Monster Monday: Clowns

From heartless Cupid, out to get the lovelorn, we cover the horrific, evil Clown.

“Where are the clowns?” The opening phrases from the Julie Collins 1975 version of “Send in the Clowns” can strike terror through the heart of many individuals afflicted with coulrophobia – the fear of clowns. This phobia is nothing to laugh at and effects adults as well as children. Wikipedia sites: “A study by the University of Sheffield concluded that clowns are universally disliked by children. Some found them quite frightening and unknowable."

So parents, please skip the clown motifs you may have planned for your child’s bedroom or birthday party – you don’t want them to end up like Bart Simpson.

From serial killer John Wayne Gacy’s day job as Pogo the Clown to the shape-shifting creature from Stephen King’s It, often taking the form of Pennywise the clown - the idea that a playful, trickster character such as a clown has turned into an evil, psycho killer is a relatively new metamorphosis. But we’re finally on to this monstrous ploy – the mask hides a monster.

Whether it is that relentless grin, maniacal, cruel laughter, the oversized red shoes, or those exaggerated, slap-happy painted faces – there’s nothing comforting about a clown in the dead of night.

SURVIVAL TIP: Clowns are not fast moving (would you be, in those shoes?) and tend to lure / trap their victims. Your best bet is to show no fear in front of one of these jokers. Your lack of reaction might have it seeking more interesting game. The moment its attention wanders – RUN, FOREST, RUN!