NCJ Number
122013
Journal
Southern Exposure Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1980) Pages: 8-13
Date Published
1980
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The Ku Klux Klan has tended to gain influence during periods of economic and social turmoil, and its influence has been countered by concerted efforts to deal with socioeconomic problems on a rational and cooperative basis.
Abstract
The strength of the Klan was challenged in both the 1930's and 1960's by strong mass movements with solid answers to social and economic problems. Simultaneously, there was a strong offensive against the ideology of racism. The current resurgence of the Klan feeds on another period of social and economic turmoil, as rewarding jobs for youth have decreased, cities are in decay, school systems are deteriorating, and the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. A society which cannot provide answers for its citizens' needs maintains order through repression. Part of the repression is a scapegoat ideology that targets minority groups as the cause of socioeconomic problems experienced by the majority. The scapegoat ideology touted by the Ku Klux Klan must be challenged by constructive socioeconomic policy that encourages cooperation among all segments of society to upgrade the living standards of all citizens.