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Dr. Wendy Goodman Sudberg The clown allows the repressed emotions to surface
with exaggeration and freedom to explore feelings
In the present years, as our population is aging, so that are hidden. The clown includes self-mockery
are the clowns. The circus we embraced as children is of imperfections we all have and hide. The clown is
not as popular or prevalent as in the past. making peace with our challenges and even making
fun of them.The clowns bring reality as they fall
As I have embraced clowning in my senior years, over their feet, or cannot thread a needle with an
I realize how important clowning is to personal opening the size of the Grand Canyon. And we see
growth. I see it as a benefit for individuals in this cleverness, agility, self deprecation as humorous and
uptight world of managing the stresses of every day freeing the soul. Great clowns listen to their audience.
life. Active listening and reading an audience improves
interpersonal communication and emotional
We all loved the class clown. He or she brought intelligence. This is an argument for encouraging the
humor to the rigid work requirements in the schools Junior Joey Programs in schools.
education programs. The clown would get into trouble.
I saw them as brave and willing to risk ridicule. I was With the age of social skills and emotional quotient,
not as intrepid as these pranksters. or EQ, what better way of teaching these skills of
listening, playing, accepting limitations either from
As the circus has diminished in appearance and self or from others?
frequency, the clowns took to the streets and squares
throughout the world. Improvisation, for example, requires accepting
whatever your partner says, providing affirmation
with “yes, and”, not interrupting, and using context
they supply to answer in a pertinent and imaginary
way as a story is built. The story is not always funny,
however, the moving parts required to create the story
builds cohesiveness,
respect and tolerance.
A youngster, exposed
to the art of clowning
can see exercise as fun.
In our world where
computers keep kids
inside, the art of clowning expands their horizons
and that includes kids of all ages.
Juggling, balancing, skit writing, performing,
falling, rolling, strolling, balloon creations, huge
bubbles, creating characters frees us from the
mundane aspects of life and is good exercise, great
fun, and interactive.
So in conclusion, we all must collaborate for the
good of present and future generations to keep the art
of clowning alive.
Join and support the clown organizations, volunteer
in schools and encourage Junior Joeys and remember,
collaboration. Inclusiveness and kindness,
gratefulness, appreciation, active listening, not
judging begins in the local alleys. Clown ethics should
dictate kindness and understanding and I cannot
emphasize enough conflict resolution with love and
kindness and compassion.
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