Coulrophobi A Brief History Of Clowns

Clowns are meant to bring us enjoyment. “Happy go lucky” men and women whose job it is to entertain children. However, since their mainstream popularity came about, people have never ceased to be frightened by them. Irrational. Or is it? What is it about clowns that terrorizes such a broad demographic? Whatever it is, this fear can stick for life, and the crippling mental disorder of coulrophobia must have its roots somewhere. In examining the history of clowns and the context they have been placed in recently by pop culture, I endeavor to locate and define just what it is about clowns that scares so many people. If coulrophobia can be prevented, lives might be saved. First delving into the history of modern clowns, they originated in the 1700s serving the purpose of a distraction for various reasons in circuses (Hugo). Their popularity soon propelled them from a goofy sideshow into a full fledged act. “Clown” had become a profession, and now there were more and more of them popping up everywhere. However, this was not the true origin. As far back as ancient Rome, there was the role of the jester who could make any jokes they so pleased. With full creative license, they could

Examples range from Bart in “The Simpsons” to the eponymous hero Ben Tennyson in “Ben 10.” The media displays clowns as creepy, and not only that, but almost encourages coulrophobia as a normal thing. Potentially most famous, Pennywise from Stephen King’s novel It has shaken the minds of coulrophobes for four decades now (King). The impact of such iconic and well recognized characters dealing with coulrophobia, or causing it in Pennywise’s case, has increased the public’s response to clowns. As recently as 2016, there have been huge viral campaigns by “clowns” to scare people. The terrifying incident has only served to cement people's fears, and validify the fear some may call