A call for clowns echoes in a recent piece by the Washington Post, where various opinion articles spring to the defense of clowns’ reputations.
In the piece titled “Donald Trump is not a clown. I should know,” Tim Cunningham—who has spent 24 years as a self-identified professional clown and heads a nonprofit dedicated to clowns—takes a stand against derogatory comparisons of Trump to clowns.
This article mentions several left-leaning commentators who have likened Trump or those around him to clowns, including MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell and political strategist James Kerrville.
However, instead of just accepting these playground insults at face value, Cunningham digs deeper into the vibrant and celebratory legacy of clowns. He emphasizes that clowning, as a performing art, encompasses a range of talents including pantomime, acrobatics, and stand-up comedy.
Cunningham expresses that Trump’s brash demeanor doesn’t fit well with the essence of clowning, which embodies joy and empathy.
He notes, “Every clown shares a common value of healing, empathy, and reflection,” recounting the joyful experiences clowns can bring in settings like hospitals and refugee camps.
“Clowns transcend mere birthday party entertainment,” he suggests, highlighting their role in promoting relaxation and encouraging positive perspectives on life.
Cunningham laments the decline of the term “clown,” which has turned into an insult for many, indicating that frequent misuse of the word diminishes its significance and the artistry behind it.
In conclusion, he urges readers to protect the dignity of clowns rather than link them to political figures, arguing for the respect that the art form deserves. He warns against dismissing clowning in the context of political commentary, calling it vital to evoke positivity and understanding.
