I was distressed to read the Oct. 11 Sentinel article, “Clown sightings are no laughing matter in Middlesex County.” The article was not about clowns, but rather pranksters dressed like clowns.
Let me say first — and loudly — I have a red nose and I’m proud of it. I know I speak for most party clowns, circus clowns, volunteer hospital clowns, and maybe even class clowns when I say, enough. Stop the madness.
I am hearing of children being taunted by classmates that “the bad clowns are coming to get you.” I’m learning that clown costumes are banned in many New Jersey towns this Halloween, as if a 5-year-old with a rainbow wig is really going to send his or her classmates running in terror. On the other hand, it’s totally acceptable to dress as a psycho wielding a bloody ax or as a snarling, flesh-eating zombie (no offense to any undead reading this).
Let’s face it. The more the media spotlights those mischievous teens prowling around in evil-clown costumes, the more they will do it. And seriously, folks, won’t you please tell your children that these fools are not clowns? Real clowns bring smiles and laughter, not fear.
I have been entertaining children for 22 years, and I don’t plan to ever stop. Through all the “sightings” hysteria, I’ve continued to wear my big painted smile, although on the inside it’s making me cry tears of a clown.
So here’s my message to the pranksters who are ruining it for both clowns and the children who love them: Knock it off, will you?
Rachelle Burk
East Brunswick