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| After clicking on the link click on the fiery cross image |
Some people may think I am a
little strange, awkward, and maybe a little out there for wanting to write
about the Ku Klux Klan, and actually getting enjoyment out of it. I tell all
those people, I really could care less about what they may think. I have a chance to learn about my history and
all the various decisions from different groups that made the world what it is
today, despite their creed, race, or financial standings. The Ku Klux Klan or
what people may refer to as the KKK was also part of the United States history,
and a very interesting group of people who had their own beliefs. As bad as
they may have been portrayed they did contribute something. I believe that it
is my job to my country and to my-self to uncover the negative and positive truth
about the KKK and allow people to see who they really are.
The KKK or
invisible empire (Streitmatter pg. 103) originated on values and belief. I mean
sure to many who opposed them they might have been messed up but to others these
“Klansmen” spoke up for people with lesser power. Originally starting on
December 14, 1865 in Pulaski, Tennessee, by six young ex- confederate officers,
who were looking for something to occupy their time, they started a club (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,898581,00.html
. Little did they know this club would erupt to what it is today.
For centuries they based their beliefs
on opposing the Restruction policies of the radical Republican Congress, and maintaining
“white supremacy ( http://www.infoplease.com).”
It seemed that government and society
was designed to keep the black man down. This is said because for years the southern
government barely stood on its own and instead of welcoming blacks to speak up
the people in the south looked at this as a crime. They decided to form groups
that repressed the black community and the Ku Klux Klan was the best known of
these groups. The KKK wanted to be known as a Christian organization. One may
ask themselves while studies the Klan is this what Jesus would do? The first Klan
lasted until the late 1870’s.
The second Klan was then
started up in 1915 near Atlanta by William Joseph Simmons. He led men to
believe in a sense of Fraternity and brotherhood. This was after seeing “birth of a nation”. This Klan went nationwide and became a very
powerful empire taking over the political scene. They elected one of their own
to the U.S Senate held their own primaries in Arkansas, Held their own governorship
in Oregon, and selected senators and governors for the state of Colorado and
Indiana (Streitmatter). They were however stopped because of their violence, un-agreeable
politics, and leadership qualities. Although opposed by various regions in the
U.S., such as the eastern region for example, and more particularly NY; this
Klan showed the United States that it does not take much for a secret society
to form and prosper. Therefore, this klan has made a way for the Third KKK and klans
of today.
Since they have started the KKK
has opposed anyone of racial difference, which makes me surprised that black
people really would befriend people who are in the KKK or would want a role in
it. The media has not made this an easy task for those people either.
proagainst
The Media like the Memphis major newspaper, the "Commercial Appeal" or even the CNN news cast up above shapes our mindset about the KKK. So far we are made to believe that this group of men are a violent behaving hate group, who would be nothing but happy if everyone stayed in their corners and played their role. We however as a society are too
dumb and scared to challenge and disagree with what is just simply accepted. We
think that being that Martin Luther King Jr. was a substantial leader that he cannot
possibly be a bad person. The things the Klan says about him are not true at
all. We also think that because we are taught that the Klan burned crosses, and
hung blacks’ means that they are reckless and terrible, but we never say did
they start out this way. We think in Black and White and are afraid to research
what is considered to be the truth. This being said I question
society, and our motives. I wonder as to why people do the things they do. Is
this because our intrinsic need to belong and be accepted by our peers?
The Klan throughout history is
known to be violent and has done some terrible things, but I challenge you to
challenge yourself and society and find out the truth as to why? The KKK may
not be many peoples “Fan Favorites” but they stood for something and followed
through with their beliefs. The KKK, an underground society, a Hate club, but how much do you really know?
Sites You Should Visit:
Is the KKK really about hate?
http://www.kukluxklan.info/#Ku_Klux_Klan
http://www.kukluxklan.info/#Ku_Klux_Klan
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