Wider Angle: The Outlaw Rodeo

My dad helpfully sent over this news of the 64-year-old tradition of putting inmates on wild animals in front of 6,000 people for the public's delight and financial gain. Doesn't sound very much like America to me. At least, not the America I want.

To make matters more concerning, all the inmates mentioned in the article are non-violent drug offenders. These aren't baby-killers or carjackers being thrown into an arena with a bull (which I would still have a problem with), they're the drug dealers who used to live around the corner and now, for the next 20 years, will be living with Big Earl and Jimbo without a tube of Astroglyde in sight.

The Outlaw Rodeo, billed as the “World’s Largest Behind the Walls,” is a big draw in these eastern Oklahoma hills, with 12,000 people expected Friday and Saturday nights. Professionals also compete in the sanctioned event, but boosters say it’s the thrill of being inside a prison arena with convicted felons that brings the crowd.
Story continues below ↓ advertisement

Inmate teams made up of 10 or so members come from 10 state prisons. When Barcus signed up, he was looking for a break from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center, where he’s serving time for violating probation by taking marijuana into a county jail.

He learned this week he wouldn’t be an alternate but a competitor.

“It’s scary,” said the wiry 26-year-old who grew up in southern Oklahoma’s rodeo country.

[...]

Most of the inmates don’t get the chance to practice on live animals, and the barrel is a poor substitute, said Corey Swanner, one of five inmates on this team who claims some riding experience “out in the world.”

The big difference: “The bull,” he said, “is looking to kill you.”