I'm an ex white supremacist and klansman. AMA

Did your group have batshit crazy role names like grand dragon and wizard?

Yes.

Why is that though?

I'm guessing the sounded a lot more badass and mysterious back in the first days. Then it was just tradition.

Can you describe the recruiting tactics used by the klan, or are they mainly trying to keep the members they have?

These days violence is largely by the wayside. Hate crime legislation was very effective. You see a lot of courthouse activity in the Klan now. Idea is to watch the news, find towns where a black person commits a crime against a white person. Book the courthouse for a protest. Flier the black areas with inflammatory fliers announcing the protest. The black community will show up enraged. And the few cells of white people that show up will be a mixture. By the end you've divided the community and found a few sympathetic whites. Wash, rinse, repeat.

That is a surprisingly smart tactic.

So ... what would be the best counter-tactic? For the black community not to show up enraged? To quietly remove all the fliers? (Or replace them with mis-labeled ones so that nobody shows up?)

Yes, ignore them. They are dying off now due to this tactic. Or, if you absolutely can't ignore them then go but keep calm and unified. A still, calm, quiet stand . No shouting or reacting. Composed behaviour flies in the face of everything they teach about other races. Also, know that it's likely that NONE of the membership lives near you. They'll drive hours to do this out of town. Don't assume the whites in town have any part in it.

Kudos to you for getting away from it.

Do you still have prejudiced thoughts/feelings and if so, how do you deal with that? Do you just ignore them or do you actively tell yourself that they are the wrong way to think?

You know, I do. I just have to constantly remind myself that my hang ups are perception and not reality. I like to think I've made some progress though.

In your experience, how many in your white supremacy/KKK peer group fell outside the dumb redneck or skinhead stereotype? Were there suit and tie businessmen, teachers, medical professionals, lawyers, etc?

There were a good few reasonably intelligent people. Mostly middle class working types.it was a small organization. There was one rich member who No one really knew. He once booked out an entire motel out of pocket so the group could attend a convention.

I imagine the fact that the bigger money behind the group is kept behind a smokescreen is deliberate.

I feel like it's a lot more likely there just isn't very much "big" money in the klan.

There is not.

Was there a buffet for members to enjoy, or at least a snack table? at the VERY least, was there coffee offered?

Yes, but it was a taco buffet and was protested.

I’m not sure if you’re kidding or not. Either way that’s hilarious.

I was joking. We ate the tacos happily.

What changed your mind and why did you quit?

Life has a way of kicking your ass when you make bad or stupid decisions. I think after a few of these ass kickings you start looking at yourself critically. This happened to me, and once I accepted that I wasn't right about a few things from there my whole belief system kind of unraveled. At this same time, I met some black individuals who unwittingly played a part in the saga.

Do you still have contact with people inside of the Klan or who are white supremacists generally? Were you ever concerned for your safety when you decided to leave?

I do not have any contact with anyone from that life. I was not concerned for my safety when leaving the Klan. I was when I left the greater movement, and there are people in other groups that probably wouldn't mind stomping me.

What do you mean not the klan but the greater movement ?

I'm reading the AMA after the fact a bit and based on other answers I'm assuming the greater movement refers to neo-nazism in general --- beyond just the KKK.

Correct. It took me another year to throw away the whole lifestyle.

1. Was there a specific forum or outlet that you believe supported and/or cemented your beliefs at the time?
2. Was it a feeling of belonging or some other need/want that you sought that allowed these ideas to take root?

1. Yes, but I'll not advertise for them.
2. Early in my teens, yes. Later I was just consumed by it.

have you since seen or talked to anyone that you may have treated unfairly due to your previous views to apologize to, or reconnect, with them? if so what was that like, if not, would you like to?

One. The black gentleman I began praying with daily was very caught off guard and hurt when I told him. I big part of me wishes I had packaged it better somehow.

What role, if any, did women play in the Klan while you were a member? Did you have Klanswomen as a formal part of your organization, or was there a separate group for Klanswomen like there was in the 1920s?

The ladies had their own group, but we're included in all meetings and ceremonies. One of the people running a good part of the show while I was in was female.

That's really interesting. So what was the men's view of the women's group and did the two groups differ greatly in terms of tone or activities? I apologize if this seems prying, but I studied the 20s Klan pretty in depth, specifically the gender relations that existed in the Klan.

I saw remarkably little misogony in the Klan. I saw one case where a man put hands on a woman and spoke down to her. He was beaten and removed from the premises. Neo Nazis on the other hand are pretty misogynistic as a whole.

How did those outside of your white supremacist friends (such as friends/teachers in school) treat you as a result of your klan involvement? Did you find it harder to get a job and make other big life choices due to your background?

I kept the two lives very separate.

How would you go about opening a discussion with people who still hold these beliefs?

Most importantly, shelve emotion or else don't have to conversation. Appeal to their humanity first, find things to relate through. Develop a relationship and the conversation will come. When it does, be firm but be softspoken and rational.

Do you think it's possible in any way to have a discussion with someone like this if you aren't white?

I held a middle class career in place during all this. That isnt something you manage these days without the ability to deal cordially with other races. I was pretty good at keeping career and aterhours life separate. I think in some cases its possible. I think in others i have known personally it would end badly and wouldnt take long to get there.

How did your parents react to this shift in personality?

Dad hated it. Mom disliked it heavily and hoped it was just a phase.

Now that you are out have they warmed to you again? Have you talked to them about it since you left?

They never gave up on me. My dad passed away several years ago. We parted on good terms.

What could have stopped you from going down that road? Would friends or family interjecting have helped stop you or would it push you further along?

I think if I had more experiences growing up that introduced me to other races and cultures early on it would have been much harder for me to buy into racism as a way of life.

Do you have any tattoos you regret? Did you get cover-ups?

Still got it, right over my heart. I want it covered up bad.

How much would the cover-up cost?

I'm not even sure it's possible.

May I ask what it is?

A MIOAK, material identity of a klansman. The blood drop and cross symbol often associated with the klan.

Was everyone a genuine racist or did some people tag along?

Nah, plenty of those guys aren't even really racist. I was in a vehicle with two other klansman once, and there was an elderly black couple on the shoulder with a flat. We got out and changed their tire, then left. I never heard it mentioned again.

What are some of the secret codes or signals white supremacists use to identify one another? I’ve seen the 88 thing but curious of other ones.

The Klan has a series of handshakes, signals, and acronyms known as klanguage. The acronyms are simple and generic, ie- AYAK= are you a klansman? AKIA= a klansman I am.

“Klanguage”

Must’ve taken a genius to come up with that one

It gets funnier. You can find it all online. It's been leaked for years, and nothing has changed much.

Do you enjoy foreign cuisine? Indian food? Chinese takeout? Jerk chicken?

Yes. Nothing bonds me to a new culture faster than food.

What sort of views did you hold about those of other races compared to your own? Were those outside of the WS/KKK movement seen as inferior physically, intellectually, or otherwise even if they were your own race?

There are varying degrees of this. A few get really into the whole Ubermensch thing. For the most part I was more of a segregationist. I didn't necessarily think whites were by nature better, but that we should live seperatly from other races. Toward the end, I became more irrational and hate driven.

Who brought you into the fold of white supremacy?

How does the Klan and other white supremacist groups react when a member or participant rejects the ideology? Both from your experience extracting yourself from the organizations, and your experience within the organizations seeing others leave.

I was introduced to racist ideology around the age of 14, by some other teenagers who were skinheads. I never really joined, but I shaved my head and put boots on. Not necessarily because I believed any of it. I thought it made me look edgy and tough. I moved from my all white semi rural town at 19 to an outlying suburb near a predominantly black inner city area. This is where I dealt with my first encounters with African Americans. After some ugly altercations and having a few guns stuck in my face, my immature mind decided that because I had dealt with some black people who happened to be bad, all black people must be bad. I found Klan contacts on a WN message board and reached out.

 As far as leaving goes, the outfit  I was involved with allowed to you to leave peacefully  of your own accord, but you are to be shunned by members. Other groups are not so kind.

and having a few guns stuck in my face

How did this happen?

I was robbed at gun point a couple times.

The fact that influences outside your family impacted you so strongly seems to be very common. Would you give any advice to parents to avoid their kid being coaxed into such beliefs? Do you wish any aspects of your childhood changed?

Advice with kids is tricky. I don't know what my parents could have done differently. I was headstrong and rebellious.

Is it easy to identify those that might be sympathetic to white supremacy? Either those that are potential recruits or those that are already involved.

During my recruiting days I would frequent Tea Party events. I had to be careful. There was a certain fringe that was recruitable, but as a whole once your cover was blown they would physically eject you from the rally.

Do the other clans-men look down at you and possibly scoff if your white uniform isn’t pristinely white when you meet up for activities? I mean, it must be difficult to keep it immaculately white - at least keeping my white t-shirts white is difficult, they always go a little grey.

Ps. This is not a Tide ad

There was an elderly klanswoman who made and cared for our robes. I can't remember ever seeing a stain on one. A robe touching the ground was disgraceful and worthy of discilpline.

Appreciate your candid answers. You seem to have a sense of humor. By chance, did you see the movie Django Unchained? There is a Klan scene where they touch on this subject..sorta. Really hilarious from a practical humor standpoint.

I have seen it several times. The argument scene over the masks is funny to me for more reasons than one.

How did your group view whites who opposed them? I've been called a race traitor before, and I wondered if that was a common view, and if you, while in the group, felt any special hostility to whites who actively opposed you, as in street protests.

Race traitors were viewed as lower than different races. I hated them then, but I am considered even lower than a race traitor myself now.

Kudos on your personal growth. Your courage in participating in this may be inspiration to others. On top of this, is there any way that you actively try to steer others from your old community away from that dangerous train of thought?

If I hear language heading in a racist direction I confront it and argue against it. Doesn't happen often though.

How does an argument like this go? Do you often have positive outcomes?

On the rare occasions I’m in a situation like this, I usually don’t say anything. Partly because I don’t know what to say.

Most of the time people just go quiet when they realize you aren't "cool."

For you, what is the most convincing argument for the notion of white supremacy? and what is the most convincing counterpoint to that?

I think in order for any argument in favor of white supremacy to become convincing you have to be willing to ignore any other perspective. I suppose the most easily abused resource is statistics regarding race and crime. The most convincing counterpoint is to take as a whole both the statistics AND the various socioeconomic causes, as well as the very basic fact that poverty increases crime in communities regardless of racial makeup.

How would you describe your political views today?

That's a hard one. I've become a lot more socially liberal. The fiscal conservatism is still lurking about and I do really like personal freedom. Maybe I'm on the libertarian spectrum?

Could you describe the community you grew up in? Were you exposed to minorities at a young age or did you live in a primarily white area?

I grew up in a semi rural mostly white area. My parents were not racist, but there was that element to be found in the greater community. I was not really exposed to many other races. There was one black child who had white adoptive parents, and an Asian family. A couple Hispanic households.

How did you view the black child with white adoptive parents? Was the child "okay" because it was being brought up "right" ?

Yeah, that was a time when he was just another kid in town. Once I was a teenager and started dabbling, i pretty much just shunned him.

What is different about the Klan and other movements like it from how it's depicted in the media?

The people aren't all complete morons. That element exists, but there are others who are otherwise perfectly normal people who happen to be wrong.

• What would you say/what advice would you offer someone who is considering aligning themselves with such racist groups, or are currently members?

• If you were in charge of society, would you combat the recent resurgence of such groups? If so, how?

Don't join. If you are in look around. Look inside. You and those people you are with are everything you think you hate about others. Turn your criticisms inward and really chew on what you find.

Was Clayton Bigsby as great a leader as he was portrayed?

Even better.

How open with the people in your life are you about this? Do you discuss your choices openly?

I did and that went not so well. So I moved and now I keep it a secret.

How does this group view Native Americans? Im curious because a common statement among Caucasian people is that they are "part Cherokee."

That statement was what gave rise to the Grand Dragon routinely telling new guys "If you are part injun leave or shut up about it!" Oddly during conversations I heard a consensus that Native Americans were done wrong.

what did they tell you when you told them you wanted to leave? were you worried in any way?

They asked for my regalia and sent me packing. Right before I left the greater movement I was beaten badly, but it was not by the klan, and was my fault for the most part.

In what way did you feel that the actions and ideals of the KKK were just, and looking back what did you wish you knew before you adopted the KKK lifestyle?

What I perceived was a world where the old table of racism had been turned, and now white people were the persecuted ones. I viewed a pending resurgence in the KKK would be necessary to protect our race. I'm sure that's why the image of a knight is so prelavent. It appeals to man's base nature.

When you say White, was it just skin color or their ethnic origin? For example, were you racist toward Latin Americans with pale skin and blonde hair? Being white in and of itself is arbitrary so how do you distinguish who is white?

General rule is, if they look white, act white, and fight white, they are white.

Do you feel like you have way more comedians you can enjoy now?

I secretly watched Dave Chapelle back then.

What was it like while you were in the Klan? Did you feel some kind of sense of community and acceptance that wasn't available elsewhere? How did you end up in that situation to begin with?

Is there anything you miss about that specific community and anything that, looking back, you detest and am glad to get away from?

Overall, just curious about your experiences and how you felt while you were part of the Klan and now that you're out of it, whether there's a big difference in your life?

Thanks for your time!

I've never been the most outgoing guy socially, so having a group with a bunch of secrets to bond over definitely resonated with me. There was also a core group that did stuff for others. That was enjoyable. The rest was bad. Lots of hateful people and big egos.

I'd like to say we're all glad you made it out.

Have you considered creating a program to help people in your previous state of mind? I'd think sharing those stories would help someone out there.

I briefly considered outreach. After a couple disastrous attempts I shelved it for a quiet life.

What are the general beleifs of the group?

Did you discuss topics at meetings/ceremonies or was it mostly discussion of the next protest/showing?

It's kind of a broad topic. There is no "the klan". There are tons of splinter klans. And there is some diversity in doctrine. Ours was basically a blanket of fake Christianity with racial overtones. We were dedicated to furthering "White Christian America."

What was a typical meeting like? Did you have dues ($) to pay?

It was sort of a ceremony really, with altar and candles. We took care of some ritual ceremony, discussed voting issues like charity stuff ore cross lighting ceremonies, paid dues, made various plans, and inducted new members.

What was the last straw that made you say, “that’s it. I have to leave”?

It's hard to say. There was a lot of straws at once, but overall it was just a realization that I was wrong.

Do all the Klan “groups”, for lack of a better word get along well?

How many of them were violent people? Did people you met ever participate in racially motivated crimes?

How many people on average would be in a Klan “group” were they older or young people?

Was the racist sentiment in the Klan devoted mostly towards Blacks or was there just as much hate towards Catholics, Jews and Latinos or other groups the Klan hates.

Their attitudes towards politics in general?

How often would the Klan meet, or does it depend on the group?

What is wearing the outfit like?

There's a ton of infighting. Comic proportions of it. Membership topped out around 150 during the years I was in a mixture of early twenties through mid forties, with some old timers. There were still a couple members around from the violent sixties, so yes there was a criminal element. Racism was against all races non white. Catholics were accepted as members. As you would expect, most members preach hardline conservative politics. Chapters meat monthly. The outfit feels goofy honestly.

What do you think about the Alt-Right movement currently happening in the US and less so in Europe?

How similar is it and how dangerous?

It is the type of thing the movement looks for. There is always a small surviving cell just waiting for the mainstream to shift far enough to bring a resurgence. Fortunately lack of cohesiveness and organization tends to stunt significant growth.

What made you join in the first place and how do you think others can be kept from doing the same?

I was angry, immature, and let a few bad experiences feed my racism. Once I bought the ideology I wanted to be active and spread it.

I know you said that you believed it was a just cause, so does that mean that any acts of violence that befell upon those you opposed, no matter how heinous, did you view those as a necessary evil? What kinds of emotions did you feel participating in such things? (yes, I know you didn't kill people).

I had largely dehumanized my perceived enemies. Once that is accomplished treating them poorly is easy. That's why I say relationships are key. It's hard to dehumanize the guy you are looking in the eye.

Did you do any jail time or anything that could have solidified those ideologies in your head? Most of the skin heads around my home town got introduced to that sort of lifestyle through doing time, where they pretty much had to join up with the white groups to avoid getting their ass beat regularly in there.

Also another one i found odd was the amateur tattoo culture around here. The kinda dude's aspiring to be tattoo artists, that buy a needle and do tats in people's living rooms. Lots of skin heads in that group for some reason. It might parallel with the whole prison thing

No, I have never been to prison nor have I been arrested for illegal activity connected to racism. I was a juvenile delinquent, but I have no adult record.

What do you think about people comparing average Republican voters to Klansmen/Nazis?

I think it is harmful. Generalizing people is always going to leave innocent folks in the position of odd man out.

Hey man, good on you for doing this. I can only imagine it must be hard. (Judging by your throwaway account name) But as a random dude on the internet thank you for at least trying to be proactive.

My question is, what can I, a person who wants to help young people like you were find a better way. What could anyone have done to help you see the wrongness of your life? Honestly, help me know how to do better by those who need help.

Thank you!

I can't speak for everyone. For me, I don't know what would have helped. I had solid people around me trying to stop me, but I just had to crash and burn to see I was wrong. I have a penchant for not taking council and making bad decisions.

If every white supremacist was exactly like you, what would be the best way for us to reach out and help change minds?

Kindness doesn't seem to work, as it gets taken for weakness or "liberalism". Facts seem to bounce off because any fact that doesn't line up with the ideology is "liberal" and "fake". Aggression just begets more aggression and seems to help the person justify the righteousness of their stance.

Is there any way to hold a civil and productive conversation over the internet, or does it have to happen in person, with some sort of experience based detox?

There's not going to be an easy template. People are individuals. What works to convince one will agitate another. I'm not saying don't try, I'm just saying if it were easy it would be over. Best solution I can see is just be good to everyone around you. If you can help someone, do it. If you can be a shoulder, be it. It was everyday stuff that did most of the work on me, not a debate or a protest.

I'm really impressed with how eloquent you are- this is a great point.

Thank you.

So knowing the extremes, How can race relations be healed in this country?

That is for a mind stronger than mine to figure out. Individually we just need to constantly remind ourselves that our perspectives aren't the only perspectives.

Have you had any black friends? Are you still a racist?

I'm no longer an intentional racist. Yes, I have a few black friends.

What was your upbringing like? I feel as though most people who follow a hateful cause and rationalize its merits were either under educated or suffer some sort of trauma and molds their minds a certain way from a young age. Would you say that was the case with you?

Average middle class family. I had loving, hardworking parents that did their best. I think I have to 100% own this.

Considering you were not raised with hate/racism: What about the movement drew you in? What part of their rhetoric made sense to you (at the time) to lead you to accept something that is so commonly derided in modern society? Do you still somewhat identify/agree with any of the movements talking points? Do you think there is a legitimate concern buried in their bullshit that is being overlooked/dismissed because of the general stupidity of their platform?

It was where I was at the time. Having heard from the skinheads I grew up around that other races were uncivilized and violent, and then to experience the culture shock of being in a predominantly black area, it all culminated in my accepting bullshit I was too dumb to question. I don't really have anything that sticks out in my head that I still agree with.

What was the worst thing you did as a Klansman?

Instigated hate inside of communities I didn't even belong to.

How did you manage to do that?

There's an above post that goes into detail, but basically planning events to stir up strife in racially mixed areas, fliers, courthouse rallies.

Our society, especially right now, goes after people with bigoted worldviews with a grim vengeance, often trying to ruin every aspect of their lives including their job and personal relationships. Previously, civil rights activists combated organized bigotry by starting a dialogue with individuals associated with these organizations such as the activist Wade Watts did with KKK leader John Lee Clary.

I guess my question is do you think that we can still "turn" bigots the same way Watts did and if not, is there a better way to fight hate?

You could wipe out almost the entire movement by simply providing some positive experiences. Most of it is a fear of the unknown thing. We all deal with fear of the unknown differently.

What do you think overall about racism?

That it is wrong.

How do you justify these views in light of evolutionary game theory, which holds that due to natural/sex selection that introducing traits between populations is universally beneficial to both populations, as deleterious traits will not find wide success, and beneficial traits will be selected for by BOTH populations?

Or in other words, how do you support the view that 'races' shouldn't mix despite the fact that evolutionary biology directly contradicts this view?

Oh... Ex. Good on you mate. I'm a blind fuck and thanks for being a better person. maybe just answer for the past tense?

Yeah. So I don't. But when I did I'd have said I don't know biology that well.

If you could have a chance to talk to current members and try to change their mind, what would you say to them?

I would just advise them to open a critical eye and question everything. Thinking critically about your beliefs is important.

Are you still friends with any of the other Klansmen? Has anyone threatened you since you've left?

No, and not from the Klan. I have had threats from others in the greater movement.

How much did your opinions change? Very Conservative?Conservative?Liberal?Between Both? How did they change?Were you open to debate?

I was open to debate, but too hard skulled to see anything differently than how I saw it. I have changed alot, mostly in that I have shifted left on many social issues.

Thanks for being willing to discuss your experiences!

Do you do any work these days to try to reach out to people you knew in those circles or are they unreceptive because of your betrayal?

I tried a couple times. It's just not happening.

People have called Trump and his administration racists and nationalists due to their use of dog whistles as well as policies that harm POC. If you follow politics, have you seen familiar hate speech being used in today's politics?

I'm pretty careful about politics. It can be a trigger for me. The only thing I'll say is I've changed a lot in the last 8-9 years and I did not vote for Trump or Hillary.

Have spoken with someone prior and they had some strong views on certain things.

What is your stance that we are potentially being lied to about Adolf Hitler in the educational systems?

I don't know what you are referring to exactly.

Are you going to answer any fucking questions?

Yes. That one was easy!