Evil clown

The image of the evil clown is a recent development in American popular culture in which the playful trope of the clown is rendered as disturbing through the use of dark humor and horror elements.

Related Topics:
Popular culture - Clown

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Many people find clowns disturbing rather than amusing. Clown costumes tend to exaggerate the facial features and some body parts, such as hands and feet. This can be read as monstrous or deformed as easily as it can be read as comical. At the same time, the clown act is often represented as drunken, reckless, or simply insane—that of the giggling maniac. An extreme fear of clowns is known as coulrophobia.

Related Topics:
Clown - Mania - Coulrophobia

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Though most clowns are quite wholesome, some sexual abusers of children use clown costumes or similar ruses to attract their victims and to appear as if they are harmless. The 1970s serial killer John Wayne Gacy may well be the origin of the modern "evil clown" stereotype; as well as being notorious for his dressing as a clown at parties, he also painted clowns while in jail.

Related Topics:
Sexual abuse - 1970s - Serial killer - John Wayne Gacy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~