"The Klan" tells the story of the author's trek across the South and details the conversations she had with many active in the Klan movement. The first half of the book concentrates on her experiences with some of the minor figures in the movement. Most of these (Grand Dragons- statewide Klan leaders) were small personalities with half-formed ideas about racial inferiority and a half-baked sense of some "Jewish Conspiracy". Many of the subjects are poor and poorly educated. As the book progresses, Sims begins to reap the benefits of making connections within this marginalized culture. She begins to meet with some of the men jockeying for the national leadership of the various Klans (men like Robert Shelton, David Duke, and James Venerable). These types come off as much more eloquent, soft-spoken and professional about their racist views. And they are portrayed in a balanced way, with a genuine interest into their characters as men and leaders. Along the way, Sims picks up anecdotes about the history and significant events associated with the movement.

Using primary sources Sims presents an interesting window into the way these people view our society. There is ample speculation about membership numbers circa 1976 (the year in which much of the book was originally written), but the secrecy of the organization makes it impossible to find the truth.
Although those presented are the most radical examples of this brand of thought, I would venture to guess that a lot of lower and middle class whites in America have engaged in some watered down form of this thinking. I found myself confronting some of the perceptions and stereotypes I carry around with me, both about blacks AND whites.

The story of the Klan(s) is one of infighting, backstabbing and incompetence. But it is also about the very real frustrations, fears, and passions these people bring to the race issue in their everyday lives. It must have been very difficult for the author to remain openminded and hear what they had to say. I think she was able to make a fairly valiant effort.

"The Klan" tells the story of the author's trek across the South and details the conversations she had with many active in the Klan movement. The first half of the book concentrates on her experiences with some of the minor figures in the movement. Most of these (Grand Dragons- statewide Klan leaders) were small personalities with half-formed ideas about racial inferiority and a half-baked sense of some "Jewish Conspiracy". Many of the subjects are poor and poorly educated. As the book progresses, Sims begins to reap the benefits of making connections within this marginalized culture. She begins to meet with some of the men jockeying for the national leadership of the various Klans (men like Robert Shelton, David Duke, and James Venerable). These types come off as much more eloquent, soft-spoken and professional about their racist views. And they are portrayed in a balanced way, with a genuine interest into their characters as men and leaders. Along the way, Sims picks up anecdotes about the history and significant events associated with the movement.

Using primary sources Sims presents an interesting window into the way these people view our society. There is ample speculation about membership numbers circa 1976 (the year in which much of the book was originally written), but the secrecy of the organization makes it impossible to find the truth.
Although those presented are the most radical examples of this brand of thought, I would venture to guess that a lot of lower and middle class whites in America have engaged in some watered down form of this thinking. I found myself confronting some of the perceptions and stereotypes I carry around with me, both about blacks AND whites.

The story of the Klan(s) is one of infighting, backstabbing and incompetence. But it is also about the very real frustrations, fears, and passions these people bring to the race issue in their everyday lives. It must have been very difficult for the author to remain openminded and hear what they had to say. I think she was able to make a fairly valiant effort.

This has got to be the most comprehensive look at the Klan that I have ever read. Her subjects talk to her as if they aren't afraid to reveal their secrets. It takes a talented author to make a klansman reveal the kind of stuff that is related in this book.