During the time period called the Roaring twenties huge changes came to pass. Women got the right to vote, music changed, people started dancing, drinking, going to see entertainment, etc. Most of this happened in big cities, away form the rural America. The opinions on the Roaring twenties varied widely. A large population who did not live in cities found this change unsettling. They enjoyed living simply, and found such change to be hateful, scary, and completely un- christian. It is important to realize that during this time period many Americans were also firm believers, a point of emphasis the Ku Klux made sure to bring up. During this time period, 9.7 percent of the population was of immigrant parents, and the numbers kept rising per year. This was one of the main problems that the Clan addressed, and one possible cause for the enormous uprising and power the clan gained in the 1920s. The clan's purpose was to make America go back to 'how it was before', and idea not at all new. They did this by attacking immigrants, African Americans, and anyone who did not fit into the WASP racial category. The Ku Klux Clan was known for their white cloaks that covered the person's face. This was a tactic of fear or terrorism, because anyone could be in the clan, even town officials.
Many Americans had views against immigrants, change, and cities, but not all of them were necessarily murderers at heart. One way the clan attracted members was through nationalism and Christianity. As seen in class, the initiation process was done with an American flag and a Christian cross. This helped people feel less guilty about their actions. They felt that they were supported by God, and that he excused them because their cause was worthy. Many Americans were also extremely nationalistic and patriotic. So when the clan showed they were fighting for America, the members felt their actions were excused.
I also believe that Americans joined the Klu Klux Klan as they could get their anger out on people who could have interfered with their goals and way of life without being caught or identified. In class today we learned that no one knew who was in the clan, it could be there father who initiated them and they would have no clue. This gave people a sense of security when executing their anger towards immigrants and African Americans. I also think that the reason people joined was that people do not like change. As you said above, people who did not live in cities didn't find the change America was going through. When people are comfortable and used to their environment and it changes for good or bad, they will begin to feel uncomfortable and immediately want it back even if the change was a good one. I believe like mentioned above, is a prime reason the KKK grew in popularity during the huge surges of changes occurring throughout the United States in the 1920's.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. The KKK is just an excuse for people to take out their anger on an easy target.
DeleteI find it really interested how you connected this and came to this conclusion. I agree that people usually do not like change, in fact I am learning in psychology class right now about something called the belief bias, which is where people ignore evidence that contradicts their beliefs and readily believe evidence that confirms their already set beliefs. I am wondering how this kind of bias benefits people and how this kind of mind power created a group like the KKK.
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