Stop Clownin' Around!

Red squeaky nose, big yellow shoes, and a permanent smile painted on the face, what’s not to love about clowns? Well you may be surprised that not all people have a love for clowns.

According to psychologists, Lisa Fritscher, coulrophobia is the fear of clowns. Coulrophobia is one of the most common fears, along with anachnophobia. 

Before trying to understand this phobia, one must take a quick journey into the dark history of clowns. 

According to www.allaboutclowns.com, the modern circus clown originated from tramp clowns, or also known as bum clowns. Tramp clowns took place during the Depression era. They were members of the lower class and would entertain the more privileged class. Although most tramp clowns were harmless, “bad seeds” did exist among the clown circuit.

Emmett Kelly had a clown alter ego known as Weary Willie. While Kelly achieved fame with his character, his personal life was not all that beautiful. His wife eventually filed for divorce, claiming that the clown character had taken over her husband's personality. However, Kelly’s son, Emmett Kelly, Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and also had a clown alter ego. Kelly, Jr. took the clown character to a whole new level.

In the 1970s, two events occurred that may have started the fear of clowns. Paul Kelly, the son of Emmett Kelly, Jr., lost a leg in a train accident. Nonetheless, he eventually came to the conclusion that he needed to become the next incarnation of Willie. He began calling himself Emmett Kelly III and performing as Weary Willie. He eventually slid into a life of drugs and sexual freedom. In 1978, Kelly III was arrested for the murders of two of his homosexual partners. Although he admitted to the slayings, he listed "Willie" as the murderer. Eventually, Kelly III was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder. Willie had apparently taken over his personality.

The highly publicized murders committed by John Wayne Gacy also took place in the 1970s. From 1975 to 1978, Gacy killed at least 33 boys and young men in the Chicago area. Although Gacy never worked as a professional clown, he did perform on a volunteer basis. According to Fritscher, the 1980s in when coulrophobia had reached a peak.

Although this dark history could possibility be the start of coulrophobia, people still wonder what causes individuals to have this phobia.

In a 2004 review article for Trinity University, Joseph Durwin claims that there are two theories on why individuals fear clowns. Those two theories include:

·      The fear is based in a negative personal experience with a clown at a young age.

·      That mass media has created an image that clowns are evil. Even children who are not personally exposed to clowns are trained to dislike or fear them. 

Some famous movies that portray clowns as evil include:

·      Stephen King’s, It

·      Killer Klowns from Outer Space

·      Gacy

·      The Devil’s Rejects

·      House of 1,000 Corpses

However, according to thinkclearly.org, many children fear clowns because of their facial features.  The child notices that the facial features of a clown become unrecognizable under a layer of face paint.

Someone suffering from coulrophobia may experience extreme and intense feelings of anxiety, depending on the level of severity of the phobia. Individuals may feel afraid, frightened and terrified at the idea and appearance of clowns. Some individuals may experience:

·      Panic attacks

·      Nervous and unpleasant feelings

·      Nausea,

·      Sweating

·      Shortness of breath

The thought of clowns can cause sufferers to feel very nervous and uncomfortable and may go to any lengths to avoid situations where clowns may be present.

Another question that may arise when it comes to coulrophobia is what is used to treat this phobia?

There are a range of treatments and therapies available to those suffering from fears and phobias. Although, the causes of fears are not fully understood, the symptoms that individuals experience can be successfully treated. Psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, counseling, professional advice and medications often successfully ease the symptoms for many sufferers. Behavioral therapy has proved to be a great success in many cases.

Most fears and phobias, including the fear of clowns, are not serious especially if they do not seriously impact your normal daily life. However, if the fear of clowns is preventing an individual from functioning or enjoying life, that person should consider seeking medical advice.

Most people believe that all clowns are evil, but in reality that is not true.

In fact, Bozo the Clown isn’t an evil clown at all.  Bozo is a famous clown around the nation that began in the 1960s.  According to ezinarticles.com, the character first appeared on television in 1949. Bozo the Clown was then purchased by Larry Harmon. In 1956, the character became famous across the United States. Local television stations soon began producing their own Bozo shows featuring the character. Harmon bought out his business partners in 1965 and produced Bozo’s Big. Chicago's Bozo’s Circus, which premiered in 1960, went national via cable and satellite in 1978.

When I went about 8 years old, I received the chance to attend the final episode of Bozo’s Circus.  Although I do not remember every aspect that took place during the show, one specific aspect of the show that I do remember was how friendly Bozo was.  Bozo was just an overall happy clown and after experiencing the final show I am proud to say I do not suffer from coulrophobia. 

Take it from me, if you suffer from coulrophobia, watch videos on YouTube of Bozo and other “happy” clowns.  You may realize that not all clowns are as scary as Stephen King’s, It. 

If you’re suffering from coulrophobia and are looking to share your thoughts with other people who share the same phobia as you, visit Ihateclowns.com or comment below to share why you’re scared of clowns. 

Stay tuned for next week’s blog for it may just take you on a thrill ride!