Fear the clowns

I could not have a countdown to Halloween this year without mentioning the recent clown scare. I took this picture last year in Montreal, proof that the association between clowns and horror is nothing new. In fact, according to this article from The Telegraph, creepy and scary clowns are as old as there are clowns. I have never liked clowns myself and often felt uneasy about them. You can guess I have a bit of coulrophobia. And for good reasons. Clowns are deformed, grotesque even, they spend time humiliating each other in slapstick and they don't act rationally. There is very little difference, intrinsically, between a clown and a madman. Pennywise is a devil in clown form. The Joker is a clown. Michael Myers commits his first murder (at five!) disguised as a clown. So fear the clowns.

"Can't sleep, clown will eat me"

Fans of the classic seasons of The Simpsons will remember that this is what a young Bart was saying in Lisa's First Word when Homer had built him a clown-themed bed, as his old pram is going to be used by his yet to be born sister Lisa. The episode was hilarious and confirmed my belief that clowns are creepy and scary. The line is now part of pop culture, it is also the one I had in mind and kept repeating to myself when I was trying to sleep, in the little hours of the morning, while my wife was still in labour. So for no better reason, I thought to share it here tonight:

The Pagliacci joke from Watchmen

"Man goes to doctor. Says he's depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in 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."
 

Watchmen, Alan Moore 
 

I thought about this joke immediately when I learned about the suicide of Robin Williams. And I was not very original: it went viral. Strange how so many people think the same thing at the same time. Sadly ironic that it is after the fact.

A clown going to a funeral

I went to a job interview today. Not really my thing, but I need to work, so I gave it my best. It was quite hot outside, and I was wearing a heavy suit. I don't like wearing a suit except for a big evening, it's just not like me. It's uncomfortable and if I walk a lot (like I did) my feet are literally killing me. I especially dislike it on a hot day, when you feel like you are dry like a Sun-Maid raisin, or a sun-dried tomato. My face was red when I got back, so I guess I looked a bit like a clown going to a funeral. I sure felt like one. There is just something clownish about wearing a suit in a hot day.