Clown (n): A comic entertainer, especially one in a circus, wearing a traditional costume and exaggerated make-up.
That seems straightforward enough. So, here’s my question – How did clowns go from being entertainers to a panic-attack inducing phobia?
According to Terry Pratchett, “No clowns were funny. That was the whole purpose of a clown. People laughed at clowns, but only out of nervousness. The point was that, after watching them, anything else that happened seemed enjoyable.”
Now that seems messed up. Or is it?
Maybe there is a reason why coulrophobia exists. A real, solid, right-up-in-your-face factual reason other than movies like ‘It’ (fun fact: Stephen King is scared to death of clowns). This reason lies in their history.
Behold, the not-so-funny history of clowns.
Disclaimer: If you like clowns, I’m probably going to ruin them for you. If you don’t, you have nothing to lose so read on.
Also read: Weirdest Phobias: You’ll Be Surprised To Know Actually Exist
But hey, of course nice, friendly clowns do exist. No harm meant to the clown business that has already suffered enough with popular fiction stereotypes. Not to mention predictions that the rash of “killer clowns” and “crazed clown” sightings from last year are bound to happen again this year.
But no sweat, that happened in America. There are no reports of clown sightings in India.
Yet.
What’s the matter? You look like you just saw a clown.
Image Credits: Google Images
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