HATE GROUPS AND FEAR
Autumn Brower · ETC.: A Review of General Semantics · 2009
The Ku Klux is made up of many chapters that promote a movement towards racial segregation and white supremacy, according to the Anti-Defamation League. The KKK has the largest number of organized hate groups in America; it is considered to have around 5,000 members nation-wide (ADL, 2008). Originally, the KKK focused on being anti-African American, but that has changed to include aggressive hatred towards homosexuals, select Christians, immigrants, and Jews, as well. (2) The Southern Poverty Law Center states that the number of hate groups that are believed to be operating in America has risen by 48% since 2000 (SPLC, 2007). The internet is often looked at for playing a big part in the rise of people joining hate groups and how easy it is to access these hate group websites via the internet in the privacy of our own homes. For example, Hateforum.com is a web site for hate group members of all kinds to exchange ideas and experiences. The Ku Klux uses the internet to recruit new members through websites that display symbols, colors and music that potential members find alluring. ... white supremacists and others in the hate movement use symbols swastikas, 'SS' thunderbolts, runes and group logos to intimidate individuals and communities. Hate symbols are more than just 'signs' demonstrating racist, anti-Semitic and anti-Christian attitudes and beliefs -these symbols are meant to instill a sense of fear and insecurity ... These symbols give haters a sense of power and belonging, and a quick way of identifying with others who share their ideology (ADL). The symbolism used by the hate groups extends to a representation of their message, as well. (words) symbolizes the KKK's main slogan, We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children. This slogan is words long, so the number 14 is not only a symbol, but it is also an accelerated and catchy way to get the message into potential members' heads, as well as ensuring greater ease in which to pass the message on to others. The KKK gets little financial support; much of it comes from the sale of paraphernalia and membership fees (ADL). So, the ability for members to get their message out is imperative for recruitment. This is done through free advertising by its members, such as tattoos, music, and goods, that promote KKK slogans and symbols (ADL). Klan jams are often used to unite members of groups and promote their message as well. The KKK gets their message out through both meetings amongst themselves or by joining with other racist, skin-head or neo-Nazi groups that share a similar message (ADL). The ADL writes, Many Ku Klux groups have attempted to take advantage of that fear and uncertainty, using anti-immigration sentiments for recruitment and propaganda purposes, and to attract publicity. In order for the KKK to get their message out and recruit, they need to appeal to values such as belonging and control. Symbols, slogans, rhymes, and other affective connotations provide a quick way to feel a part of a group. Slanting techniques, such as repetitiveness and associations used with words, are also alluring to people looking for a group that will approve of misplaced anger and even like that side of them that they may have been led to believe is unacceptable by their parents, schools, and/or communities. In the film, Faces of the Enemy (Jersey & Friedman, 1987), we see how it's the idea, not the gun, that is the most powerful weapon. This underlies the concept that our language and thinking really do determine who and what we become. Faces of the Enemy also shows how people who are feeling threatened or who feel their life is crumbling are more likely to look to hate groups for a sense of belonging and control. …