Can someone explain the "I'm scared of Clowns" thing?

[Taylor]

I have seen several posts where people freely admit to being afraid of clowns.

Can somebody please explain what is so frightening about clowns?

 

[CheshireVal]

I think it's sort of along the lines of how girls think it's "cool" to be bad at math. People think it's "cool" to be afraid of clowns.

 

[2infinity&B-ond]

Ever seen IT....Stephen King????

Just sayin.....

 

[tevagirl]

They get under your bed during thunder storms and then when you look under the bed they pull you under!!!

 

[palmtreegirl]

Ever seen IT....Stephen King????

Just sayin.....

 

[disney4us2002]

I think they are really creepy. I'm not sure I'd say I am afraid of them per se, but I won't go out of my way to see any either. Maybe it's the white makeup and plastered on permanent, grotesque smile. I knew I didn't like them but then I read Stephen King's It and that pushed me over the edge. You won't feel the same about clowns after you read it, I promise.

 

[Taylor]

They get under your bed during thunder storms and then when you look under the bed they pull you under!!!

In our house we call that creature "Brutus".

 

[DisneyPhD]

Not sure, but maybe it is in reference to the "glow in the dark face" clowns in the night parade. Many people admitted to this, I think it was a bonding experience for many to know they were not alone in this fear.
Anyway that is my guess. .

 

[LiteBrite]

There was also an episode of The Simpsons about it. It was a flashback to when Marge was pregnant with Lisa, Bart was still sleeping in the crib, and they needed to get him out of it. Homer built him this clown bed:

which terrified little Bart, causing him to chant to himself over and over to stay awake:
"Can't sleep, clown will eat me, Can't sleep, clown will eat me."

 

[Shagley]

John Wayne Gacy - nuff said!

=

 

[Sthronds]

That picture of "It" brought back horrible memories.

I think my fear started when I was a little girl and I used to go to the circus or parades where clowns were. They always seemed so unpredictable to me. I hated the thought that they would single me out for anything. That's the same reason for me being afraid of frogs and birds. They are unpredictable. It's scary.

 

[Taylor]

John Wayne Gacy - nuff said!

=

That is an example I definitely understand.

 

[Doesney]

I'm even afraid of Ronald.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

For me, it goes back to poltergiest, when the boy is laying in bed and the creepy clown doll is flashed in the lightening, and then it's gone. Next sceen, it's under his bed, and pulls him under.

Then there's the whole thing about OBSCURING your true face and emotion. *shudder* Yeah I can dress up, but clowns just aren't my favorite thing. They creep me out. "IT" really sent the unease over the edge.

 

[robertsmom]

Well, I don't like them much, but I'm not afraid of them. However, my best friend is DEATHLY AFRAID of them. I may not understand her fear, but I respect it.

P.S. I have some pretty weird fears of my own!

 

[tevagirl]

In our house we call that creature "Brutus".

Can he still fit under the bed? Our dog can only get her head under the bed now and she thinks you can't see her.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

The fear of clowns is actually very common and it's called Coulrophobia. Humans communicate with their body language and facial expressions and it's creepy to many people when they see a clown and can't get a fix on what that person is really feeling or thinking. Masks frequently bug people out for similar reasons. Anyway, the unpredictability of clowns' actions along with the inability to "read" them underneath the makeup is what bothers people so much.

 

[Taylor]

Can he still fit under the bed? Our dog can only get her head under the bed now and she thinks you can't see her.

Actually he can't. We had him weighed today at the vet for his heartworm medication. At 8 months old he is 130 lbs.

 

[Taylor]

Anyway, the unpredictability of clowns' actions along with the inability to "read" them underneath the makeup is what bothers people so much.

Sounds a lot like my manager (without the make up).

 

[eclectics]

Clowns are evil.