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sad...
but true.
posted by
julie_kristine
on April 27, 2007 at 1:25 PM
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Did you ever see the movie "Birth Of A Nation"??
It was an oldie (1915 or something like that) and considered a true classic. Extremely popular with a lot of people at the time. In that movie the Klan was considered by many as evoking the "proper white Christian values" needed in America. But then again they probably got their direction from the Bible that they all love so well. Because the book clearly states it's position on slavery; from owning them to how to deal with them.
Most "Bible thumpers" don't even realize that I guess. But they all know the quotes about "eye for and eye" and "sin" and "a man lying with another is an abomination" types of quotes, don't they?
posted by
David1Spirit
on April 27, 2007 at 9:33 AM
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I agree with the underlying point very strongly.
People use the Bible to give themselves authority - from God, no less. Very sad.
posted by
Antonionioni
on April 27, 2007 at 8:21 AM
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A point of historical correction, Gome...
Immediately in the aftermath of the American Civil War, there was wholesale exploitation of the civilian survivors in the South. A lot of ex-slaves were roaming about with little knowledge of how to function in a "free" society, and carpetbaggers were using every trick in the book to enrich themselves at the expense of the locals. Without offering any excuses for subsequent excesses by the KKK, originally, it was established to form a wall of protection for the white locals, especially women and girls, from savage retaliatory attacks by freed blacks and vicious exploitation by carpetbaggers. The white hooded trappings were specifically designed (1) to terrorize the primitive blacks, and (2) to hide the perpetrators' identities from the local Union authorities.
Otherwise, everything you wrote is tragically true. It was a difficult time for everybody. I don't think it helps to paint this history with too broad a brush.
posted by
arGee
on April 27, 2007 at 7:35 AM
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very good
posted by
Xeno-x
on April 27, 2007 at 5:38 AM
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That GD...
Is one of my favorite arguments against religion. Great post.
posted by
Transcendental_Child
on April 27, 2007 at 2:54 AM
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