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I’ve never liked clowns, but wasn’t actively afraid of them. As a kid I watched Denver Channel Two’s kids’ show, Blinky the Clown, and didn’t particularly like him. I always had the feeling he wasn’t crazy about kids. I remember his honey-dripping voice when he talked about birthdays, and he was frequently shown visiting kids in hospitals, so I’m sure he was a wonderful guy. But he was a clown. He had makeup all over his face and you couldn’t read his emotions because of it.
The clowns at the circus jumped around a lot, filling up cars, tumbling over each other like maniacs. Little prig that I was, I couldn’t figure out why what they were doing was supposed to be funny.
As you can probably tell from the pictures here, I underwent a change in attitude toward clowns thanks to reading/seeing some highly disturbing stories about them. And I’m not alone. Many adults dislike clowns now. Just the other day I read an alert about clowns being chased out of neighborhoods. My first response to that was, What the hell are clowns doing in neighborhoods?
For me, the drawback to clowns is the same I felt as a kid: you can’t assess their intent because they hide themselves behind makeup and costumes. Call me paranoid, but that’s a deal-breaker.
I’ve attached a link to an interesting article from The Washington Post titled “Why Clowns Creep Us Out.” Author Frank T. McAndrew, psychologist, gives plenty of reasons why those of us who are creeped out by clowns can make our cases for it. The portion about “The Phantom Clown Theory” is especially interesting.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Why+Clowns+Creep+Us+Out&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8 Frank T. McAndrew
Have you ever noticed how few children have clown costumes for trick-or-treating? They know what they know.
To enter the amazing drawing to be held on Halloween, comment on this post. The prize will be signed copies of the Wisdom Court novels: Edge of the Shadow; A Signal Shown; All In Bad Time.
I’m a Professional Clown of 31 years. I’m sorry to say your article is one of many that cites Junk Science when it comes to Clowns. 95% of these studies are by want to be Celebrity Shrinks which I consider totally Unethical. No Clowns were ever contacted at all. The Scary part of this whole thing is how everyone keeps passing this BS around & does not only a Major Disservice to Clowns but to REAL Psychology which I RESPECT & want to see. Make no mistake this whole thing is NOT about Clowns. You will most likely discount my take on this because I’m just a Clown & don’t have a PhD & that is a MAJOR part of the problem. Ever see the Film: “The Shining?” After I saw that film I’ve been Terrified by Writers because I claim it & you have to take my word
BTW: I’m repulsed by certain things others find enjoyable but I don’t write articles to diminish them because I know what that feels like.Google: “Clown of Allepo.”
Brian, I’m sorry I struck a nerve with my post about clowns. It was a reflection of my own reactions to clowns, as a child and an adult. I found the article I cited interesting and shared it. I certainly didn’t intend to insult you and other clowns. As to your being terrified by writers, I can well believe it. I’ve been scared by many, and believe those reactions have had a lot to do with my becoming a writer. I wish you well in your life as a clown, and see no reason for you to have a PhD in order to do so. Please accept my apology for hurting your feelings. Best wishes.
Yvonne thank you for responding. When this whole clown nonsense came out it crossed my mind who else gets smeared by Junk Science? I had not seen your article at that time. I decided to google: “Why are writers alcoholics?” You would not believe what I found. I was disgusted that you can smear people like this.This whole thing is not about Clowns. It’s about being able to smear others with impunity. Frank T. McAndrews is a Psychologist his job is to Do no Harm. Do you know he is not a member of the American Psychological Association? He refuses to respond to me or explain how his work is scientific. There’s more but I won’t go on. There is a Real Story here but it’s not about Clowns at all. I have been on the radio, tv, web & newspapers having to educate what this whole thing is really about. I know the whole History of when this started, Who Started it & why. I got to tell you if I had a PhD I would be getting somewhere. The irony is I could be educating these supposed experts in their field. Not to worry I appreciate you responding. Best Wishes.
Thanks, Brian. I’m glad you’ll continue to air your disagreements as you encounter these issues. I believe sincerity is far more impressive that having a PhD.
Warm regards,
Yvonne