'The KKK Isn't Racist Anymore' Or So They Say

In an effort to combat declining membership numbers, KKK members claim the group is no longer a hate group. Members claim that the group no longer promotes hate but serves to address national issues such as immigration and outsourcing of U.S. jobs.

Commentator Stephen Colbert pointed out the oddity that the numbers of KKK members are diminishing when the total membership for all hate groups is on the rise. Apparently there is competition for individuals who publicly declare their dislike of others. Watch Stephen Colbert's take on this new development in the KKK here.

Colbert advised the group to revamp their image if they truly want to increase membership. He suggested that they wear "I Heart Black People" shirts along with their Klan hoods.  He also told them to replace the white hoods with clear dry cleaner bags to be kept in place with rubber bands. Picture it or check out the graphic Colbert displayed during his segment.

Read more here.

Lions and Tigers and Klan - Oh, My!

It looks like KKK membership is on the rise in America.  And the composition of its members is changing too.   

One Imperial Grand Wizard claims that group membership has been on a steady increase over the past few years, saying that "I'm really pleased with the kind of people we're getting in - college-educated, professionals, teachers - even a couple congressmen. People would be amazed to know who I've talked with at midnight in isolated areas - it's almost comical."

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) confirmed that there has been an increase in what it calls "radical right groups" since 2010. Among these, the SPLC includes hate groups, nativist groups, and "Patriot" groups.  

The SPLC attributes the rise in hate to "resentment over the changing racial demographics of the country, frustration over the government's handling of the economy, and the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories and other demonizing propaganda aimed at various minorities."

The SPLC notes that in 2010, there were more than 1,000 documented hate groups in the country. This was a 7.5% rise from 2009.

Perhaps most disturbing is the fact that 2010 was the first time in three decades that more than one thousand active hate groups existed.  

If you want to know if there are any active hate groups near you, go here to check out the Hate Map.

[Here's to hoping that none of your Congress persons are members.]