Who is the author of 'The Second Coming of the KKK'?

The author of 'The Second Coming of the KKK' is Linda Gordon.

What are the main themes in 'The Second Coming of the KKK'?

The main themes in 'The Second Coming of the KKK' include Social Justice Movements, History, Political History, Politics and Current Affairs.

What genre is 'The Second Coming of the KKK'?

'The Second Coming of the KKK' is categorized as Politics and Current Affairs, History.

What is the main focus of 'The Second Coming of the KKK' by Linda Gordon?

The main focus of 'The Second Coming of the KKK' by Linda Gordon is the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s, exploring its historical context, the social and political factors that contributed to its revival, and its impact on American society. The book examines the Klan's ideology, its appeal to various communities, and the ways in which it influenced national politics and race relations during that era.

How does Linda Gordon describe the historical context of the KKK in the book?

In "The Second Coming of the KKK," Linda Gordon provides a comprehensive historical context for the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) by discussing its origins in the post-Civil War South as a response to Reconstruction and the empowerment of African Americans. She explores the KKK's resurgence in the 1920s, highlighting its transformation into a national organization that embraced a broader agenda that included nativism, anti-Semitism, and moral conservatism. Gordon examines the societal fears and economic anxieties that fueled this revival and analyzes the Klan's influence on American politics, culture, and social dynamics, portraying it as a reactionary movement against progressive social changes.

What themes regarding racism and identity are explored in 'The Second Coming of the KKK'?

In 'The Second Coming of the KKK,' Linda Gordon explores several themes regarding racism and identity, including: White Supremacy and Nationalism: The book delves into how the KKK emerged as a response to perceived threats against white identity, particularly after the Civil War and during the Civil Rights Movement. It examines how white supremacist ideologies propagated fear and resentment among white Americans, framing races in opposition to each other. The Role of Identity: Gordon discusses how the KKK shaped and was shaped by notions of American identity. The KKK's narrative emphasized a specific version of American identity that excluded people of color and other marginalized groups, which had implications on collective societal identity. Resistance and Activism: The book also addresses the resistance to KKK ideologies, highlighting the struggles of various civil rights movements to counteract the racism perpetuated by the Klan. This theme of activism underscores the fight for equality and identity for marginalized groups. Gender and Family Dynamics: Gordon presents the role of women within the KKK, examining how race and gender intersect to form identities. Women in the KKK were often portrayed as both enforcers of racial purity and as victims of societal trends, complicating the understanding of identity within the organization. Historical Context and Memory: The book contextualizes the KKK within broader historical narratives, illustrating how memory and historical interpretations influence current understandings of race and identity in America. Gordon emphasizes that remembering the past is vital for addressing present-day racial issues.

What key points does Linda Gordon make about the impact of the KKK on American society?

In 'The Second Coming of the KKK', Linda Gordon discusses several key points regarding the impact of the KKK on American society: Racial and Ethnic Division: Gordon emphasizes how the KKK played a significant role in fostering racial and ethnic divides in America, particularly through its anti-immigrant and white supremacist ideologies. Political Influence: She highlights the KKK's substantial influence on American politics in the 1920s, where it not only gained support from local and state officials but also shaped public policy and law enforcement practices to align with its agenda. Cultural Resonance: Gordon explores the ways the KKK infiltrated American culture, promoting its ideals through media and public spectacles, thereby normalizing its messages of hatred and intolerance. Gender Roles: The book also discusses how the KKK leveraged traditional gender roles, promoting a notion of white womanhood while simultaneously using women as active participants in its movement, thereby affecting societal views on gender during that era. Legacy of Fear and Violence: Gordon argues that the KKK's activities contributed to a legacy of fear and violence that permeated American society, impacting community relations and leading to the systemic oppression of marginalized groups. Modern Echoes: Finally, she draws connections between the historical KKK and contemporary hate groups, suggesting that its legacy continues to influence current issues of racism and extremism in the U.S.

How does the book connect the actions of the KKK in the past to contemporary issues?

In 'The Second Coming of the KKK,' Linda Gordon explores the historical actions of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and draws parallels to contemporary issues of racism, xenophobia, and white supremacy in America. She highlights how the KKK, which gained prominence in the early 20th century, leveraged societal fears and economic anxieties to gain support, similar to the tactics used by modern hate groups. Gordon emphasizes that the ideologies promoted by the KKK, including nativism and racial purity, resurface in current political rhetoric and movements. By connecting past and present, Gordon illustrates how the legacy of the KKK continues to influence American society, exposing a persistent cycle of racism that challenges democratic values and civil rights.

The Second Coming of the KKK Book Summary

In 'The Second Coming of the KKK,' Linda Gordon uncovers the remarkable resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan during the 1920s, revealing how this notorious group reinvented itself amid a turbulent era of social change and racial tension. Gordon intricately traces the Klan's appeal to a broad range of Americans, showcasing their intertwining narratives of patriotism and bigotry. As the Klan sought a new identity, it leveraged modern media and mass rallies to spread its dangerous ideology across the nation. This gripping exploration not only tells the story of the Klan's revival but also examines its implications for contemporary society. Readers are left questioning how history echoes in today's world, making this a compelling read for those seeking to understand the roots of extremism.

By Linda Gordon

Published: 2017

""In the shadow of progress, old hatreds often find new life, revealing the cyclical nature of fear and ideologies that cling to power by pitting society against itself.""

Extraordinary national acclaim accompanied the publication of award-winning historian Linda Gordon’s disturbing and markedly timely history of the reassembled Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s. Dramatically challenging our preconceptions of the hooded Klansmen responsible for establishing a Jim Crow racial hierarchy in the 1870s South, this “second Klan” spread in states principally above the Mason-Dixon line by courting xenophobic fears surrounding the flood of immigrant “hordes” landing on American shores. “Part cautionary tale, part expose” (Washington Post), The Second Coming of the KKK “illuminates the surprising scope of the movement” (The New Yorker); the Klan attracted four-to-six-million members through secret rituals, manufactured news stories, and mass “Klonvocations” prior to its collapse in 1926--but not before its potent ideology of intolerance became part and parcel of the American tradition. A “must-read” (Salon) for anyone looking to understand the current moment, The Second Coming of the KKK offers “chilling comparisons to the present day” (New York Review of Books). 8 pages of illustrations

Linda Gordon is a distinguished American historian and author, renowned for her groundbreaking work on women’s rights, social movements, and the interplay between gender and politics in American history. Her notable works include "The Moral Property of Women: A History of Birth Control Politics in America," which explores the history of birth control and its impact on women's rights, and "The Second Coming of the KKK: The Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s and the American Political Tradition," which examines the rise of the Klan and its influence on American society. Gordon’s writing is characterized by her rigorous research, clear prose, and ability to interweave personal narratives with broader historical contexts, making her contributions both accessible and deeply insightful.

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