Tuesday, September 18, 2007

WKKKWKKK
The WKKK or Women's Ku Klux Klan was one of a number of auxiliaries of the Ku Klux Klan. Analysis of the WKKK is sparse, but some studies estimate the WKKK had over 4 million members by 1925. In Indiana it is estimated 32% of white native-born women were members of the WKKK. Their work was largely promulgated through networks in the Protestant Church, the YWCA, and a variety of "vice squad organizations".
David Usher writes in numerous searchable online media: "After the 19th amendment was passed, WKKK feminists no longer needed the Klan for political power, and turned their sights towards the use of sexual imagery to control white men too. In the 1920's a congressional investigation found that a woman by the name of Elizabeth Tyler was running the KKK. She assumed control by making allegations of sexual improprieties against the Grand Dragon."
In her book "Women of the Klan" Kathleen M. Blee notes that "gender and sexuality were compelling symbols in the two largest waves of the KKK, those of the 1860s and the 1920s. "The early klan emphasized the need to protect the sanctity of "white womanhood".
Black men were profiled as innately violent, abusive and rapists and this encouraged violence and discrimination of black men as portrayed in the film Rosewood.
The murder, shootings, lynching and displacement of Blacks in areas surrounding Rosewood, Florida was precipitated by a false rape allegation by a white woman and a parade and rally of over 100 hooded klansmen in the nearby Klan Stronghold of Gainesville, Florida under a burning cross and a banner reading, "First and Always Protect Womanhood." women's and gender (and gay) studies, illustrates the inverse relationship between the decline of the Klan and the rise of feminist agendas. Blee's extensive analysis of the WKKK concludes it converged into radical feminist agendas of the 1960's and simply excluded 'black' from the old WKKK demogoguery. Critics of feminism view radical feminist propaganda and legislature such as the VAWA as fueling similar profiling, sexual symbolism, and encouraging false allegations against all men.
Unsourced critics of Blee's data collection and analysis techniques claim that much of her research was based on often dubious recollections and accuse her of manipulating data to fit her viewpoint (just as supporters may allege that criticism of her analysis to fit the critic's viewpoint). Many of her interviewees were elderly and related childhood incidents.
While the WKKK also invoked traditions of chivalry in men to protect women, feminists simultaneously redefined the corresponding role and code of honor for women. The technique of using lurid and disturbing sexual imagery and often false accusations of sexual offenses was a key element of the WKKK.

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