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sean_mann 's review for:
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
This is an incredibly important piece of US history, detailing the deep depravity of a conman who helped build up the KKK and the massive extent of the KKK's power at their height.
A few key points that stuck out to me:
1. The KKK may have lost the power they had at their height, but they achieved policy wins like a racist Immigration Act which continues to shape our country to the KKK's preference today.
2. The KKK relied heavily on protestant churches to spread their message and become influential/integrated into towns across the US. Much like the far right today, their leaders are willing to claim Christianity and use a twisted concept of morality to force others to do what they want, while never applying the same rules to themselves.
3. I didn't know the story about the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame beating up KKK rally attendees and driving them away.
4. As the author makes abundantly clear, this was not a straightforward example of good vs. evil with good triumphing in the end. Many good people were killed by the KKK and it took a huge effort to unmask them and convince the many people who went along with their hatred that it was no longer acceptable.
5. There have always been two justice systems. But also, the serial rapist, murderer, violent thug who was so influential in the KKK until he was imprisoned was eventually released and (after a few more run-ins with the law) settled down to live the last years of his life quietly with a new wife. I don't think he ever redeemed himself, but this speaks clearly to who we allow second and third chances and who we don't.
A few key points that stuck out to me:
1. The KKK may have lost the power they had at their height, but they achieved policy wins like a racist Immigration Act which continues to shape our country to the KKK's preference today.
2. The KKK relied heavily on protestant churches to spread their message and become influential/integrated into towns across the US. Much like the far right today, their leaders are willing to claim Christianity and use a twisted concept of morality to force others to do what they want, while never applying the same rules to themselves.
3. I didn't know the story about the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame beating up KKK rally attendees and driving them away.
4. As the author makes abundantly clear, this was not a straightforward example of good vs. evil with good triumphing in the end. Many good people were killed by the KKK and it took a huge effort to unmask them and convince the many people who went along with their hatred that it was no longer acceptable.
5. There have always been two justice systems. But also, the serial rapist, murderer, violent thug who was so influential in the KKK until he was imprisoned was eventually released and (after a few more run-ins with the law) settled down to live the last years of his life quietly with a new wife. I don't think he ever redeemed himself, but this speaks clearly to who we allow second and third chances and who we don't.