Ever since I saw Stephen King's IT, I've been terrified of clowns!
It had the opposite effect for me... now whenever I see a circus clown I pay attention in anticipation of when he will switch persona to the 'evil' side.
Pierrot, the famous clown originating from Commedia dell'Arte - he wasn't your stanadard stereotype clown, he taught children how the consequences of not respecting their elders.
Quote:
He is seen as a fool, always the butt of pranks, yet nonetheless trusting. Pierrot is also portrayed as moonstruck, distant and oblivious to reality.
Poor Pierrot, he always got the blunt end of the stick cause he never learned anything.