Clowns have taken over the internet, and our daily lives. Teachers have banned the mention of clowns in classrooms discussions, a group of girls in Topeka, Kansas were chased by a clown with a knife, and the McPherson Police Department has asked for only legitimate sightings to be called in. The ‘creepy clown epidemic’ that started in South Carolina has spread its influence and sunk its claws into citizens everywhere. Whether people are scared is up for debate, but everyone has heard of the clowns.

  “I’ve heard a little bit about it, yes,” said Deedra Pyle, the McPherson High School librarian. “I myself am not worried, but you know I have a student who walks home every day from elementary school, so that concerns me a little bit,” Pyle continued, “But I think in general most people keep an eye out for one another in this town- so I’m not terribly concerned.”

  One website, atlasobscura.com, has been set up an interactive map tracking threats and sightings of clowns in the U.S.  

  “I don’t know if it’s just an incident between someone, and somebody just sparked it and they thought it was kind of cool,” said Talin Goebel, “Or maybe they thought it was something to hype about.”

  There are many conspiracies about how these clowns suddenly took over. The theories bounce between a clown featured in a short film, a group starting this fad for entertainment, and a promotion for the remake of Stephen King’s It, the 1990 movie with Pennywise, the most iconic clown to date.

  “Some people wanted to just scare people, and that’s how it got started,” said Jason Cotten, a freshman.

  None of these theories have been confirmed, and King hasn’t come forward with a statement, nor has anyone else, regarding the origin of the clown craze.  

  “I think the clowns are pretty scary, people keep saying that they’re a joke, but what if they’re real? We need to take precautions,” said Mayce Williams, a junior. “I walk home from work every night, so I have to be prepared!” Williams said.

  Some students are a little more apathetic toward the issue, however.  

  “I mean, if I came across a clown, I probably would be scared, but I’m not really, at the moment, I guess,” said Sean Birzer, a sophomore. “After Halloween, I think it might go away.”

  With Halloween so close, the question begs to be answered- will we ever get to dress up as clowns again? Since the 17th century, clowns have graced our stages. Will that all end now that people are taking arms against these sightings?

  “Oh Halloween it’s going to be a big thing, but it’s probably going to blow over soon, just like everything,” said Williams.

  “I heard a story about a parent that wasn’t going to serve any kids dressed up as clowns, that come trick or treating,” said Goebel.

  There’s a lot of mystery shrouding this occurrence, but until the creepy clown epidemic has calmed down, there might not be many definite answers.

  “I think like everything it has its season, and it will pass,” said Pyle.

Maybe by this time next year, clowns will be just another fun costume to wear, or a fun performer to watch. We can hope, at least.