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Does anyone here actually like clowns? If so what on earth do you like about them?

Ok so I posted the following as a response to a comment in another thread but I thought I would post it as a question of it's own. Below is what I wrote, please if there's anyone out there that likes clowns, I'd live to know what I'm missing.

What is up with clowns? Why do people like them? They are super super creepy. I'm not sure you could call my view on them a phobia so much as a reasonable assessment of the situation. I mean the faces they paint on themselves, you'll only really see any kind of equivalent in horror/thriller movies (not mentioning the actual clown movies). Almost every clown I have seen in real life has shown body language of someone who absolutely hates life. The outfits they put on, with all the disproportionate sizes depict distorted beings, again the likes of which would only ever feature in horror movies. Some of the most disturbing monsters in movies tend to have human likeness with horribly warped features but they're apparently fine when bright colours are attached. All the colours do for me is make me think of what a horror film might look like on an acid trip (although ti be fair I have never taken acid). Then there's the unnaturally happy demeanor they are required to put on when they clearly show signs of lack of enjoyment.

Clowns just seems to trigger a truckload of "Warning!" Signals in my brain. They always have, my whole life. In my opinion, whoever thought "hey, lets take a bunch of horror story concept ideas build a character and then use them as a "fun" kids entertainment feature!" has a serious noise in their head!

8 years ago by Wenjarich with 6 comments

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  • Fuyu
    +5

    Clowns have never been meant to appeal to adults, because most of us have experienced the "clown horror/rapist" themes and thus specifically look at them warily and pick up on that often unhappy aura. For kids, clowns are like cartoon characters come to life with their silly, disproportionate clothes and colorful faces. They aren't as keen to subtle body language or mannerisms especially when excited, so clowns typically seem happy to them unless they are extremely poor actors and in that case, why are you buying a cheap clown for your child?

    I think you're looking at this backwards. Clowns were originally fine before horror culture picked up on them and twisted them in the minds of everyone forever.

    • Wenjarich
      +1

      I guess you are right, although the point I meant to make, was the fact that the traits they have tend to be used in horror movies, not necessarily on clowns themselves, but on other horror characters. Ridiculous sized feet and hands, eyes and mouths that take up unnatural portions of their face etc, but I guess cartoons do that as well. However clowns used to make me cry as a child, but I loved cartoons, so I don't know :P

  • Tempest
    +1

    I never found them creepy. They're just trying to do their jobs and make a living. Life had them go down the clown road and they're just trying to survive.

    I have a lot of respect for people who're trying to earn a living in an honest way (as opposed to, say, stealing and such).

    • Wenjarich
      +1

      I agree that it's good to be trying to make a living, I'm not saying that performers at kids parties shouldn't exist. I'm just saying that I find the concept of clowns makes no sense to me, how someone actually came about the idea, I don't know. Kids like magicians, kids like the 'funny uncle' type who does stupid things, tells stupid jokes, and options I can't think of right now. If these filled the same roll, I would imagine those same people making a living doing that too, I just can't get my head around why people make themselves into a bazaarly creepy character to do these jobs.

      Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm terrified of them, at least not anymore, I just get a terrible sense of unease around them.

  • schrodingersman
    +1

    I love clowns. I've always associated them with the circus and fun times as opposed to all the scary stuff other people do. They are goofy, funny, and full of slap stick humor. All things I love and enjoy. The whole purpose of clowns is to make people laugh and be happy. What isn't to love?