Scary Clowns: The Horror Behind the Laughter
Clowns are supposed to be funny, cheerful, and harmless entertainers who make us laugh with their silly antics and colorful costumes. But for many people, clowns are anything but amusing. They are terrifying creatures who hide their true intentions behind a mask of makeup and a fake smile. They are scary clowns, and they have been haunting our nightmares for centuries.
In this article, we will explore the phenomenon of scary clowns, from their origins in history to their manifestations in psychology, movies, costumes, and pranks. We will try to understand why clowns can be so creepy and scary, and what we can do to cope with our fear of them. Whether you love them or hate them, you will never look at clowns the same way again after reading this article.
scary clown
History: How Did Clowns Become Scary?
The history of clowns is a long and complex one, spanning different cultures and eras. Clowns have been around for thousands of years, serving as jesters, tricksters, pranksters, and comedians in various forms of entertainment. They have also been used as social critics, political satirists, and religious figures. Clowns have always had a dual nature, balancing between laughter and tears, joy and sorrow, order and chaos.
But when did clowns become scary? There is no definitive answer to this question, but some scholars have traced the origins of the scary clown to some historical events and influences. Here are some of them:
The archimimus was a type of clown in ancient Rome who performed impressions of the deceased at their funerals. He was allowed to mock and offend even the mourning family members. He was also associated with death and the underworld.
The pantomime clown was a popular figure in 18th and 19th century Europe and Britain. He was a bumbling buffoon who often got into trouble with authority figures. He was also known for his physical deformities, such as a hunchback or a limp.
Joseph Grimaldi was a famous pantomime clown in early 19th century England. He created the character of Joey, who wore white face paint, a red nose, a blue wig, and a colorful costume. He was very successful on stage, but he suffered from depression, alcoholism, and chronic pain in his personal life. He died in poverty at the age of 58.
Jean-Gaspard Deburau was a French pantomime clown who played Pierrot, a sad and silent character who wore white face paint and a loose white costume. He was admired for his expressive gestures and movements. However, he also killed a boy who insulted him in 1836. He was acquitted by a jury, but his reputation was tarnished.
Charles Dickens was a famous novelist who wrote about clowns in his works. He portrayed them as lonely, miserable, drunkard characters who were hiding their true feelings behind their makeup. He also wrote about Grimaldi's tragic life in his biography.
John Wayne Gacy was a serial killer who murdered 33 young men and boys between 1972 and 1978 in Chicago. He was also known as the Killer Clown because he dressed up as Pogo the Clown for children's parties and charity events. He was executed by lethal injection in 1994.
Stephen King was a bestselling author who wrote It in 1986. It is a horror novel about a group of children who are terrorized by an evil entity that can take the form of a scary clown. The novel was adapted into a miniseries in 1990 and two movies in 2017 and 2019, starring Tim Curry and Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, respectively. The movies were huge box office hits and received critical acclaim for their performances, visuals, and scares.
The Joker is a fictional supervillain who is the archenemy of Batman in the DC Comics universe. He is a psychotic clown who commits crimes for his own amusement and has no regard for human life. He has been portrayed by various actors in movies, such as Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, Jared Leto, and Joaquin Phoenix. The Joker is widely considered to be one of the most iconic and terrifying villains of all time.
These are just some of the examples of how clowns have evolved from being funny to being scary in history and media. There are many more stories, legends, myths, and folklore that feature clowns as sinister or evil characters. Clowns have become a symbol of fear and horror for many people, especially those who suffer from coulrophobia.
Psychology: Why Are Clowns Scary?
Coulrophobia is the term used to describe the irrational fear of clowns. It is not an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but it is a common phobia that affects many people around the world. According to some estimates, about 12% of adults in the US have coulrophobia.
But why are clowns scary? What causes coulrophobia? There is no definitive answer to this question, but some psychologists have suggested some possible reasons behind this fear. Here are some of them:
The uncanny valley effect: This is the phenomenon where something that looks human but not quite human causes a sense of unease or discomfort in the observer. Clowns wear makeup, wigs, costumes, and props that alter their appearance and make them look unnatural or distorted. This can trigger a feeling of revulsion or dread in some people.
The ambiguity effect: This is the phenomenon where something that is unclear or uncertain causes a sense of anxiety or stress in the observer. Clowns have unpredictable behaviors and expressions that make it hard to tell what they are thinking or feeling. They can switch from being friendly to being hostile in an instant. This can create a feeling of confusion or fear in some people.
The childhood trauma effect: This is the phenomenon where something that happened in one's childhood causes a lasting emotional impact on the person. Clowns are often associated with children's parties, circuses, carnivals, and other events that involve fun and laughter. However, some people may have had negative experiences with clowns when they were young, such as being scared, teased, bullied, or abused by them. This can result in a feeling of trauma or phobia in some people.
These are just some of the possible explanations for why clowns are scary. There may be other factors involved, such as personality traits, cultural influences, media exposure, and personal preferences. The fear of clowns is not rational or logical, but it is real and valid for those who experience it. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome coulrophobia, such as therapy, exposure, relaxation techniques, and positive reinforcement.
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Movies: What Are Some Scary Clown Movies?
As we have seen, clowns have been featured in many horror movies over the years. They have become a popular trope and theme for filmmakers who want to scare their audiences with creepy and killer clowns. There are dozens of movies that involve scary clowns, but here are some of the most famous and terrifying ones:
TitleYearDescription
It1990/2017/2019Based on Stephen King's novel, this movie follows a group of children who are terrorized by an evil entity that can take the form of a scary clown named Pennywise.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space1988This movie is a horror comedy that features alien clowns who invade a small town and kill people with their bizarre weapons and methods.
Poltergeist1982/2015This movie is about a family whose house is haunted by ghosts who communicate through their TV. One of the most memorable scenes involves a clown doll that attacks one of mascara, lipstick, or lip gloss. You can also use clown makeup if you have it or can find it at a cheap price. The more white, red, and black your makeup is, the better.
Create some facial features: You can use any materials that you have, such as cotton balls, paper, glue, tape, or scissors. You can also use prosthetics or masks if you have them or can find them at a cheap price. The more exaggerated and distorted your facial features are, the better.
Practice some expressions: You can use a mirror or a camera to practice making different facial expressions. You can also watch some videos of scary clowns to get some inspiration. The more creepy and menacing your expressions are, the better.
These are just some of the tips and tricks to create your own scary clown costume. You can also add your own personal touches and creativity to make your costume more unique and original. The more scary and realistic your costume is, the better.
Pranks: What Are Some Scary Clown Pranks?
If you want to scare your friends, family, or strangers with your scary clown costume, you can also try some pranks. Pranks are practical jokes that are meant to be funny and harmless, but sometimes they can go too far and cause harm or offense. There are many pranks that involve scary clowns, but here are some of the best and worst ones:
TitleDescriptionOutcome
The Clown StatueThis is a classic urban legend that involves a babysitter who notices a creepy clown statue in the house where she is working. She calls the parents to ask them about it, and they tell her to get out of the house immediately because they don't have a clown statue.This prank is more of a story than a real prank, but it has been told and retold for decades. It is a simple but effective way to scare someone with a twist ending.
The Killer ClownThis is a series of viral videos that feature a man dressed as a scary clown who pretends to kill people with a hammer, an axe, or a chainsaw in public places. He then chases after the witnesses who run away in terror.This prank is very controversial and dangerous, as it could cause serious injuries or legal troubles for the prankster and the victims. It is also very unethical and irresponsible, as it could trigger trauma or panic in some people.
The Drive-Thru ClownThis is a series of viral videos that feature a man dressed as a scary clown who orders food at drive-thru restaurants. He then scares the employees by making weird noises, popping out of his car window, or grabbing their hands.This prank is relatively harmless and funny, as it only involves brief moments of shock and surprise for the employees. It is also amusing to watch their reactions and responses to the clown.
The Clown MotelThis is a real motel in Nevada that is filled with hundreds of clown dolls and paintings. It is located next to a cemetery where many miners and pioneers are buried. It is considered to be one of the scariest places in America.This prank is more of a challenge than a joke, as it involves staying overnight at the motel and facing your fear of clowns. It is also a unique and memorable experience for those who dare to try it.
These are just some of the pranks that involve scary clowns. There are many more that you can find online or come up with yourself. However, you should always be careful and respectful when doing pranks, as they can have negative consequences for you and others. You should also consider the feelings and preferences of those who you prank, as not everyone may find them funny or enjoyable.
Conclusion: What Have We Learned?
In this article, we have learned about scary clowns, from their history to their psychology, movies, costumes, and pranks. We have seen how clowns have become a source of fear and horror for many people over the years, and how they have influenced our culture and media. We have also seen how we can create our own scary clown costumes and pranks, and how we can overcome our fear of clowns.
Scary clowns are fascinating and terrifying creatures that have captured our imagination and attention for centuries. They are not going away anytime soon, as they continue to evolve and adapt to our changing times and tastes. They are also not all bad or evil, as they can also be funny and entertaining in some contexts and situations.
Whether you love them or hate them, you have to admit that scary clowns are a fascinating and terrifying phenomenon that deserves our attention and respect. They are the horror behind the laughter, and they will keep us on our toes and on the edge of our seats for a long time.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions that people have about scary clowns, and their answers:
Q: Are all clowns scary?
A: No, not all clowns are scary. There are many types of clowns, such as circus clowns, rodeo clowns, hospital clowns, and mime clowns, who are not meant to be scary or evil. They are friendly, helpful, and amusing entertainers who bring joy and laughter to people of all ages. However, some people may still find them scary due to their personal preferences or experiences.
Q: How can I overcome my fear of clowns?
A: There are different ways to overcome your fear of clowns, depending on the severity and cause of your phobia. Some of the common methods are therapy, exposure, relaxation techniques, and positive reinforcement. You can also try to understand the history and psychology of clowns, and appreciate their artistic and cultural value. You can also watch some funny or positive movies or shows that feature clowns, such as The Simpsons, Modern Family, or Seinfeld.
Q: What are some of the best books about scary clowns?
A: There are many books that feature scary clowns, but some of the best ones are It by Stephen King, Clown Girl by Monica Drake, The Pilo Family Circus by Will Elliott, Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare, and The Clown Service by Guy Adams.
Q: What are some of the best games about scary clowns?
A: There are many games that feature scary clowns, but some of the best ones are Outlast 2 by Red Barrels, Dead Rising 2 by Capcom, Batman: Arkham Asylum by Rocksteady Studios, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 by Scott Cawthon, and Until Dawn by Supermassive Games.
Q: What are some of the best songs about scary clowns?
A: There are many songs that feature scary clowns, but some of the best ones are Enter Sandman by Metallica, Killer Klowns by The Dickies, ICP (Insane Clown Posse) by ICP (Insane Clown Posse), Clown by Korn, and Send in the Clowns by Frank Sinatra.
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