Dallas (WBAP/KLIF News) – The recent reports of “creepy clown” sightings across North Texas and alleged threats of violence by them on social media have lead to several arrests, widespread fear and schools increasing security as a safety precaution. The threats have been deemed hoaxes by authorities who have investigated the cases.
As the trend began to spread, clowns across the country have started to speak out in defense of their art. Dick Monday, Artistic Director for Foundation for Laughter, has been a clown for 42 years.
He said the disturbing trend isn’t about the art for of being a clown at all. “It’s about these people who are using a Halloween mask and getup to do terrorism. The big misconception about clowns is oh we cover ourselves up but, you know what, a real clown doesn’t cover anything up,” said Monday.
He said he was not concerned about the craze until it became a local issue and he is worried if it will hurt his business. “My partner and I…we go into about 100 public schools in the Dallas Independent School District every year. Now that this is affecting schools, I am concerned,” said Monday.
Clowns have been the subject of misinterpretations for years but Monday said this trend is different. He said that real clowns have become a victim of social media in its darkest form. “What’s next? Santa Claus is going to become scary, then the Easter Bunny then the Pope. Every iconic image that we love and trust is being turned around so people can get attention.”
Monday said the negative press surrounding clowns will not deter him from doing what he loves. He said a true clown’s job is to engage people, make them laugh and change their day for the better.
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