Clowns: creepy or cuddly?
Article by Bindi Lavelle

Clowns seem to have a polarising effect on people, either you think they are totally awesome or they creep you right the fuck out. I for one love clowns but there are many people of the opposite side of the spectrum.
Coulrophobia is the abnormal fear of clowns, common among children aged between 2 and 16, it is believed that for this age group the combination of the familiar human form with the caricature like exaggerated facial features is unsettling .
This is an affect similar to the uncanny valley, a theory relating to robots, which states that the more a fake human, such as a robot or video-game character, replicates human characteristics, the more likely it will cause revolsion in the viewer; much in the way Tom Hanks in the polar express did not look right.
It is the not quite right factor that creates fear; Clowns' are not human they are a living caricature, this is what makes them scary as hell to some, while others find them hilarious.
Clowns, not only because of there appearance, but there conection to childhood will continue to be used as a device, in much the same way masks are used in horror.