These clowns are no laughing matter

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By MADISON BROWN

Sightings of creepy clowns have been terrorizing the country, putting citizens and authorities on high alert.

The sinister circus characters started to gain attention earlier this fall when children in a South Carolina neighborhood complained to their parents about clowns trying to lead them into the nearby woods.

Since then, pictures and videos have been circulating on news websites, as well as on social media sights.

Last week the clown sightings reached Florida and went viral yet again after someone posted a video on Facebook of a clown hiding in the woods in Marian County.

Why are news organizations and people so fascinated and terrified by the concept of creepy clowns lurking outside of their neighborhoods?

Clowns have remained a widespread cultural fear, popularized by Stephen King’s novel It and the subsequent film.

The fact that in today’s society, anyone with access to a computer or smart phone can become a “journalist” by posting pictures and videos makes it easier for these clowns to get national attention.

Because of this, I don’t think the twisted clown phenomenon will end anytime soon. If anything, it might become more popular, especially with Halloween on the horizon.

Real-life “it” sightings could be the perfect money-maker for the Halloween industry, and social media is an easy way to keep the clowns on people’s radars.

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About Madison Brown

(mrb104@miami.edu) is a sophomore at the University of Miami double majoring in broadcast journalism and motion pictures. She is originally from the Pittsburgh area. She is the Social Media/Promotions coordinator for UMTV and Vice President of Delta Kappa Alpha Cinematic Arts Fraternity. She is also a member of Alpha Delta Pi. She has worked as a reporter for UMTV NewsVision, Newsbreak, and Pulse. Media and communication has always been a big part of Madison’s life, and broadcasting is her passion. She hopes to become a news reporter or work in the film industry.