Question of the Existence of the Ku Klux Klan

Many people question the existence of the Ku Klux Klan these days. The Ku Klux Klan became an organization of institutional race hatred after the Civil War in 1866 in Pulaski, Tennessee (Salem Press Encyclopedia, 2014). It would seem like it could be something from the past and the older generations but according to Selepak & Sutherland (2012) the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is one of the most recognized white supremacist groups around the world. The KKK is divided into different organizations, and has been around for more than 150 years. Therefore, it is important to study their history and seek for solutions to improve society as a whole.

Form and strive

The most essential piece of information to learn about the Ku Klux Klan is the type of individuals that conform these groups. The Ku Klux Klan is formed and obtain its power from white people who want the white preeminence to prevail, while minorities suffer their rage in grate scales. Throughout the years the Ku Klux Klan adapted to age changing, and portray their beliefs in different ways, but with the same objective. In present days, mainstream is their primary type of communication and recruitment source. These groups try to increase their growth by promoting Christian beliefs and same political viewpoint, and offer solutions to white supremacy issues. For example, loss of jobs, protect themselves from non-white immigrants and black-on-white crime, and the loss of white culture (Selepak & Sutherland, 2012). In other words, the are rebranding their organization which makes it appear as a pro-white organization instead of a racist hate group.

Prevalence

Regardless of how many years the Ku Klux Klan has been around, it is still one of the strongest group. The SPLC reported 34 active Klan groups with 155 chapters in 2007, and significant growth by 2010 with 29 different Klan organizations and 221 chapters in the United States alone (Selepak & Sutherland 2012, para 2). Some of these groups decide to come together to create an even larger and more powerful group. It is incredible how in 2018 these groups still have many members but a good explanation would be the amount of money these groups collected. It is estimated to have a profit in the state of Indiana alone near to $4.4 million (in 2011 dollars) annually for the national Klan leader, $2.6 million for the head of the Indiana Klan and over $330,000 each for the national head salesman (Fryer & Levitt, 2012, para 10). The revenue from the Klan can be one of the main motive to keep these groups alive, it is a win win situation for them.

Conformity

Conformity is the peer pressure laid on the KKK members to fit into their antisocial behaviors (Huffman & Dowdell, 2015). They put big pressure on their members to follow their beliefs. Also, many members are influenced by other member's relationships within the group. Competition is one of the motives. When people come together to conform these groups, they want to see the out-groups loose and stay on top of them at any cost (Selepak & Sutherland, 2012).

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