Review: The Second Coming of the KKK
The three incarnations of the KKK each have a distinct character wrapped around manifestation of the parts of American society that resist change and exploit fear. My description may sound a little timid for an institution that is universally reviled – and I revile it – but the strongest elements of Linda Gordon’s The Second Coming of the KKK explain how Klan leaders presented it to the nation as a normal institution. The second (major) incarnation was the most visible and politically influential one. At a time when our leaders openly demean citizens based on their race, or their origin, or similar sources of otherness, Gordon’s study of the history is essential.
The current xenophobic forces in the country and world are not the KKK, but the tools and motivations that its leaders used to expand the institution’s influence are all clearly visible in today’s news.
Gordon’s history is extensively researched and clearly articulated. She breaks out her analysis topically rather than chronologically. That helps separate the concerns but does somewhat obscure the narrative arc. That said, exploring the mechanisms and driving forces of the expansion are telling. The 1920’s KKK (the second coming) was equal parts fraternal organization, terror group, and multi-layered marketing scheme. She picks each of these elements (and a couple more) apart deftly and cleanly. Watching and understanding those wheels is enlightening.
Of course the most mortifying thing about both the 20’s KKK and the current fear-mongering is that citizens embrace it. To me, the elements that the Klan leaders present are combinations of rationalizations, appeals to avarice, raising false fears, and appeals to the herd mentality. On the other hand, people – and I’m a person – always respond to them. I would be delighted if Coming presented some kind of remedy, but the 20’s Klan pretty much burned itself out. There’s some solace in that, but I’d rather have a clearer path.
In any case, there is much to learn from Second Coming.
Recommended.