Why do so many people have a fear of clowns?
By imaginelove
@imaginelove (181)
United States
March 3, 2009 10:49pm CST
It's strange how clowns send so many folks running for the exits. Actually, maybe not. Anyone who's read "It" by Stephen King or stumbled across a picture of serial killer John Wayne Gacy in floppy shoes is understandably a bit on-edge at the circus (or the rodeo, for that matter).
The official term for this irrational aversion to red-nosed entertainers is coulrophobia. While many are merely creeped out by clowns, the fear runs much deeper for others, affecting their daily lives.
3 responses
@Downunder_dude (407)
• Australia
4 Mar 09
I don't know... there's just something about clowns which has always made me uneasy.
Maybe it's the make up - the exaggerrated grins and smiles - No one can be that happy unless they are evil or doing evil things.
And clowns always seem to be up in your face...
I've always had a fear of Ronald McDonald... and funnily enough it was only last night that I started an auction on ebay for a "Possessed Ronald McDonald figure" lol.
@kquiming (2997)
• Philippines
4 Mar 09
my 4-year-old child is actually clown phobic. and i remember my sister always says something like "I don't get it, i don't understand why clowns are considered funny when they're not. in fact they're scary, they look horrible. and they're not supposed to be associated with kids and parties."
@kaven08 (84)
• United States
4 Mar 09
My guess is that they're usually seen as fun with the make-up and stuff, but when you turn something innocent into a killer, it tends to create fear. So, if the face-paint and stuff has been identified with many serial killers, then it's going to create fear because of the image it's been given.
