The KU KLUX KLAN

Someone once said whether its good press or bad press there both good press. I think for the KKK it was a different story. The KKK was a fraternity that shared "american values" although it didnt quite outlive a decade. They participated in marches,rally's, and all different gatherings in hopes to expand there name nationwide. What the KKK didn't know is that they wouldnt have the backing and support of the fourth estate like they wished. For anyone who knows journalism, you always want the fourth estate on your side to be successful.

The KKK began in Atlanta in the fall of 1915. William Joseph Simmons along with a dozen men gathered in a march that would soon be known as The Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. They marched with the American flag whipping in the wind as a simmons led the men that night in Georgia. As the decade unfolded the klan experienced more support and grew bigger, but by the end of the decade the power they once had faded into history. Although the KKK got much attention this was not the firt sightings of the group. A group also known as the KKK exsisted in 1866 but only lasted a few years before they dissapeared. By 1924 the Klan had reached a number of 4 million members as well as being a profitable group at that. Simmons had at that time what would be called "marketing moguls"behind him in support. Their names were Edward Clark and Elizabeht Tyler. These two alone brought in around $30,000 a week for the KKK and promoted the group by using slogans like "100 percent americans", and "pure womanhood". Its clear now that their motive was to brainwash people into believing if they weren't apart of this movement they were helping demolish american values and participating in social reform.

The KKK at this time thought that they were ontop of the world and that they would only grow from here. What they didnt know is that Joseph Pulitzer had gotten wind of the reform and was ready to move in on them, full speed. "Ku Klux Klan Exposed!" was the name of Pulitzer's piece in The New York World. the article consisted of quotes such as " the KKK has become a vast enterprise, doing a thriving business in the systematic sale of race hatred, religous bigotry, and '100 percent' anti-Americanism". As I chime in I could not agree more with this statement. America is all about being equal and sharing equal rights and excepting everyone from every race,culture, and religion. Its crazy to me that one man thought his idea of this could be long lived. The New York World was such a successful magazine it held more than 2 million readers daily. I think its safe to say you did not want them putting negative press about you in their magazines. The articles focused on artwork to keep the readers attention and used eye popping questions to draw attention. As things began to get nasty betweent the klan and the World the paper went as far as contacting officials and making them go on record as either opposing or supporting the Klan.

The Pulitzer Prize was awarded to aritcles and efforts against the KKK but what was more rewarding to people was the positice efforts they had on communities. The New York World, Memphis Commercial Appeal, and Montgomery Advertiser where all winners of this satisfaction. Although earlier I said that any press is good press The World played a part in promoting the Klan yet at the same time stopped it from taking hold on the largest urban city, New York City. Without the support of the fourth estate to stop the movement of racism and hate, who knows what the KKK could have accomplished. It is important to realize that sometimes although we have a voice it is not always heard. Sometimes we need a little help from the media to get our ideas and thoughts across in a quick and positive way. I chose this chapter because its hard to remember that press and media werent always about celebrities and gossip. There are still journalists that exsist who use their resources and power for important world changing issues.

Streitmatter, Rodger. Mightier Than The Sword. Philidelphia, PA: Westview Press, 1997. Print

Pictures: Courtesy of the Library of Congress