If someone were to make a list of everything that he or she considers entertaining or amusing, clowns would almost certainly be at the top of that list. Clowns have long been a symbol of laughter. But often overlooked is the number of children seen running in terror from clowns. In the past people have been reluctant to admit being afraid of the big-shoed freaks. Although most children are amused by clowns, there is a growing number of children that are terrified by the sight of one. The funny smelling makeup, the strange outfits and the outlandish behavior of clowns make it almost unbearable for many little whippersnappers to be in the company of one.
Most children are amused by a man or a woman with flamboyant makeup caked on his or her face. All the strange colors and designs are fascinating. Some kids like the way a sad or happy mouth is drawn onto the performer's face. However, a clown's makeup may bring enjoyment to most kids, it has quite a different effect on others. Some children are made uneasy by the sight of a grown person with such a queer design painted on his or her face. The makeup has a strange effect that makes the clown's eyes look quite evil. The children find it hard to look into such eyes and be amused. The makeup also emits an odor that many children find quite unsettling. Gazing into those eyes and inhaling the noxious fume of the makeup is too much for many children to bear.
Another dimension of a clown's amusing nature is his or her outfit. The bagginess of the clothes alone is enough to incite riotous chuckles from the crowd of underaged spectators. The large shoes send many children rolling on the floor. The ridiculousness of the clothing keeps most kids laughing for hours. Others, however, find these same things extremely disturbing. Such large clothes and shoes make the clown seem larger than life.
A clown's behavior is the most important in making children laugh. While the silly makeup and clothes will be amusing for a little while, it will grow tiresome eventually. Displays of extreme clumsiness enhance the clown's act. Silly gags such as trick handkerchiefs and squirting flowers also keep a clown's act going. Balloon animals are probably the most enjoyed aspect of a clown's performance for those that like to witness the zany shenanigans of these extravagantly dressed comedians. For the children that do not enjoy these shenanigans, however, these experiences can be very traumatic. The fact that an adult would act like a fool to get a laugh is disturbing to many kids. The sights and sounds of a clown making a balloon animal is enough to keep a child from sleeping with the lights off for years.
Many children are simply horrified by clowns. These kids find it impossible to be entertained by something that terrifies them so much. But the many antics and monkeyshines of clowns are generally enjoyed by the youths of the world. Clowns will continue to be a popular source of children's entertainment.