No Laughing Matter?

A recent report supports what you probably already know: clowns are indeed scary for many.

Cultures around the world use masks in ritual performances. Increasingly, however, such masquerades have a disquieting effect in Western society. Scandals involving some clowns’ decidedly unfunny behavior might be one reason. Says the researcher: “…I think at the end of the day, a lot of the fear of clowns actually comes back to the person underneath the makeup.” —Diane Richard, writer

August 14

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Photo: The Kobal Collection

Source: Linda Rodriguez McRobbie, “The History and Psychology of Clowns Being Scary,” Smithsonian Magazine, August 2013