Why are clowns often considered as being scary?

[Smacky]

Intesting thread.

From my experience more people CLAIM to be afraid of clowns than really are -- it is a trendy thing to say and really no different than the 'mime hate' so many express. That aside, there are quite a few who dislike us, find us a bit creepy, and all too often the blame lies solidly with us as clowns. There are some embarassingly bad clowns out there, with dirty costumes, poor makeup, you name it.

The other day a friend paid me the best compliment she has ever given me when she told me about how she met a group of clowns at her son's school, and until then she never appreciated just how much work I have to put into it. And yes, I am patting myself on the back there, but there is also a point. Most people will only get an opportunity to meet a handful of clowns in their entire life, literally. The next clown they see will probably will be their last for quite a long time. I point this out to say that WE are the representatives of our profession and art.

As for how to not scare kids or adults... let me start by telling you how TO scare them:

1. Be Big
2. Be Fast
3. Be Loud

Run up, screaching and flapping your arms like a polka-dotted bat, let out a hideous death laugh, and then blast em with an airhorn. That's how you scare em. It is also how some clowns try to entertain them and, no surprise, they leave a lot of tears in their wake.

So if you don't want this do the opposite.

Get LOW, down to their level (see my avatar above), move slowly, talk quietly, and allow them to determine the level and time of contact. If they are nervous respect that. I meet close to a thousand smaller kids a year, and by using the basics I mentioned above I can honestly say that there have only been a handful of kids TOTAL who never warmed up to me, but the overwhelming majority do.

Sorry if this rambled on a bit.

[Willace-the-Clown]

Well my friend i feel if you can have it where children not fear you as Smacky. just think of how well you will do with your new clown with out the Face Prosthetic. You were the imperation on how to make Spooky not look like a everyday clown but still not be scarey but more how i act.

[Scruffy]

Thank you, Smacky. That was beautiful ,man, just beautiful.


I about lost my Bran flakes on the polka dotted bat thing, LOL~

[applegirl]

Originally Posted by Smacky

Get LOW, down to their level (see my avatar above), move slowly, talk quietly, and allow them to determine the level and time of contact. If they are nervous respect that. I meet close to a thousand smaller kids a year, and by using the basics I mentioned above I can honestly say that there have only been a handful of kids TOTAL who never warmed up to me, but the overwhelming majority do.

I'll be honest, Smacky, I love that you've got a kid giving you a hug in your avatar- because just looking at your wig- white face- dark features- at first glance it is a kind of scary look in that photo- but it's also clear that you've done something in your presentation to earn that kid's trust- and the hug. Great Points in your post, and good thoughts to remember - for anyone interacting with young kids in a spirit of love and respect...

[Willace-the-Clown]

with Stories like Beauty & the beast & where the wild things are & a few other stories i cant remember right now there are monsters that are the good guys so monster look dosen't scare many kids its the action that make you scarey

[Calavera]

Originally Posted by Fitzwilly

How did I miss this thread the first time around? And here Cal pulled it out of the dust bin and breathed a bit of life back into it. Thanks Cal. It is too late to play catch up tonight but I will see what I can add tomorrow.

Tic-toc, Fitzy. I'm on pins and needles.