“Racism is the greatest threat to man: the greatest hatred for the least reason,” —Abraham Joshua Heschel. Racism has plagued society since the beginning of time, and as Heschel explained, it is one of humanity's greatest downfalls. As social animals; Human beings have a natural desire to relate to each other and to group together. Collaborating with others has many benefits, such as starting a family or overcoming natural disasters, but; often this desire to connect has led to superiority complexes and severe racism. History shows that failure to accommodate differences can lead to horrific wars and unrest. An example of a time when a group of everyday people used racism to connect is the American Ku Klux Klan. Although the Ku Klux Klan has become less problematic over the years, it still exists and has the potential to expand. The Ku Klux Klan was founded shortly after the American Civil War in 1866 and was widespread in most Southern states by 1870. The group was driven by violence and racism to fight the postwar equality legislature that was beginning to approve in Congress. Since then, the Klan has had a long history that has impacted America on many levels. Recently there has been a strong effort to end their irrational and destructive behavior towards African Americans, Hispanics, Jews, homosexuals and many others. After the civil war the entire country suffered a great loss of life and industry. Entire cities were destroyed, putting a strain on the economy; the South was particularly affected by the war. Immediately after the war the Klan saw much activity in an attempt to bring to power Democrats who would not support the advancement of former slaves. Finally, by the late 1880s, the South seemed to be increasingly middle of the paper…traveling the world on a daily basis. In 1960, interracial marriage was illegal in many states and accounted for less than 1 percent of marriages. In 2010, more than 8 percent of all marriages were interracial. Another example of a changing society is the integration of schools and workplaces in America, for more than forty years it has been illegal to segregate schools and have an all-white workforce, thanks to acts like Affirmative Action. In conclusion, the world is changing every day and the days when one group could spread hate so freely are over. Although the Ku Klux Klan has become less of an issue over the years, it still exists and has the potential to expand. Organizations like the Ku Klux Klan may have been influential in the past, but it is the passion for justice that current and future generations have that will keep the Klan in steady decline.
tags