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Go Home, Clown Wandering Green-Wood Cemetery
By
Lauren Evans
Published Jul 14, 2014
Modified Jul 15, 2014
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Ryan Jackson
By
Lauren Evans
Published Jul 14, 2014
Modified Jul 15, 2014
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So there's a human dressed as a clown wandering around Green-Wood Cemetery. The first report we're aware of popped up in South Slope News last week, since then, several other photos have been sent our way by various tipsters.
We have to assume the wandering clown is a tacky publicity stunt: In addition to having already been done, repeatedly, using a cemetery as the backdrop to your derivative humor is a tasteless affront to those who mourn there.
Still, nothing has been proven: Perhaps this is an artistic statement on Green-Wood's ever-expanding—and, to some, disrespectful—programming? It can certainly be argued that gettin' blitzed on Brooklyn Lager in a candle-lit mausoleum is in poor (albeit very fun) taste, and more than one person has expressed outrage that the grounds have in the past been open to runners.
Or maybe the clown is the disturbed parent of a deceased child, unable to cope with their loss? Grief has certainly manifested in more chilling ways.
The cemetery's employees apparently have no idea what everyone is talking about. “Green-Wood staff has no information about this individual and has not seen him nor have any lot owners or visitors reported a sighting, said President Richard Moylan in a statement. "When and if he is spotted, he will be immediately escorted from the premises.” Brooklyn Brief spoke with security guard Louis Lebron, who chalked the sightings up to "some guy trying to make a name for himself."
Indeed, the "tipsters" who sent the photos rely heavily on the advertorial language of PR reps—one reports cryptically that she "found a video...," while touting the other publications that have given their attention.
To the creators of the stunt, assuming that's what it is—You're the guy at the party who dumps a full beer on his own head or pees on the Christmas presents: Yes, you've commanded everyone's attention, but we all think you're a jagoff and no one wants to sleep with you. The Blair Witch Project came out in 1999! Go home.
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Lauren Evans
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