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Do clowns unsettle you? Perhaps they should. Their exaggerated features often resemble a distorted version of human expression, and that seemingly harmless clown might just be a dangerous individual exploiting your deepest fears.
However, countless clowns are genuine entertainers, upholding a comedic art form that has existed for thousands of years.
10. Contraries
Throughout history, clowns have taken many forms, but among the most peculiar were the contraries from the Cheyenne tribes of North America. These unique individuals communicated entirely in opposites. For example, to say “yes,” they might shake their head, or to indicate a lack of firewood, they’d declare, “We have plenty of wood! No need to bring more.” This inversion extended to their actions as well—they wore their clothes inside out, cleaned themselves with dirt, and attempted to dry off using water.
The motivation behind becoming a contrary reveals why many choose comedy as a path. Contraries wielded a special lance that symbolized fearlessness. This lance granted its bearer protection from lightning, allowing those afraid of storms to embrace the role of the tribe’s clown warrior and overcome their deepest fears.
9. Clown Law
Like many professions, clowns adhere to a specific code of conduct. While they may not face the same ethical challenges as doctors or lawyers, clowns must follow a set of guidelines known as the “clown commandments.” These rules aim to ensure clowns remain figures of joy and laughter, countering the unsettling reputation they often carry.
The clown commandments cover various aspects of professionalism and appearance. For example, clowns must avoid drinking or smoking while in costume and should never perform under the influence. They are also required to change out of their outfits promptly to prevent any behavior that could tarnish the clown’s image. Despite their humorous profession, clowns take these rules very seriously to maintain their integrity.
8. The Killer Clown
Jean-Gaspard Deburau, a renowned mime in 19th-century France, was known for his performances. In 1836, while walking with his wife, a young man began taunting them. While most performers might ignore such provocation or respond with wit, Deburau reacted more aggressively. After enduring the insults, he struck the youth with his cane, resulting in the boy’s death due to the severe head injury.
Despite clearly overreacting to verbal harassment, Deburau’s fame allowed him to escape punishment. The trial’s main attraction wasn’t the brutal act itself but the crowd of admirers eager to hear him speak. While some might argue that a mime speaking defeats the purpose of their art, the public’s fascination with such moments can be unpredictable.
7. Clown College
The term “clown college” is often used mockingly to describe underperforming schools or as a joke about studying something trivial. However, numerous institutions genuinely offer programs to train aspiring clowns, even if they aren’t officially recognized as colleges.
Clowns dedicate countless hours to mastering skills like juggling and applying extravagant makeup. Beyond practice, they spend a surprising amount of time traveling, seeking out talent scouts and audition opportunities.
Ringling Brothers is inundated with aspiring clowns, leading to a highly competitive application process. The idea of “running away to join the circus” is outdated—gaining entry into such a prestigious group requires hard work and talent.
6. Coulrophobia Explained
Many people experience coulrophobia, a fear of clowns, ranging from mild unease to intense terror. Scientists attribute this phenomenon primarily to the “uncanny valley” effect, which explains why clowns’ exaggerated features can evoke such discomfort.
The uncanny valley effect describes the discomfort caused by images that appear almost human but not quite. Initially, this concept applied to human-like robots. When observing such robots, the brain struggles to process the visual information, unlike when viewing clearly mechanical robots or actual humans. This aversion may stem from an instinctive reaction to something eerily similar to humans, such as corpses.
This effect isn’t limited to robots; it can also apply to paintings, video game characters, or clowns. When you see a clown, your brain anticipates a human face, but the exaggerated, painted features create a disturbing mismatch.
5. The Great Clown Of China
Monumental achievements like the Great Wall of China came at a steep price, not just financially. Constructing the wall was perilous, claiming countless lives. Around 200 BC, Emperor Qin Shi Huang made a decision that further increased the danger and lethality of the project.
The Emperor proposed painting the entire Great Wall, a massive and dangerous task given the harsh working conditions. This endeavor would likely claim thousands of lives for minimal benefit, as paint fades quickly compared to the enduring nature of stone construction.
Despite the plan’s absurdity, no one dared oppose it except Yu-Sze, the court jester. In one account, Yu-Sze drew a penis on the wall, resulting in a whipping. When the Emperor threatened to force Yu-Sze to paint the wall himself, the jester claimed he couldn’t due to being color-blind.
While Yu-Sze’s argument wasn’t logically robust, it sparked widespread ridicule of the Emperor’s plan. The public’s laughter eventually pressured the Emperor into abandoning the idea.
4. The Clown Of Northampton
When questioned, 22-year-old Alex Powell confessed to the prank, expressing surprise at the widespread fear it caused. To him, it was merely a humorous costume. Interestingly, one terminally ill girl reached out, eager to meet the clown. Powell obliged, visiting the hospital in full clown attire and gifting her a stuffed clown doll, even as the town’s adults were outraged.
3. Clown Cars
The iconic clown car routine, often mocked in pop culture, remains a marvel. Despite the car’s tiny size, clowns keep emerging, often carrying oversized props that seem impossible to fit inside.
While it may appear to be a magic trick, there’s no hidden mechanism. The clowns genuinely manage to squeeze into the car, defying expectations.
Circus crews meticulously hollow out the car to maximize space while maintaining functionality. This makes the tight squeeze possible, though still impressive. Performers rely on complex mathematical calculations to ensure the maximum number of clowns and props fit safely without risking anyone’s well-being. Yes, even clowning involves math.
2. Fake Clown Trolling
While professional clowns focus on entertainment, some exploit the fear of clowns for malicious purposes. Following the Northampton Clown incident, many in the UK imitated the act, often with darker intentions.
One impersonator pressed his face against windows of private homes, while another wandered the streets brandishing a knife. In Norfolk, a red-haired clown pursued a frightened group until they fled, chasing them relentlessly. Authorities had to step in to ensure no actual harm had been done.
Professional clowns in the UK finally addressed the issue. Tony Eldridge, secretary of Clowns International (known as “Bluebottle”), acknowledged that clowns can frighten some, particularly older individuals. However, he emphasized that the recent trend was caused by a handful of irresponsible individuals, stressing that genuine clowns aim to bring joy.
1. Clown Gangs
According to the FBI, the violent actions of certain Juggalos have led to the group being classified as a “hybrid gang.” This decision has sparked outrage among Insane Clown Posse fans, and the duo has filed a lawsuit against the FBI in response.
