The “Creepy Clown” Craze
Over the past few months alleged sightings of clowns have surfaced from the U.S and spread to parts of Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Western Canada. These “creepy clowns” have been accused of terrorizing, threatening, and assaulting innocent civilians. Some schools in Ottawa and the GTA sent home warning letters to parents after police incidents concerning teenagers dressed up as clowns. Also, a police arrest occurred in Georgia, where an eleven-year-old-girl was found in possession of a knife she brought to school to defend herself from clowns. In fact, Target has actually taken all clown costumes off their shelves. However menacing this may seem, this role of the “creepy clown” really is an age-old occurrence. Being compared to urban legends like The Hook Man and the infamous Internet meme Slender Man, such eerie trends have occurred in the past. However, the second vice-president of Clowns Canada, Miles Leahy, does not find these pranks humorous at all. He is worried that such a depiction has a negative impact on professional clowns everywhere. These controversial clowns are also hindering the jobs of law enforcement officers as they often receive false emergency calls concerning clowns. Still, they insist that if anyone should feel endangered by the sight of a stray clown, to give them a call. Consequently, everyone should exercise caution as there are claims of a clown sighting here at Bishop Allen Academy! All things considered, this creepy trend, like every other internet fad, ought to come to an end soon. Until it does, if you see something, say something.
Photo Credit: New Scientist