It was a sad day in the clown world when a `` clown '' at the Missouri State Fair put on a mask in the likeness of President Barack Obama and wore a broomstick attached to his behind to perform in a rodeo in America 's Heartland . Some would ask : How this is different from late-night pundits making mocking comments about every political person alive ? It is different in that it goes against everything a clown stands for and makes fun of our president in a way that is truly offensive on so many levels . As someone who has performed as a `` real '' clown for 32 years and has taught the craft to hundreds of clowns , I would like the world to know that we have a code of ethics that we adhere to so that our life of making the world smile goes on without hurting people . Among the ethics is a ban on `` blue humor . '' This mean no sexual or racial humor . The joke always needs to be on us and never on an audience member . If someone is offended or made the `` victim '' of a joke , it is totally against what the clown community would consider funny . So what is this clown community and where do I get these ethics ? One of the main international clown organizations based in the United States is Clowns of America , International . We are 3,000 members strong and are organized into clown `` alleys , '' groups that perform together . As part of our training , and really the training of most clowns , we have a strict code of ethics covering such things as drinking while clowning , cleanliness and remaining in character . We take offense at the actions of the rodeo `` clown '' because we are strictly trained not to offend anyone while `` in clown . '' The individual who took on the role of a clown in Missouri might have made some people laugh , but it was at the expense of so many others . What of the children who were in the audience and being taught to respect our president and government ? What of every person in the audience who hates racism ? What of the officials of the state of Missouri who are now the focus of national attention in this negative light ? Forgive me for taking this forum to air another form of `` clown '' I find very offensive : the horror clown . In my travels as `` Dear Heart '' the clown , I encounter many people of all ages who are afraid of clowns . Perhaps some are afraid of anyone who is behind makeup , but most have had the experience of a house of horror where a person dressed as a clown has frightened them and , in doing so , has robbed them of fun and playful experiences for life . Being a `` real clown '' takes training , money and a lot of time . We each develop a character that is an extension of ourselves . Real clowns have clown hearts long before we put on makeup . Our goal is to make the world a happier place . One part of our national organization , Red Nose Response , allows clowns go to places where there have been disasters and pitch in -- helping to distribute needed supplies but also helping to keep the spirits of people up . I am most proud when I come home having given a balloon flower to an elderly person who responds with a big smile or having taught a child who is in a hospital long-term the basics of juggling . And so what is there that I have described about `` real clowns '' that applies to the Missouri rodeo performer ? Absolutely nothing . As for the people in Texas who have said he would be welcome to perform there : Please think about that and what you are really doing . I believe that people today desperately need a reason to smile and a chance to forget their troubles for a moment and laugh . These laughs are most cherished if they are only for fun and do not offend or hurt another human being .
Judy Quest : Offensive act by `` clown '' at Missouri fair mocked Obama ; this is not real clowning . Quest , a clown for 32 years , says clown ethics discourage hurtful , racist , sexual humor . She says rodeo clown sent bad message to children in crowd about respect for president . Comment: