals have complained about how annoying it is, wacky celebrities made cameos, small acts struggled to get noticed, and major acts locked in lucrative corporate deals. In other words, it's business as usual. That said, no matter how hard you try not to believe the hype, you can't help but notice every bit of news that comes out of Austin around this time of year. Some of that news is going to be about things going spectacularly wrong. Sometimes these things are hilarious, but they can also be horrifying and sad, like the tragic hit-and-run that happened at this year's festival. There are also moments of shame. Here is a brief look at those SXSW fails and controversies, both past and present.
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Police Tweet
This year, SXSW caused some beef between the City of Austin and the Austin police. On Monday night, @austintexasgov, the City's official twitter handle, blasted a tweet that read, “Welcome #SXSWers! We know you’re loving Austin but if you experience a problem with police, let us know. 512-974-9090 austinpolicemonitor.com.” It didn't take long for the chief of police to respond with some choice words. No one is safe at SXSW.
Darrell Issa Dance
There are many reasons why social media companies shouldn't be directly involved in politics. The first is that they will quickly morph into ruthless, glorified lobbying firms. The second is because it means having to spend more time watching people like Republican Darrell Issa dance. Issa was on a panel at this year's festival discussing policy and startups. While in Austin, the California Congressman also found time to try a new Microsoft game that requires dancing. It wasn't pretty. Technology and politics is not a good look.
Badges
NPR decided to republish last year's story Do I Come To SXSW If I Don't Have A Badge Or A Billion Dollars? because the question is still relevant today. The festival is very expensive, but NPR argues there are ways to get by without a press badge. They make this argument after pointing out the fact that, even for members of the press, "SXSW is an exhausting and impossibly crowded swirl of logistics, lines and long hours." So the real answer here is, no, it's not worth going to SXSW if you don't have a badge or a million dollars.
Anti-Gun Event
While SXSW may be an oasis for liberal hipsters, it's important to remember that Austin is still in Texas, home of Rick Perry's Niggerhead Rock. Texas is a conservative red state and firmly pro gun. Perhaps that's why the registered anti-gun panel discussion at this year's festival was so poorly attended. People don't travel to Texas for important politics or policy discussions. They travel to Texas for music, tacos and BBQ.
Edward Snowden
Thanks to Edward Snowden, many Americans understand that this country isn't above government surveillance. Does that make Mr. Snowden a defender of freedom? Maybe. Did he need to deliver this year's remarks with an huge image of the Constitution superimposed behind him? Definitely not. Mostly, this was a just stunt. Yes, citizens need more assurance that the government will respect their privacy, but at this point, Snowden is not in any position to help make that a reality.
Game of Thrones Pedicab
Meet the Game of Thrones pedicab, also known as the gimmick that made SXSW 2014 look like a complete joke. This next-level pedicab looks like it belongs at a Renn Faire, another event that people seem to love, but no one can remember the reason why.
Homeless Wi-Fi
SXSW will never live this one down. A marketing agency "hired" homeless men to act as roving Wi-Fi hot spots during the festival in 2012. The agency, Bartle, Bogle and Hegarty, went on record and called the project a "charitable experiment." That was before everyone else decided it was actually the most horrible idea in the world.
Bang with SXSW
Bang with SXSW, a social media app that helps festival goers hook up, has been a source of controversy at SXSW for at least two years. Critics are reluctant to cosign a dating service that promotes illicit sex with strangers. It's unclear why this service is any more disturbing than Tinder or OKCupid. What is clear, however, is that SXSW is in denial about the amount of sex that happens in Austin during the festival. Otherwise, they would get behind one of these apps. Ideally one that promotes safe sex.
Knock Out
Drunk dudes who get in fights ruin everything for everyone. This infamous altercation from 2013 has now been immortalized in GIF and video format. It will forever be a reminder of the fact that SXSW has its fair share of assholes who should be avoided at all costs.
Occupy SXSW
In 2012, Tom Morello wanted to show his solidarity with his brothers and sisters in Zuccotti Park by contributing to the occupy movement during SXSW. After playing an acoustic set in front of a room full of badge holders, he took his guitar and went outside to host a free show for the people. It was shut down—immediately.