CLOWNING AS POLITICAL PROTEST

Think of a rodeo clown (bull in German means police incidentally). This heroic character absorbs the attention of the bull, and distracts in order that the rider may stay safe and whole. A rebel clown has a similar function, in that they mirror authority (riot police pictured) and absorb tension. The clowns make people laugh, and make it incresingly difficult for protest situations to become violent. (http://clownarmy.org)