# How to stop the Menacing Clown problem. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 10, 2016, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191 "2016-10-10T22:17:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/41 "2016-10-11T16:45:40Z")
Can we shoot mimes too? If so, I’m on board with this. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/42 "2016-10-11T16:46:08Z")
> [@bobkitty](#): > > Also, wearing a mask in public is a felony. Trick or treat? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/43 "2016-10-11T17:03:38Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Can we shoot mimes too? If so, I’m on board with this. You need a suppressor. $200 fee and a 6 month background check and wait. If your state even allows it. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/44 "2016-10-11T17:12:33Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Can we shoot mimes too? If so, I’m on board with this. Yes, but you need a silencer. \ ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/45 "2016-10-11T17:27:41Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > So where are the dogs and cats living together, smart guy? > > Regards, > Shodan All over YouTube. IT’S THE APOCALPYSE! ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/46 "2016-10-11T17:45:33Z")
It’s not really a problem. If attacked by a group of menacing clowns you simply go for the juggler. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/47 "2016-10-11T18:03:06Z")
Saw the thread title, saw the username, thought “Wow, **mags** is coming out against Trump!” Sadly, no. ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/48 "2016-10-11T18:48:58Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Trick or treat? Acceptable, as are official team mascots, paid performers at certain events, and those participating in parades. But rando walking down the street, no. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/49 "2016-10-11T19:00:03Z")
You don’t need a mask to be a clown…nor do you have to float boys and girls. ---
**Author:** ![edwards\_beard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@edwards\_beard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwards_beard)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/50 "2016-10-11T19:06:31Z")
> [@bobkitty](#): > > Also, wearing a mask in public is a felony. A felony??? When did this happen? I call bullshit. Besides…clowns wear makeup…not masks. I’m assuming make up is just a misdemeanor? ---
**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/51 "2016-10-11T19:29:24Z")
> [@edwards\_beard](#): > > A felony??? When did this happen? I call bullshit. > > Besides…clowns wear makeup…not masks. I’m assuming make up is just a misdemeanor? I am not sure if it is a felony but there are lots of laws like [http://codes.findlaw.com/ny/penal-law/pen-sect-240-35.html](http://codes.findlaw.com/ny/penal-law/pen-sect-240-35.html) > [@](#): > > 4. Being masked or in any manner disguised by unusual or unnatural attire or facial alteration, loiters, remains or congregates in a public place with other persons so masked or disguised, or knowingly permits or aids persons so masked or disguised to congregate in a public place;  except that such conduct is not unlawful when it occurs in connection with a masquerade party or like entertainment if, when such entertainment is held in a city which has promulgated regulations in connection with such affairs, permission is first obtained from the police or other appropriate authorities;  or > **[Are Balaclavas Illegal in NYC?](https://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/08/17/can_you_be_arrested_for_wearing_a_mask_in_nyc_.html)** > > In a Times piece covering today’s demonstrations to support the jailed members of Russian pop group Pussy Riot, an unnamed organizer of the event is qu ... This one is from 1845 and was intended to keep vigilantes from operating anonymously. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/52 "2016-10-11T19:38:02Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > Except they aren’t. They are deliberately terrorizing towns with the intent of creating panic. Schools have been locked down. Police departments have been called in, and have threatened action if caught. Threatening people is not protected speech. > > But, hey, it’s a post by **magellan**. Got to argue against him, even if it means ignoring reality. LOL! Let’s go back to the quarry and have sex with clowns again! 😉 > [@Telemark](#): > > It’s not really a problem. If attacked by a group of menacing clowns you simply go for the juggler. Poor Opal. Too soon man, too soon. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Go\_Arachnid\_Laser\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b2d939/32.png) [@Go\_Arachnid\_Laser\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Go_Arachnid_Laser_1)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/53 "2016-10-11T19:47:04Z")
Every year the same. Look, people, a completely natural solution is being devised: in a few weeks, thousands of Santas, the clowns’ deadliest predator, will be released and they will cull the population of clowns to a manageable size. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/54 "2016-10-11T19:53:51Z")
> [@Go\_Arachnid\_Laser](#): > > Every year the same. > > Look, people, a completely natural solution is being devised: in a few weeks, thousands of Santas, the clowns’ deadliest predator, will be released and they will cull the population of clowns to a manageable size. Having participated in several Santarchy celebrations, I’ll agree wholeheartedly.😃 ---
**Author:** ![edwards\_beard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@edwards\_beard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwards_beard)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/55 "2016-10-11T19:53:56Z")
> [@gazpacho](#): > > I am not sure if it is a felony but there are lots of laws like > [http://codes.findlaw.com/ny/penal-law/pen-sect-240-35.html](http://codes.findlaw.com/ny/penal-law/pen-sect-240-35.html) > > [Can you be arrested for wearing a mask in NYC?](http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/08/17/can_you_be_arrested_for_wearing_a_mask_in_nyc_.html) > This one is from 1845 and was intended to keep vigilantes from operating anonymously. The claim was is it a felony to wear a mask in public. The first link is for loitering. [Here is a snopes article about the legality of wearing “Anonymous” masks in public](http://www.snopes.com/anonymous-masks-illegal) ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/56 "2016-10-11T20:11:15Z")
Seems like a populace armed with seltzer water would do the trick. Hard to look scary standing there in dripping makeup and soaked size 35 shoes. People might even laugh, which hey, would be a first for clownkind ever. ---
**Author:** ![Philliam](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/philliam/32/3011_2.png) [@Philliam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philliam)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/57 "2016-10-11T22:44:44Z")
> [@gazpacho](#): > > [https://www.abqjournal.com/863678/three-in-custody-after-clown-sighting-in-ne-albuquerque-police-say.html](https://www.abqjournal.com/863678/three-in-custody-after-clown-sighting-in-ne-albuquerque-police-say.html) > Generally things like the above story. People are dressing up in clown costumes and acting in a sketchy to a lot more than sketchy manor. > [Coulrophobics Beware: America's Creepy Clown Problem Continues : The Two-Way : NPR](http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/10/06/496850197/coulrophobics-beware-americas-creepy-clown-problem-continues) Is Sketchy manor anywhere near Fawlty Towers? ---
**Author:** ![xenophon41](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xenophon41/32/253_2.png) [@xenophon41](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xenophon41)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/58 "2016-10-11T23:09:48Z")
> [@Philliam](#): > > Is Sketchy manor anywhere near Fawlty Towers? Sadly, it’s been recently demolished to make room for a clown conservatory performing arts center. [Here’s the last photograph](http://media.gettyimages.com/vectors/country-house-drawing-vector-id472294467?s=170667a) we have of the place, taken just before it was brought down by placed selzer bombs. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2016, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/59 "2016-10-11T23:20:12Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > Except they aren’t. They are deliberately terrorizing towns with the intent of creating panic. Credible cite, you idiot? Edit: to be clear, I’m asking for a credible cite that any actual real person has violated any actual real law. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2016, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191/60 "2016-10-12T00:00:43Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Credible cite, you idiot? > > Edit: to be clear, I’m asking for a credible cite that any actual real person has violated any actual real law. I just want to say I find it really courageous, what you’re doing. They say when one clown comes out of the closet, he leads the way for a dozen others. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-the-menacing-clown-problem/768191.md?page=4)