#ClownLivesMatter?

Clowns may have taken over politics, but their place in civil rights is no laughing matter.

It’s normal for creepy clowns to walk the streets around October, but not like this. It all started in late August, when police began investigating numerous unconfirmed reports of clowns luring children into the woods of South Carolina. Since then, incidents involving creepy clowns have occurred in more than 24 states across the country.

While the majority of these encounters have been non-threatening, a select few were menacing and have led to arrests — throwing the nation into a clown frenzy, and fueling the nightmares of thousands of children and adults alike.

In response to the recent hype, civilians have become extra suspicious of clowns roaming the streets, and more hyperaware of figures roaming in such costumes. All over the internet, content with the hashtag #clownsighting have soared to public attention.

Law enforcement across the country have tried to assure citizens that there are no real and substantial threats exhibited by roaming clowns. In fact, most of the clown sightings on social media have been perpetuated by mere pranksters looking to get in a good scare and some more views for their page.

In spite their efforts, clown hysteria has sparked fear and caution into the hearts of many Americans.

One such example resulted in a full on riot at Penn State from supposed clown sightings; after all of the commotion, investigators discovered there was no clowns sighted in the first place.

The issue has made waves even felt by White House, where press secretary Josh Earnest responded to an inquiry on the president’s opinion: “I don’t know that the president has been briefed on this particular situation,” The Hill reports. “Obviously, this is a situation that law enforcement is taking quite seriously.”

To fight back, and raise awareness for the professional creepy clowns across the country, Jordan Jones from Maryland, has created the facebook page “Clown Lives Matter”.

Jones argues that he and his fellow professionals do not take lightly to these teenagers clowning around (pun intended), and have since have experienced personal threats to their own safety.

“…the other day I went outside for a photo shoot and people were driving by taking pictures saying they are going to call the cops because they profiled me as one of the clowns in the woods…my family they fear for my life now. My sister, she don’t want me doing this anymore,” Jones said in an interview.

It seems as though Jones and his fellow colleges are not alone on their thoughts; as Stephen King, creator of Pennywise — the first widely known scary clown from the novel and movie It — tweeted out his support for clown professionals.

For others, the only scary thing about this is the downplay of more serious issues. Since Clown Lives Matter has gained public attention, thousands are outraged at its seeming mockery of Black Lives Matter.

Despite the controversy, Clown Lives Matter is hosting a peacful march in Tuscon, Arizona on October 15th.

It’s a little bewildering to think about how all of this became such a big deal in the first place. How long will it be until this all is forgotten? Don’t be fooled by the madness or else it’ll might start getting to you…

What do you think about the #clownlivesmatter movement?

UPDATE: The Clown Lives Matter march in Tucson, AZ has been canceled due to online harassment and death threats to the organizer.