Clowning has been growing around the world as a transforming initiative in response to the neo-Nazi and white-supremacist hate rallies. Instead of meeting hate with anger and violence, clowns meet demonstrations for bigotry with humorous mocking with a light-hearted but very serious touch.
Sarah Freeman-Woolpert published an outstanding article with a global and historical sweep about clowning: “Why Nazis Are So Afraid of These Clowns.”
In her article Freeman-Woolpert tells about clowns countering a Klan event in Knoxville, Tennessee. My peacemaking friend, singer-songwriter David LaMotte wrote the book “White Flour” about that story, illustrated by Jen Hales. It’s a great addition to any peacemaker’s library, especially for children seeking to understand what is happening in some of our communities today.
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