In many scary clown stories, it's the unexpected presence that scares people. For example, seeing a clown in a place where you don't expect one, like in a dark alley or your own backyard at night. They seem out of place and that gives a sense of unease. Also, the fact that clowns are supposed to be fun but in these stories are the opposite adds to the fear. It's like a subversion of what we expect from a clown, which is joy and laughter, but instead we get horror.
Well, in some of the true scary clown stories, the actions of the clown are what make them so frightening. Some clowns are described as stalking people, following them around in a very creepy way. Others might make strange noises or movements that are not at all in line with the typical jolly behavior of a clown. For instance, a clown slowly approaching someone with a strange object in its hand while maintaining a fixed, intense stare can be extremely scary. It plays on our natural fear of the unknown and the sense that we might be in danger.
The appearance of the clown often makes them scary. With their white faces, big red lips, and bright colored hair, they look very different from normal people. And when they add a menacing expression, it becomes really terrifying.
Often, true obscure scary stories are based on real - life events or places, which makes them scarier. Take the story of a particular cemetery where people have seen apparitions. It's a real place, and the thought that there could be something supernatural there is terrifying. Also, these stories are not as commercialized as mainstream horror, so they seem more genuine and raw.
The unknown factor makes them scary. You often don't know if they are venomous or not. Just seeing that slithering movement can send shivers down your spine.
The appearance of the clown can be very frightening. The bright and often distorted makeup, the big shoes, and the colorful yet tattered costumes can all create an eerie look. Also, the idea of a clown being out of its normal circus setting and in a spooky place like an abandoned building or a dark forest makes it scarier. Their big smiles that can seem menacing rather than friendly in a scary story context are also a factor.
The psychological aspect plays a role too. Clowns are often associated with fun and entertainment in normal circumstances. But when they are used in a horror context, it subverts our expectations. It creates a sense of unease because it goes against what we know and expect from clowns. It's like something that was supposed to be safe and happy is now a source of fear. This contrast makes very scary clown stories all the more frightening.
The darkness of the night is a big factor. When it's night, our vision is limited, and our minds tend to fill in the blanks with the scariest things possible. For example, in a true story where someone heard a noise outside their window at night. They couldn't see what it was, and their mind immediately thought of a burglar or something more sinister.
The fact that it involves a babysitter, someone who is supposed to be a protector, being a scary clown. Clowns are often associated with fear already, and the idea of one being in your home while your parents are away is terrifying.
Well, a big part of what made those stories so frightening was the isolation. When you're on a night shift, you're often alone in a big, empty place. In the stories, this isolation was amplified by the strange events. For example, in one story, a person was alone in a hospital at night and heard strange whispers coming from the empty wards. There was no one else around to share the fear or help figure out what was going on.
The sense of helplessness. In many of these true stories, the people involved are powerless against whatever is scaring them. Like in the story of the cursed object, the person couldn't stop the bad things from happening no matter what they did. This lack of control is really frightening. And also, the fact that these are true stories gives them an extra edge of fear. It makes you think that such things could actually happen to you.
The unknown elements in them. When we don't know what's causing the strange happenings, it scares us. For example, in a story where there are unexplained noises, our minds start to imagine all sorts of terrifying things.
The McDonald's clown in scary stories is frightening because it violates our expectations. We expect it to be a symbol of fun and food for kids. But in these stories, it becomes a source of fear. For example, stories of it coming to life at night and stalking people around the restaurant go against the normal, friendly image we have of it. The sudden transformation from a jolly figure to a creepy entity is what sends shivers down people's spines.