Nonfiction- A Controversial Topic

BOOK COVER

They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group

Now before beginning to talk about my book, I would like to explain the reason for why I picked this book. I am not promoting the ideas of the Ku Klux Klan, however I do believe that reading true accounts of what had really happened will benefit me. I have gained new information and ideas from events that have occurred. The reason I chose this book was because I had heard about the
things that they had done in the Color Of Water, and I wanted to learn more. The KKK was a violent organization and I wanted to know the 'why's' behind things. 

Why were they doing this?

Who were they really?

What made them pick certain people as targets?

I have read a little less than half way into the book and I can already tell that the KKK was something people feared. They feared their lives would be taken as a result of this rowdy group. Now I understand that they just started out as 6 rowdy boys, but soon (this is foreshadowed) they turn into a gang of boys looking to cause trouble, trouble that could lead to a short life. I, also, know that as of right now they are disguised. I see this on the cover, as well as the fact that they explain this in the book. They look ghostly. Coincidence? I think not. Usually, ghosts (not like Casper the Ghost) are scary, and you are supposed to be scared of them.  I think that maybe the KKK had an underlying meaning to wearing the sheets, they were trying to portray themselves as people whom other people should fear. 

Now for predictions, because this is a nonfiction book and all of these events actually occurred, I can take my background information and infer what the book will say. I have learned a little bit about the KKK from English Class because Ruth from the Color of Water explain how the dark-skinned people had to be fearful of the KKK riding in at night on their horses, looking to make trouble. I also have learned a tad about the KKK from History. This book took it in depth. My predictions are that the book will take the personal accounts to a new level by interviewing those of many races. They will interview people that the KKK may have been racist towards. Maybe talking about how they had to be scared everywhere they went and having to be cautious of their surroundings because there were these groups that could strike whenever and however they wanted. This is a sensitive topic because the idea that this 'gang' was discriminating racially, and this could lead to controversy. 

Race is sensitive because it is something you can't change. And so when you are discriminated against or treated at an inequity with others, you feel left out and you feel like you don't belong. Well, the KKK is an exact example of this because they belittled people based on their race and based on things that they cannot change. You are supposed to be proud of your race, you are supposed to be proud to be you! Don't be ashamed of who you are, nor should you let others judge who you are. YOU are YOU. I hope that this book can convey this message, no matter how subtle. Because this will be more than just a book of events, it could be something to teach the readers; to teach the readers about life. Like I said, the lesson is so extremely important, and I hope that everyone is able to understand it thoroughly, maybe Dr. Seuss has a better explanation of this lesson.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” -Dr. Suess

I hope to get a lot more out of reading this book rather than just facts. I would like an understanding of why they did what they did, and I would love to see the author hint towards a lesson. 

Link to the Author's 

biography: 

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/susan-campbell-bartoletti