Why Clowns Are Not Scary.

 

Clowns have long been a symbol of joy, entertainment, and laughter, yet some perceive them as scary due to popular culture portrayals. However, it's essential to remember that the core of clowning lies in humor, performance, and amusement, not in horror.

To begin with, the concept of a clown is rooted in comedy. Clowns, with their exaggerated make-up, wild hair, and oversized shoes, are designed to depict caricatures of the human condition, thus inciting laughter. Their act often involves physical comedy, humorous jests, slapstick antics, and comic misunderstanding. They juggle, they fall over, they squirt each other with water; their primary purpose is to amuse and delight.

Moreover, clowns are historically associated with circuses, fairs, and parties, all places of celebration and merriment. They interact with audiences, especially children, creating a playful atmosphere filled with laughter and enjoyment. Many of us have fond memories of attending a circus as a child and being absolutely enchanted by the clowns' performances. The laughs that echoed through the tent were, without a doubt, primarily due to their acts.

Clowns are also significant figures in therapeutic environments. Clown doctors or 'therapeutic clowns' interact with children in hospitals to ease anxiety and stress during difficult times. This highlights the empathy and kindness that's central to the art of clowning. If clowns were inherently scary, they wouldn't be so successful in these sensitive settings.

The fear of clowns, also known as Coulrophobia, is not a widespread phenomenon but more of an exception. It's often fuelled by how media and pop culture have exploited the clown image for terror in movies and books. Characters like Pennywise from Stephen King's "IT" are not representative of clowns as a whole; rather, they are fictional constructs designed to provoke fear. The majority of clowns are light-hearted performers, far removed from these sinister portrayals.

Furthermore, the image of a clown is culturally diverse, making it a universal symbol of amusement. In Native American cultures, clowns play essential roles in religious ceremonies. They're revered as sacred tricksters who use humor to enlighten people. The European tradition has jesters and fools, who were seen as wise and were trusted advisors to royalty. In Asian cultures, clowns often serve as comic relief in serious traditional theatre. Across the globe, clowns are seen as bringers of joy and laughter, not fear.

It's a fallacy to generalize all clowns as scary due to a minority of horror-based portrayals. Clowns are, by nature, performers whose goal is to bring joy, entertain, and in some cases, heal. It's essential to look beyond the fear-inducing representations and understand the true intent behind the red nose and colorful attire. When you consider their history, purpose, and global significance, it becomes clear that clowns are not inherently scary. Instead, they are symbols of joy, laughter, and entertainment that continue to delight audiences worldwide.