“Everybody loves a clown, so why don’t you?” was the question asked by Gary Lewis and the Playboys back in 1965 as they sang on the Ed Sullivan Show. And it’s a great question for those of us who entertain as clowns to ask as well.
Throughout history, people have loved clowns. But recently there seems to be an increase in the number of people who fear clowns. What could be causing people to develop such an aversion to red-nosed entertainers?
What Exactly is Coulrophobia?
Coulrophobia is the official term for the fear of clowns. This Wikipedia article on coulrophobia states the condition is common among children but also found in teens and adult and can cause physical reaction including difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nausea.
In addition to fearing clowns, it seems that recently mocking clowns is becoming a national pastime. Consider the following commercial recently aired by Walmart:
3 Reasons People Fear Clowns
Everybody loves a clown, so why don’t you?
Everybody laughs at the things that I say and do.
They all laugh when they say me coming,
But you don’t laugh; you just go home running.
Everybody loves a clown, so why can’t you?
A clown has feelings too.
There are several theories, but little definitive research as to why people develop an irrational fear of clowns.
- Certainly the sinister portrayal of clowns in the media can contribute to this condition.
- Another theory is that people fear clowns because it is impossible to gauge a clown’s emotions and consequently, his intentions. Kathryn Cillick
- A third reason is that the individual had a bad experience with a clown at some point in in their lives – reference the Walmart video above.
3 Things You Can Do to Help Create a Fear of Clowns
- Forget that you are a big person in a scary costume. Young children have had little experience with clowns. We must be careful to gauge our actions, the volume of our voice, and what we say to insure that the child has a pleasant experience.
- Make the child the punch line of your humor. Many “sucker gags” are designed to make the child the brunt of the joke. For example, you have a child blow on a feather flower and it wilts. The implication is that the child has bad breath. Of course the audience will laugh, but the child is embarrassed. Instead, whenever possible, make sure the joke is on you.
- Make sure your makeup and costume look scary. Too many of our colleagues give little thought to their makeup. There’s no other way to say it, they just look scary. Make sure you spend time developing a face and outfit that will be appealing to your audience.
Why do you think people develop a fear of clowns? As professional entertainers, what can we do to help develop a love for the art of clowning? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
About LouPage
Lou started his career working his way through college as a magician and clown. Somewhere along the way he managed to become a school principal! Along with Steve Kissell, Lou co-founded the Circus Magic Convention. Lou is the webmaster at CircusMagic.com, a site dedicated to helping clowns, magicians, face painters, and other family entertainers improve their performing skills.
Contact Lou at: lou@circusmagic.com or Visit Lou's Website
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I did a blog post on this very topic, but I asked readers to tell me why they were scared of clowns. Interesting responses! You can check it out here:
http://bozoette.typepad.com/red_nose/2009/05/tell...
Thanks for the comment and the link. Some of the responses you received on your blog are quite insightful.
For the past years that I have Clowned and ran accross this problem, has been they have seen the movie IT
I had thoughts on this very subject several years ago ….I realized that I needed to change with the times….I took a good look at the "BIG LEAGUE" fella's Ringling Bros. B & B…and of course Cirque Soleil …either I could go extreme or really tone it down….seeing as I'm not on the big stage or center ring , I choose to go the not so out of the norm approach…
simple red shirt , dress black tie , black clowish hat w/ big red button…red sneakers (normal size) only make-up I wear now is a lil' blush , eye liner…and a b2 pro nose….
my character is not garish or smart alecky—nor is he a stooge….maybe a little simple.
I have NO idea what would work for others….but I hope and pray that the GOOD LORD BLESSES each of you with a prosperous year of entertaining, Homer Hallelu
Hi Ya'LL "JOEY's,"
'JOEY' is the term used to describe a 'Clown,' named after 'Joseph Grimaldi.' He wore a 'grotesque' make-up & he once, went to a psychologist & asked him 'WHO or WHAT' could cheer HIM UP ?? The good doctor said, 'Just go to the Circus & see the GREAT CLOWN, Joseph Grimaldi, to which 'Grimaldi' replied, "I CAN'T, I AM, "JOSEPH GRIMALDI" !!
HIS Makeup WAS 'Grotesque,' to say the LEAST !!
JUST REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE ENTERTAINING & Keep It Simple, Stupid =K.I.S.S.
I have been ENTERTAINING 'the Little People,' for more than Fifty Years. Just Ask their
Parents to Ask their Child & the Children that are coming to the Party, IF THEY are Afraid of CLOWNS ?? Also, ARRIVE EARLY so You will have time to meet the 'Birthday
Child' and kinda GET TO KNOW THEM !! I 'squat-down' SO they do NOT have to Look Up to ME, makes me on THEIR LEVEL & then, I am NOT SO BIG, in their EYES !!
DoN'T do ANYTHING that would 'SCARE' them, Loud Noises, Quick Movements.,,etc.
I used to use a 'Dwarf Rabbit' & would Make IT 'VANISH' then AT the END of my show,
I would make it, REAPPEAR, If I did IT they OTHER way, the 'little people' would WORRY about, IF the RABBIT is SAFE !!
HOPE THAT I HELPED !!
I am 'BLiNKY' the MagiC Clown, Cartersville, GA. USA, (770)-815-2354-Cell #.
I recently had a birthday party where I was told ahead of time that one of the children attending had a huge fear of clowns. I have encountered this before and approached it with care. On approaching the child I got down to his level, lowered my volume, reached out my hand as to receive "5"(most kids know this) with some gentle encouragement he finally did give me "5". I continued on with the party and came back to this child in the same manner several times, each time encouraging more interaction. By the time I had finished this party, not only did I receive a hug from this child but he posed for several pictures that his parents were taking and sending to relatives from the cell phone right then and there. They were amazed that not only had he approached me but a hug and pictures. I was thanked by the parents for "curing" their son of this fear, but the real thanks came from the child as I saw the wonderment of his smile that lightened my heart. For this I was truly blessed. This has happened to me on other occasions as well all with similar results, a calm, soft, get down to their level approach seems to do the trick for me, and I am proud to "cure" this problem and be amazed by the smiles and laughs of a child. "Peanut D Clown" -PA
When I do birthday parties I start with my foam camera. I find out if anyone is afraid of me right at the beginning. If they are afraid , I know I have to work carefully. Usually they will observe me for awhile and 99% of the time I get a hug from them by the time I go home.
I am a more soft spoken clown with my character being not too much off from my normal personality. I let them know that I am a mommy that loves to have fun with children. I set down my ground rules for behavior for them and promise to have fun.
I have had several children that had a bad experience with clowns become my friend by the end of my program. I try not to make loud noise, or if I do I warn them ahead of time. Smiles and silly usually will replace fear. JOJO the ladybug clown
This might sound strange but even though I AM a clown myself and absolutely LOVE entertaining people (especially the littlest ones), I am often "creeped out" by other clowns and will avoid them if they seem scary or smell weird!
I happen to be a very small person and I have a very soft look so I can usually win over the shy kids pretty fast but I've seen clowns that would curdle milk!
My family attended an event where there was a clown who everyone was afraid of. He was very tall with green hair and scary make-up and even my husband avoided him! The sad part is, I found out later that he was a war veteran who just wanted to make kids laugh! As clowns, we need to pick our makeup and costumes carefully!
Try your "look" out with honest friends before you go out in public and ask their opinion! Look at pictures of yourself! Most of all, don't approach anyone who looks frightened of you, just give them a shy smile, maybe a gentle wave and then let them come to you if they decide to.
I have had many shy kids approach me because I acted shy too! NEVER force a frightened child to participate, it will only increase their fear.
PS. I think the commercial is hilarious! Makes me laugh every time I see it! LOL! Sorry!