Ugh … that Pennywise! Thanks to great
writers like @Stephen King, an entire generation of readers and movie
watchers remain petrified of clowns. Admittedly, coulrophobia or fear
of clowns did not originate because of the prolific Mr. King. A
surprising number of people seem put off, even freaked out by painted
people or someone with a “hidden identity.” I get it … I do. I
was creeped out by the clown doll in “Amityville Horror” too.
It's powerful when something that is supposed to be innocent turns
sinister. Look how often children and even babies (painted too pale
or with disturbing posture) are used to scare the stuffing out of us.
The stereotype for clowns has shifted.
The beloved bumbling jester in too-large shoes and too-small car is
too often portrayed as a talon-toothed distortion peeping thru
windows or stalking folks thru the woods. Those distorted creatures
do not possess the pure nature of the kind of clowns which seek only
to bring joy not fear. As with angels and demons, they are the same
type of being but with two very different motivations.
In my guise as Miss Pickles, I am
clown-esque in minimized make-up with attire that offers a different
silhouette from the baggy, big-buttoned onesie. But I have the heart
of the fun-loving, goofball clown whose sole purpose is to make a
child smile. Sappy sweet? Perhaps. But in a time when children are
often injured or mistreated, couldn't the world use a little more of
that sentiment?
I still love you, Stephen King. On
Writing is life-changing
… or, at least, craft-changing. Will somebody please hug a clown
today?
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