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BIDDEFORD, Maine

51Ʒphilosopher David Livingstone Smith comments on the history of the creepy clown in ‘BBC’ article

David Livingstone Smith
David Livingstone Smith

David Livingstone Smith, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, was quoted in an October 19 online article of the BBC’s "The Culture Show," titled “A surprising history of the creepy clown.”

In light of the recent clown-inspired hysteria, the article examines the long history and function of the clown in human societies. Smith noted: “Clowns are peculiar because they’re meant to be delightful and amusing, but a lot of people find them disturbing.”

He commented on findings of a 2016 study in which 1,000 people were asked to rate the creepiness of various occupations. “Clowns won the creepiness jackpot,” said Smith.

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