Magdalene Tucker
Colorado Technical University On-Line
Sociology 215- 1301A-08
Professor Victor Vila
January 9, 2013
Coulrophobia
A phobia is an overwhelming and unreasonable fear of an object or situation that poses little real danger. Several types of phobias exist. Some people fear large, open spaces. Others are unable to tolerate certain social situations. And still others have a specific phobia, such as a fear of animals, elevators or flying. The phobia that I will discuss is the fear of clowns. This phobia is called Coulrophobia. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011) The first two people that I interview was the under 40, person A, and B. Person A said that she associate clowns with kids and circus. …show more content…
The theories and concepts provide a toolbox of examination of social organizations and processes that goes on in our everyday lives. Coulrophobia, defined as an abnormal and persistent fear of clowns, is a fairly new word, no more than a few decades old. (Nudd, 2005) My take on Coulrophonia is that this phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. It is a fear of something that really poses little or no danger. There are many types of phobias. Claustrophobia is fear of closed in places. Agoraphobia is a fear of public places. Having phobias causes people to become anxious and extremely self-conscious in everyday social situations. For example I have a phobia of the little green tree frog; it is because as a child my brothers would chase me with them. Most people try to avoid what they are afraid of; they may experience panic and fear, trembling, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and a strong desire to get away. Clowns should be funny; they should bring happiness, and be entertaining, but for some children and adults they are terrified of them. I like clowns. I grew up with clowns like Bozo and Ronald McDonald. I never thought that there were people who are frighten of