Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the history of racism in America. The writer explores the history of the KKK and the topic of racism from the inception of the KKK to the current times. The writer examines why the KKK was able to take such a strong hold on the people of the South and what this has to say about the social make-up of the American population.
From the Paper "America has built its reputation on the fact that it is open armed and diverse. It is the nation that millions flock to each year to start new lives and it is the nation that prides itself on its many anti discrimination laws. While the nation pats itself on the back for its seeming color blindness those who live within its boundaries know that racism still exists. The nation has been working on the problem of racism since the abolishment of slavery, and with each passing generation it has become a little less pronounced but it is still being experienced by African Americans, Asians, Middle Eastern descents and others(Galvan, 1995). It is important to understand the history of racism if the nation hopes to continue the quest to stomp it out for good in the future."
Abstract This paper defines and describes acts of terrorism and hate crimes committed in the United States beginning with the evolution of the first Ku Klux Klan (KKK) organized after the Civil War (the era known as reconstruction). It discusses the people, geography and social forces which were instrumental in the formation of the first KKK, as well as subsequent reorganizations of the KKK. It then looks at the evolution of hate crimes in America and uses examples of organizations and activities of hate crime perpetrators as defined by legislative acts.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
American Terrorism
The First Ku Klux Klan
The New Ku Klux Klan of 1915
The Klan after World War II
Hate Crimes
Conclusion
From the Paper "In 1990, the U.S. Congress passed a hate-crime bill that mandated the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to systematically collect information on hate-motivated crimes. Criminal justice decision makers consequently began to place central importance on attaching hate as a motivation for criminal acts. By establishing racial or religious hate as the component of an incident, the police were able to gain political impetus for expanding financial resources to law enforcement agencies, enabling them to enforce the laws directed at hate crimes (Maxwell, C., 1995)."
Abstract Growth of Ku Klux Klan (KKK) . Discusses history of the KKK & other groups formed by Southern leaders to destroy the voting power of newly freed slaves. Terrorist activities of the Klan (cross burnings, lynchings). Resistance to policies of Reconstructiion. Klan's call for "100 percent pure Americanism." Makeup of membership. New white supremacist groups.
From the Paper "White Supremacy in America
In the years following the defeat of the Confederacy by the Union, resistance to Reconstruction and changes in the status of former African slaves was to emerge throughout the American South. Historian William Miller (1977) has pointed out that the "original" Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist organizations such as the Knights of the White Camellia were formed in part by Southern leaders in the 1860s to destroy the voting power of newly freed slaves and to do damage to carpetbag misrule. Geoffrey Perrett (1989) has commented that during Reconstruction, when the original Klan was formed, the occupation armies of the Union were hard-pressed to prevent their terrorist activities - activities that virtually nullified the rights granted and guaranteed to former slaves under the Fourteenth Amendment. There was, says..."
Abstract The essay discusses the history of the Ku Klux Klan through the three separate movements established since its inception -- the first during the reconstruction era, the second during the 1920's, and the third during the 1940's. The essay then goes on to present recent newspaper headlines about the KKK, including the "newspaper night riding" in Texas and California, the rally in Jasper, Texas, and the sentencing of KKK member James Colvin. The essay concludes with the hope that the KKK will continue to be brought down by the law.
From the Paper "Colonel William Joseph Simmons, the son of one of the officers of the original order, initialized the second movement of the KKK. He pictured his organization as the ultimate fraternal lodge. His task was made easier by the 1915 release of a film by D. W. Griffith called The Birth of a Nation. The film portrayed the original Reconstruction era KKK as valiant protectors of the South's culture. Simmons placed advertisements for his organization next to those for the movie and solicited new members by proclaiming the Klan a "high class order for men of intelligence and character" (McVeigh). At the strongest point of this phase of the KKK, during the early 1920's, membership in the organization reached over three million nationwide (Trelease PG). The main factor keeping the movement strong was fear of the ever-changing social order in America. Large numbers of immigrants were entering the country, communism and other radical movements were stirring, and blacks were moving into northern cities in vast numbers. Jews and Catholics were moving to a higher place in the social and economic order, and labor unions were demanding a bigger share of profits for their members."
Abstract This paper explains that the Ku Klux Klan was originally a fraternal organization located primarily in the south, which grew out of the Civil War in America and was made-up of Confederate soldiers to protect and preserve the white race and ensure "voluntary separation" of the races and even extinction of blacks, Catholics and Jews. The author points out that, after the original Klan was disorganized because of its violence, the reorganized Klan, had a greater success at recruiting in the U.S. mid-west than in the south, was to a greater degree Republican and was influential throughout the United States with major political influence on politicians in several states. The paper relates that ironically the Ku Klux Klan bases their beliefs on Christianity and some of the larger KKK organizations currently in operation include the Church of the American Knights of the KKK.
From the Paper "According to the Georgia Encyclopedia, the first Klan was never well organized. It had no membership rosters, no dues, no newspapers, no spokesman, no chapters, no local officers, no state or national officials. Its popularity came from its reputation. When the masks came off what was found was a chaotic multitude of anti-Black vigilante groups, disgruntled poor white farmers, wartime guerrilla bands, displaced democratic politicians, illegal whiskey distillers, coercive moral reformers, bored young men, sadists, rapists, white workmen fearful of black competition, employers trying to enforce labor discipline, common thieves, neighbors with decades-old grudges, and even a few freedmen and white republicans who allied with democratic whites or had criminal agendas of their own."
Abstract The Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln while the Civil War was still raging promised freedom and equality to blacks held in slavery, and led to high expectations among the millions of slaves living in the American South. But it also triggered the emergence of racist groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which used intimidation, brutality, and violence against blacks throughout the South. This paper discusses the effects of the virulent racism of the KKK and the support for this organization throughout the South, explaining that the KKK forced millions of blacks to live in fear, humiliation and hopeless despair for decades.
Abstract This paper explains that the current debate about the legitimacy of cross burning under state law has been a conflicting issue with the primary constitutional provisions, which protect a person's right to freedom of speech under the First Amendment. The author points out that the critical issue of racial intimidation by the Klu Klux Klan (KKK) in the case of "Virginia v. Black" provides a foundation for various leniencies by the Supreme Court to allow racial intimidation as a precursor for validating Virginia's laws, although they correctly struck down the statute of cross burning as a blanket prohibition against the cultural milieu of Christianity in the state. The paper concludes that the premise of racial intimidation portrays a contextual denial of the right to burn a cross at a KKK rally, but the religious nature of Virginia's law violated the Fist Amendment of the Constitution.
From the Paper "This perspective has brought great controversy over the use of derogatory language as a basis for intimidation, but since the Virginia law did not provide any type of deeper semantics to the issue of the "breach of peace" the Supreme Court deemed it unconstitutional to prevent cross burning. The premise of religious freedom took a precedence in this ruling, since the very language of the Constitution does not deny any type of freedom of religious expression, but only if it does not physically harm another person. Perhaps, the ruling of "Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire" goes against this form of intimidation as an exception."
Tags: state, klu klux klan, absolutism religious contextual
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the history of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), one of the most prominent of white supremacy organizations, describing how it emerged in the second half of the 19th century, flourished, declined and flourished again. Three upsurges of Klan movement are described, beginning with its foundation as a social club by ex-Confederates, and some of the atrocities committed by its die-hard members are mentioned. The writer provides the KKK's historical background and explains its ideology, which was based on Protestantism, membership in the early 20th century being limited to Protestants only. The paper concludes that although the Klan still exists, its influence is very limited and people from all classes are mostly against the organization.
Outline:
Emergence and Activities in the 19th Century
Resurrection of Movement in 1915
Civic Involvement
Religion
Racism
Hooded Violence
Decline and End of an Era
1950s and Beyond
From the Paper "The Ku Klux Klan was founded as a social club on May 31, 1866 in Pulaski, Tennessee by six ex-Confederate Army veterans who opposed the Republican's Reconstruction of the South. Its officers were called Supreme Head, Grand Cyclops, Chief of Dominion, Grand Commander, Commander and South Commander, among others. General Nathan B. Forrest was one of the early Grand Wizard with ten Genii assistants. A state was called a realm ruled by a Grand Dragon with eight hydras assistants. The ordinary members were called ghouls. Their meeting places were called Camps. The organisation was hierarchical and well-organized. The lower members only knew those people who gave them orders, never the true movers of the organisation. This ensured that the leaders would be shielded from the authorities while they kept abreast with all of the organisation's activities."
Abstract This paper discusses Birmingham, AL Public Safety Commissioner Eugene "Bull" Connor in 1961 Birmingham, AL. It gives the report on his connections to the KKK and involvement in attacks on the Freedom Riders of 1961 in Birmingham. This paper also tells of segregation in Birmingham and has direct quotes from Connor as well as other authoritative figures in Birmingham during the Civil Rights Movement.
From the Paper "During the year of 1961 one man managed to turn the universal police motto of "To Protect and Serve" into a mockery. That is, a mockery for a group of African-American students and Civil Rights leaders who were part of an organization called CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) as well as an entire community. This paper will take a look at the CORE sponsored "Freedom Rides" that challenged segregation in interstate travel facilities in Birmingham, Alabama and how then Commissioner of Public Safety Eugene "Bull" Connor was running the police force to the advantage of his personal racial beliefs. That is, to his advantage in opposition to such challenges as those that the Freedom Riders made on segregation. This analysis will expose Connor's ties to the Ku Klux Klan in Alabama when the Rides took place and will serve as an illustration of the kind of leadership that encouraged bigotry among the white citizens of Birmingham. It will also illustrate the kind of leadership that promoted love and harmony among the races through peaceful and non-violent protest of Connor's policies. Through the following summation of historical facts gathered through evidence one can easily see what the harsh reality of segregation was like in Birmingham during 1961 and how it relates to the Civil Rights Movement as a whole as well as Birmingham's history."
Tags: birmingham, civil, greyhound, john, klan, klux, ku, lewis, movement, racism, rights
Abstract This paper is written mostly from a subjective viewpoint regarding racism in the United States. The author describes his/her brush with racism, and talks a bit about some of the history of and groups behind organized racist activity. Conclusions are drawn about some of this activity by the author.
From the Paper "Racism has been a problem for hundreds of years. Has it gotten any better from what it used to be? A little, but it still plays a major problem in our society. I come from a small town, which is mostly white, so it's hard to still believe that the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is still up and going strong. My eyes were blinded by this stereotype I held. They are not just affecting people in the south, they have moved all over the states. Will it ever end, who's to say? My question I had before investigating this topic is: Does the KKK still have an affect on us this day in age? And if so, how far have they spread away from the South?"
Abstract This paper examines the 1920s and the social and economic changes of the decade. The author discusses the red scare, Ku Klux Klan, the stock market crash of 1929, trials of the century, isolationism, and xenophobia.
From the Paper "Americans, in the years following the end of the First World War, found themselves in a time where they wanted to isolate themselves from the problems of Europe and the rest of the world. The 1920's was a decade of unemployment, depression, wealth, success, communist take-over fears, and trials that changed the century. It was reasonably labeled as the Roaring Twenties. Post World War One America was an entirely different place compared to the one that existed before the war. The country had become a melting pot of isolationism, civil and racial conflict, prohibition, xenophobia, and social revolution."
Abstract The most influential and oldest white supremacist group in the US is the Ku Klux Klan that was formed in the aftermath of the American Civil War. In this paper the writer takes a detailed look at the background, history and aims of the organization. It also discusses the present state of the Klan and how far its influence still permeates in the US society. Includes very thorough outline.
From the Paper "Ever since the abolition of the slavery in the United States, sections of its white population have continued to believe in the superiority of the white race and resent the participation of the blacks in society and politics as equals. Various groups, organizations and societies have been formed since the end of the American Civil War ranging from white supremacist hate and terror groups to relatively harmless "all-white" social clubs. The most influential and oldest group is the Ku Klux Klan that was formed in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Although it is difficult to strictly categorize phases in the history of such a secretive organization as the Klan, it is generally agreed that there have been three distinct Klan eras in the past and we are perhaps in the midst of the fourth. There have been times in the US history when the Klan has enjoyed widespread membership and influence especially in its first and second phases."
Tags: racism, white, supremacy, lynch, history, civil, war, slave, vote
Abstract This paper examines race, racism and radicalism in the United States in the 1950s. The history of the KKK and other right-wing organizations is outlined. The emergence of the SDLC and SNCC is also examined.
Abstract In this paper, the film, "American History X", is analyzed to provide a clear perspective on the formation of biased ideas. Covering different manifestations of political socialization, the concept of resocialization and the behavior associated with these characters, one can see how people can be driven to these beliefs. Comparisons with several sociological texts on indoctrination and resocialization are provided.
From the Paper "Cameron Alexander could be considered the major persuasive element in American History X. He does a good job of being a "credible communicator", which according to Myers "is someone the audience perceives as credible and trustworthy" (Myers 2004, pg. 164). Cameron is a middle-aged propagandist who seeks to recruit Caucasians disillusioned by how other races are supposedly taking over America and adopts them into his "family", which makes it easy for Derek and Danny to look upon him as a father figure."
Abstract This paper offers an in-depth examination of Jefferson Davis's success as Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce and as a Senator from Mississippi, protecting slavery. It considers the question of why such a successful politician was a failure as President of the Confederacy. The paper examines a few of his failings as Confederate President, such as the concerns of small farmers and mismanagement of the Confederate Army.
From the Paper "Jefferson Davis has been viewed historically as both a hero for state's rights and a villain for his role as the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. Prior to the Civil War, Davis attended West Point and served as Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce. Davis also served a term in the Senate during which he opposed secession and attempted to consolidate a position on states rights that preserved the union. Following his resignation from the Senate after Mississippi's secession, Jefferson Davis served as President of the Confederate States of America, his primary role being the administration of the Confederate Army. Perhaps the most interesting thing we can learn about Jefferson Davis is how he was able to be successful as Secretary of War and Senator, but failed as President of the Confederacy. Of course, Jefferson Davis' duties as President of the Confederacy differed greatly from his prior responsibilities, and unfortunately, he simply lacked the capacity to effectively manage the embattled Confederate government."
