Shoot the Freak

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Coney Island - panoramio (1)

Shoot the Freak was a popular carnival game located on the Coney Island boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York City. The game gained notoriety for its unique and interactive nature, where participants would use paintball guns to shoot at a live human target, often referred to as "the freak."

History

Shoot the Freak was established in the early 2000s and quickly became a staple attraction on the Coney Island boardwalk. The game was known for its carnival barker, who would entice passersby to participate in the game. The live target, dressed in protective gear, would dodge and weave to avoid being hit by paintballs fired by the participants.

Gameplay

Participants would pay a fee to take part in the game. They were given a paintball gun and a limited number of paintballs. The objective was to hit the live target, who would move around a designated area to avoid being hit. The game was both thrilling and controversial due to the involvement of a live human target.

Controversy

Shoot the Freak faced criticism from various groups who argued that the game was demeaning and potentially dangerous for the live target. Despite the protective gear worn by the target, concerns were raised about the safety and ethical implications of the game. These controversies contributed to the game's eventual closure.

Closure

Shoot the Freak was closed down in the late 2000s as part of a broader effort to revitalize and redevelop the Coney Island area. The closure was met with mixed reactions; some lamented the loss of a unique and iconic attraction, while others welcomed the change as a step towards a more family-friendly environment.

Legacy

Despite its closure, Shoot the Freak remains a memorable part of Coney Island's history. It is often remembered for its distinctive and unconventional approach to carnival games. The game has been referenced in various forms of media and continues to be a topic of discussion among those who experienced it.

See also

• Coney Island
• Carnival game
• Paintball
• Brooklyn
• New York City