When you think of the KKK, racial integration is not exactly the first thing that comes to mind; in fact, most of you may think of the opposite. This isn’t exactly unexpected considering the organization’s long history of white supremacy and racism in general, but soon all of that may change. The KKK is expanding its horizons and opening its doors to – wait for it – Jews, gays, Hispanics, and blacks.
In a move that literally no one saw coming, the new KKK, which is now calling itself the Rocky Mountain Knights, organized a summit with multiple civil rights groups in an attempt to encourage African Americans to join the organization. And it worked. The shift in direction spearheaded by John Abarr, who identifies as an ex-white supremacist, went on to organize yet another summit taking place next summer that will involve multiple religious groups as well as the NAACP. Some members of the NAACP have already expressed interest in joining the “RMK” should the peace summit take place, but there are still some who doubt the legitimacy of the new acceptance policy. Some members of the Human Rights Network have dismissed the move as a “farce,“ claiming that they are attempting to gain mass appeal by appearing more moderate in their historically unpopular beliefs.
Abarr himself ran as a Republican for Montana’s seat in the US House of Representatives in 2011, but was struck down for his racist beliefs. Since then, he has denounced his white-supremacy, renamed the KKK, and also made said organization (which was basically founded on the principle of being as racist as possible, all day every day) open its doors to the very demographics that it was founded to hate. This hasn’t sat well with the official leader of the KKK, Bradley Jenkins (who makes people refer to him as the Imperial Wizard), who said: “That man’s going against everything the bylaws of the constitution of the KKK say. He’s trying to hide behind the KKK to further his political career.” Hell, who knows, maybe Jenkins is on point, but if Abarr has the capacity to make an organization like the KKK pull a complete 180, maaaaaaaaybe he deserves a chance in the House of Representatives. I mean it’s not as though their approval ratings can get much lower.
Source:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ku-klux-klan-opens-its-doors-hispanic-blacks-jews-gays-1473907
Lainie R • Dec 11, 2014 at 12:27 pm
The very existence of the KKK relies on a history of hatred, prejudice, and systemic violence towards minority groups. I really don’t understand how recruiting these same groups makes the organization any better or even “less worse.”John Abarr’s efforts to “moderate” the KKK are a thinly veiled attempt to mainstream these beliefs in a way that not only disrespects the oppressed groups it has harmed in the past, but delegitimizes the suffering that they have endured – and that’s a huge problem. Though I get your logic, see the point you are attempting to make about the importance of compromise, and am well assured that no one at MDO condones or accepts racism, that is not why I find this article offensive. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my concerns.
Michael Houle • Dec 9, 2014 at 11:23 am
I understand your qualms with this article but let’s actually look at the implications at work here. A huge part of governmental influence comes from an ability to compromise with the opposing side, be it Democrats or Republicans, and get them to concede to your demands despite it not actually being what they want to do. This is how progress is made.
With the current state of affairs in Congress and the unwillingness of either side to give even an inch to their competitor, we’ve reached a point of stagnation where no real change can occur due to constant clashes.
Enter John Abarr. This is a guy who took THE KKK and made it not only consider, but actively accept Hispanics, blacks, etc. into the organization. Is the rest of the KKK happy with it? Hell no. Is it happening anyway? You betcha. (Take note, this is where the humor comes into play.) So here we have this guy making beneficial changes surrounded by a group that is opposed to what he is doing, but allowing it to happen anyway. This is what needs to happen in our government (House of Reps, Senate, etc.) but isn’t. The implication that some ex-klan member is better suited to cause progress in our government than the people who are currently running it is absolutely ridiculous. Yes, it’s a total stretch to say that. That is the point. Rest assured we here at the MDO do not condone racism, and have been known to shake our fingers sternly at those that do.
Lainie R • Nov 23, 2014 at 11:10 pm
Really not ok to suggest that anyone affiliated with the KKK should have any position of power.. I understand where this article is coming from but it’s not a responsible piece of journalism and is frankly really disappointing.