Chapter 7... Defying The Ku Klux Klan.

Defying the Ku Klux Klan is a chapter that shed light on a group that in some ways shaped America. May it be good or bad.                                                                           

Escapedtowisconsin Photo/Paul M. Walsh

Photo of The KKK preparing to burn a cross a common ritual for them.        

 

The chapter also speaks of Joesph Pulitzer the man behind the early years of the "New York World." This paper was his defense against the on slot of KKK taking over.

 

A photo of The "New World" newspaper'http://johnkemeny.com/blog/?p=331

  

The KKK started in 1915 in ATL by a man named Joesph Simmons. As he held his bible and led a troop of men up a stony trail, he set a pine cross a blaze. He told these men to vow an allegiance to the knights of The Ku Klux Klan.To them the KKK was a fraternity a brotherhood of some sorts. The Klan even recruited like a frat.

A real Frats recruitment.
http://www.kappasigma.org/merch/rushstore

Almost identical recruitment posters.http://www.brasilescola.com/historiag/ku-klux-klan.htm

The Klans men made a war on Jews, Blacks, immigrants, and Catholics. But The New World paper decided they were not gonna take this war sitting down. Joesph Pulitzer decided to write a posts in the paper with the headline "Ku Klux Klan Exposed!!" Where he wrote that the Klan was a big financial scam, and that they were a thriving business that made their sales in hatred and bigotry. When I read this I feel it's very reminiscent of the gossip rags of today, but just as effective as the NY Times. There were two other papers that helped in the aid of the tyrant Klan. They were Commercial Appeal and The Montgomery Advertiser. Even though the New York World set the stage these newspaper help get it a standing ovation. With their convictions being they were in heavy Klan oriented areas and still preserved what they wanted  is what kept the fight strong.

Even though the Klan is dwindling they still very much exist.They mainly stay in the Bible belt where it all started, and they try and recruit and make waves. Here's a video of a rally they had in 2010 in ATL exactly where they started take notice of how they are...

They are not the only one's still kicking. The New York World has gotten a reboot as well!! This past March Colombia University started the digital version of New York World. They're writing new posts with some of its old contents here's a link to the post.  http://shortformblog.tumblr.com/post/5544512994/new-york-world-columbia-university. This chapter leaves you with lots to think of. How does what we came from to where we are make you feel? Another question how does it feel to know that a battle that started in the early 1900s still hold a candle to some of the battles of today? We must do better...