to use more violence to express their viewpoint than other dens. Some groups use threats, arson, and other forms of violence to force their ideas on modern society, while others choose just to march and protest opposing views. Regardless of the activities each den decides to participate in, the main goal of the Ku Klux Klan today is the progression of the White race and it is the same goal the original founders focused on. The main characteristic of the Ku Klux Klan throughout the years has been the group is a gathering of white Christian men and women who have joined together because of a common bond they share by blood and faith.("Knights of the KKK", p.1) This is what the original founders intended the group to become and it has achieved this goal. Eventhough the Ku Klux Klan is sometimes looked upon as a "hate group", the characteristics of the group are a positive for society. Since the late 1980's the Ku Klux Klan's membership has gone through a major decline. Statistics show that the Ku Klux Klan's memberships has dropped to about five thousand compared to about forty-two thousand during the 1960's.(St. Louis Post Dispatch, p.1) Many of the members have changed from their white robes to three piece suits. People like David Duke, the Grand Wizard of the Klan during the 1970's and 1980's, have changed the image of the group. Many head officials of the Klan now hold political offices and have other important roles in the nation's government. At this point in time no single organization of the Ku Klux Klan is in existence. The Klan has splintered into several independent groups. Since the Ku Klux Klan has broken up into many groups, no one knows the exact number of members of the Klan or its affiliated groups. Although the Ku Klux Klan's members have changed their appearance and the membership has declined, no one can deny that the Klan is still a major influence on society. Due to some changes in the Ku Klux Klan, the organization...
