Clowns everone hates them so why do they exist?

[Templetroll]

I spent several years being a clown for birthday parties, parades and other shows. It was great. One thing I have found is that folks have strong opinions about clowns, either loving them or hating them. I think they're great.

Simple prejudice can be ended with a little education. Clowns are necessary as they have historically been the ones to point out the humor in the behavior of the powerful and powerless. Humor helps folks survive the rigors of life and clowns, in their various guises, have been the ones to help them. Most people don't mind the types of 'clowns' that are comic actors, because they wear little makeup but they are clowns nonetheless. This site is one that tries to improve the way folks view clowns by improving the clowns along with how they are perceived.

You might find this historical background interesting and enlightening.

 

[Maldur]

I dont get it, how are clowns hated?

 

[demiurge1138]

I dont get it, how are clowns hated?

Clown phobia is pretty common. The painted smiles, the forced cheery demeanors, the unending lust for blood... it all adds up.

Demiurge out.

 

[Jdvn1]

It's because clowns make you think of the times when they take off the mask and the laughing stops...

 

[Darrin Drader]

It's because clowns make you think of the times when they take off the mask and the laughing stops...

And the killing begins!

 

[Jdvn1]

And the killing begins!

*enter dramatic music here*

 

[Mystery Man]

This thread reminds me of the time I was in New Orleans and this drunk homeless guy was dressed up in a makeshift clown suit begging for money. Children would be like "ooo a clown" and then people would get a whiff of him.

 

[JoeBlank]

Thanks for the links, Templetroll, interesting stuff.

And I'm glad I am at work and not at home while reading this thread. Blue Kryponite's post would have freaked out my wife. She doesn't have a problem with clowns in general, but if one looks the slightest bit off all I have to do is whisper "Pennywise" and gets the creeps. And don't let a stray balloon float by her!

 

[Algolei]

I'm amazed this thread is about clowns and not about mimes. I'm sure we could all agree on the mimes.

This thread reminds me of the time I was in New Orleans and this drunk homeless guy was dressed up in a makeshift clown suit begging for money. Children would be like "ooo a clown" and then people would get a whiff of him.

Hey, I've never been to New Orleans!

 

[jaerdaph]

"No, Diane, everybody loves a clown. Everybody hates a mime!" - Sam Malone, Cheers