I've heard many people say that they are afraid of clowns, but I have always wondered just what they find so terrifying about a clown. I just see their makeup and crazy outfits as being goofy. I've never found them to be particularly amusing, but they don't really scare me.
Maybe some of those people watched too many horror movies involving clowns, or maybe the fear comes from knowing that some sick-minded people use their clown disguise to lure children to them so they can violate them. In that case, I can definitely understand their fear.
But instead of being scared of them, I think people should just be cautious around them and not let their kids be alone with a strange person dressed in a clown suit--just in case they turn out to be homicidal maniacs.