Poll: Clowns

[ToddKent]

It occurred to me the other day that I don't think I know anyone who really enjoys clowns. They usually fall into the annoying category or (more often) the frightening category.

I'm not a huge circus guy but I remember going to a few different ones when I was a kid and I have specific recollections of being annoyed by them (the way some people can't stand mimes). I didn't get creeped out by them until they started popping up in horror movies.

So are there any people that actually enjoy clown performances? Is it a misunderstood art form? Or have clowns been so co-opted by the horror industry that they no longer have a place in modern children's entertainment?

 

[ITL]

It occurred to me the other day that I don't think I know anyone who really enjoys clowns. They usually fall into the annoying category or (more often) the frightening category.

I'm not a huge circus guy but I remember going to a few different ones when I was a kid and I have specific recollections of being annoyed by them (the way some people can't stand mimes). I didn't get creeped out by them until they started popping up in horror movies.

So are there any people that actually enjoy clown performances? Is it a misunderstood art form? Or have clowns been so co-opted by the horror industry that they no longer have a place in modern children's entertainment?

Nah. Of course not.

 

[sonak]

I'm definitely with the "they are more effective as figures of horror" group.

 

[Zulu Romeo]

Clowns seem to get it pretty bad these days...

Heard a joke once:

Man goes to doctor. Says he's depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain.

Doctor says, "Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up."

Man bursts into tears.

Says, "But, doctor...

"... I am Pagliacci."

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R0iaRcUqDI[/yt]

 

[Miss Chicken]

I have never understood the point of clowns. I don't find them funny and think that they are actually slightly worse than mimes.

 

[K'Ehleyr]

They're just creepy... 'Nuf said...

 

[PianoWizzy]

At least mimes are amusing.

Clowns are better used as objects of creepiness, agreed.

 

[RJDiogenes]

You guys make Bozo frown.

 

[Mary Ann]

Clowns never creeped me out, but I never thought they were funny, either. They annoy me almost as much as mimes, but not quite.

 

[ShamelessMcBundy]

Clowns are the spawn of Satan and should be destroyed.

I blame "It" for making me afraid of clowns. Damn you, Stephen King!

 

[Mr Silver]

I've never had a problem with clowns.

 

[Goldenbird]

I never liked them even as a kid but everytime I see one since I watched 'IT' all I can think is 'We all float down here Georgie'. Clowns can piss off now.

 

[K'Ehleyr]

At least mimes are amusing.

Clowns are better used as objects of creepiness, agreed.

True that!

I love the 'mime trapped in a box' thing ~ really tempted to just go up and mime opening the door

You guys make Bozo frown.

Oh Bozo can 'go fish'! Everyone knows that clowns are basically insecure and sad ~ hence the phrase "Tears of a Clown" Why would you want to do that?

Clowns never creeped me out, but I never thought they were funny, either. They annoy me almost as much as mimes, but not quite.

I don't mind mimes ~ my fav comedian Eddie Izzard started off doing street work so I forgive the mimes.

Basically ~ clowns just too much make up for me

 

[K'Ehleyr]

Sorrry guilty of DPing once again but I've had a long weekend! That is my excuse

Clowns are the spawn of Satan and should be destroyed.

I blame "It" for making me afraid of clowns. Damn you, Stephen King!

I've never had a problem with clowns.

I'm assuming you've never met one face to face ~ they are as Shameless so poeticallly put it they are 'the spawn of Satan'

I never liked them even as a kid but everytime I see one since I watched 'IT' all I can think is 'We all float down here Georgie'. Clowns can piss off now.

 

[K'Ehleyr]

ignore...

 

[Trekker4747]

The creepiness factor of clowns is, mostly, overblown. If the make up and act is done a certain way they can be creepy. But I assume here we are talking about the typical circus/Bozo clown type.

Those clowns, while I wouldn't say they're "annoying" but more "out of their time." I guess. Whenever they first starting becoming popular in circuses and entertainment in the 19th century (at least. I guess the clowns we're mostly familiar with today. Various forms of the clown likely existed before then)

Hell, all forms of the clown are likely out of their time nowadays.

I just don't think their antics are funny and I, personally, have never been entertained by a clown. Not even as a child.

The oversized shoes and clothing, the antics, all of that. I don't think today's audiences (and, again, "today" probably going back at least a generation) are humored by this anymore. Are they mostly for kids? Perhaps. Kids will laugh at some of the stuff clowns do, kids also laugh at movies featuring farting dogs.

So....

 

[iguana_tonante]

No strong feelings.

Except for Leoncavallo's Pagliacci. That's awesome stuff.

(obligatory pedantic footnote: "Pagliacci" simply means "clowns" in Italian.)

 

[K'Ehleyr]

No strong feelings.

Except for Leoncavallo's Pagliacci. That's awesome stuff.

(obligatory pedantic footnote: "Pagliacci" simply means "clowns" in Italian.)

We forgive clowns that do opera.

 

[Trekker4747]

Clowns that do opera are very different than the "main stream" clowns seen at circuses or used in children's shows.

 

[Kira's Mom]

I hate clowns. They scared me when I was little, now they just annoy me.

Although, this was pretty funny:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-2-pwuDSsA