SOCIOLOGY 322: MINORITIES IN THE U.S. STUDY

QUESTIONS FOR "BLOOD IN THE FACE"

 

 

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            James Ridgeway is a highly respected investigative jour­nalist whose most recent book, Blood in the Face, addresses the racism and anti-Semitism of the far right. After reading the book and learning how such radical groups as the Klan, Aryan Nations, the Order, and Posse Comitatus treat those who openly oppose them, it is evident that this book is an act of courage as well as a good solid piece of investigative jour­nalism. I se­lected Blood in the Face because I wanted you to understand the mag­nitude of the hatred that exists among a wide variety of frag­mented groups our society. I also want you to realize that although only a tiny proportion of the general population is involved in such or­ganizations, these organizations cannot and must not be ignored lest, in Ridgeway's words, "the fringe become part of the fabric". I've developed the following study questions to help you focus on what I consider to be the major issues addressed in the book.  Pay particular attention to Ridgeway’s introduction to the 1995 edition. 

 

1.         What are the roots of what Ridgeway calls "the racist right,"? What does anti-Semitism and the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" have to do with the racist right's hatred of non-whites?

 

2.         Explain the significance of the "Christian Identity Church" (or Church of Jesus Christ Christian) to various racist organiza­tions such as the Order and Aryan Nations. In what way does it serve to link anti-Jewish sentiment with racism?

 

3.         Describe structural conditions in the larger society that promote the rise of groups like the Klan, Aryan Nations, the Order, and Posse Comitatus. (Be specific-- go through the book and find them).

 

4.         Ridgeway quotes John F. Kennedy at length on page 79, "In the most critical periods of our nation's history, there have always been those on the fringes of our society who have sought to escape their own responsibility by finding a simple solution, an appeal­ing slogan or a convenient scapegoat. ...politics" Do you feel that this quotation provides an adequate overall summary about why the radical racist right exists in our society? Ex­plain.

 

5.         BRIEFLY describe each of the following groups-- Be able to name one or two major figures prominent in each. In one or two sentences describe the salient features of each group, (i.e., its goals, objectives, philosophy: the John Birch Society; Ku Klux Klan; United Klans of America; Knights of the Ku Klux Klan; White Aryan Resistance; Posse Comitatus; Aryan Nations; Church of Jesus Christ Christian; American Nazi Party; Liberty Lobby.

 

6.         What is the "Fifth Era Klan?" What is its significance today? (p. 38 and Chapter 3)

 

7.         How does the Turner Diaries, by William Pierce reflect the scenario (or at least one of the scenarios) that the racist right believes will launch its revolu­tion in America?  (Look at page 20.  An excerpt is given on p. 112).

 

8.         What is the Posse Comitatus? Why does it advocate rebellion against the United States Government? What role does racism play in this organization?

 

9.         Discuss the roles of David Duke and Tom Metzger in establishing what Ridgeway calls the "New White Politics."

 

10.       What is the meaning and significance of Ridgeway's statement on page 200, "The Fringe Becomes Part of the Fabric"?

 

 

 

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