Clown Phobia: Why Are So Many People Afraid of Clowns?
Clown phobia, the fear of clowns or coulrophobia are all names and phrases that refer to people who are afraid of clowns. The cause of clown phobia is not known for sure, although there are many speculative theories. It is also unclear how prevalent clown phobia really is, but it seems to be relatively common.
Some theorize that clown phobia is caused by a negative childhood experience with a clown. This is understandable when you think of clowns from a child's point of view. A clown's appearance is extremely unfamiliar - even freakish - to a child, and most kids would be apprehensive based on that fact alone. Add to that the strange behavior of clowns, and you begin to get a clearer picture of why kids shy away from clowns. It's purely the oddness of it all.
In a recent study reported by the BBC in London, 250 hospitalized children were asked how they felt about clowns. Virtually every single one of those kids said they didn't like clowns. That may not officially qualify as a clown phobia, but it sure doesn't say much about clowns bringing a smile to the face of a sad or sick little kid.
Another frequently cited reason for clown phobia is the negative image they receive in the media. Clowns are often portrayed as evil killers in horror books and movies. Stephen King is one of the best-selling authors in the world, and Pennywise the Clown from his novel "It" is one of the most evil and scariest characters ever created.
Creepy clowns also appear during the Halloween season to spice up this spooky time of the year, further contributing to a cultural clown phobia. In fact, the only time most people ever see an entertaining and funny clown is at a circus.
There are no scientific studies or statistical facts about how many people really have clown phobia, but it's easy enough to get a general idea. While not a very scientific approach, you can get a pretty accurate answer by just asking a few friends whether or not they like clowns. In many cases, you will get an affirmative response. Again, this may not equate to a full-blown clown phobia, but isn't good news for clowns either.
Clown phobia is not generally a cause for concern, because it is pretty easy for anyone who doesn't like them to avoid coming in contact with clowns. If a person is plagued with a severe case of clown phobia that becomes disabling in some way, they would be wise to seek out a good behavioral therapist to help them work through the fear.
Clown phobia is a real phobia because it is truly an unfounded fear. Clowns are not harmful, so being afraid of them can easily be explained as irrational.