The Hatred of the Klu Klux Klan in Nightriding with the Klan, Written by Jim Carnes

Hatred, violence, and pure evil are some words that can describe one of the most infamous

hate organizations of all time, the Ku Klux Klan. Their idea to persecute and sometimes resort to

violence show how evil a human can may be. According to Tiger Knowles in Nightriding with

the Klan, written by Jim Carnes, African Americans were "worthless" and "useless" (103) in his

eyes. Often time’s people may say something that is stereotypical but not meant to be malicious.

These words do not even compare to the hatred of the Ku Klux Klan. Klan members would

often resort to vigilantism and violence to rid African Americans of their society. For many

years this organization instilled fear among African Americans in the United States. Still after

reconstruction efforts and the civil rights era the Ku Klux Klan continues to be an immoral issue

and a problem in modern day America.

The Ku Klux Klan, commonly referred to as the KKK or simply the Klan, dates back to the

immediate days after the civil war according to Carnes Nightriding with the Klan (103). During

the early days of their existence white southerners continued to discriminate African Americans

even after the civil war. According to Jim Carnes Nightriding with the Klan the members of the

organization sought to "preserve southern tradition" (106). When the people of the United States

would try to unite racially segregated peoples, the Ku Klux Klan has done nothing but attempt

to stop the progress by any means necessary, which even includes violence. Many feared that

the KKK was too violent, General Meade was in charge of suppressing their power according to

the Memphis Daily Avalanches' article "The Military and the Southern Secret Societies". Raids...

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...emacy of the

white race" and in this time period membership skyrocketed and the beliefs that they had were

often tolerated (Carnes 106). Soon the KKK would once again disband at the hands of the great

depression and all the financial problems that came with it. The civil rights movement also dealt

yet another crushing blow to what was left of the KKK.

The KKK didn’t limit their intolerance to only African Americans. Often times Asians,

Jews, and Catholicism in its entirety were often scrutinized by the KKK for their beliefs and

appearances. Although not as violent and infamous as they were to African Americans were

often targets of harassment and criticism. Today few follow in the footsteps of the original

Klansmen. Those few are dedicated to their cause and are dedicated by any means to carry out

their goals, motivated by their hate and evilness.