Reports of clown attacks in France have made headlines . Indeed , in many ways , the crisis in the clown community mirrors the anxieties that are felt across many sectors of society -- class friction , social estrangement and an economy many still feel uncertain over . Clowns have often been seen as on society 's side , says Andrew Smith . Golden age of clown has ended , he says .
Reports of clown attacks in France have made headlines . Clowns have often been seen as on society 's side , says Andrew Smith . Golden age of clown has ended , he says .