Tomi Lahren (a political commentator from the Blaze), has said that “Black Lives Matter” is the new KKK. While I don’t believe she means her remarks literally it is important to be clear about their differences and see if there are any similarities (see below). I personally strongly disagree with these remarks but silence is not the answer. It’s equally important in a tense part of our history that we don’t shut out different voices out but explore where they come from and see the truth or absurdity of each voice/remark.
DIFFERENCES
(1) HIDDEN- The KKK hides it members identities of most of their members and leadership through the wearing of sheets while Black Lives Matter has it’s members in the open.
(2) VIOLENCE- Black Lives Matter has said many inflammatory remarks at it’s demonstrations such as “What do we want? Dead Cops. When do we want it? Now!” but has not directly advocated violence while the KKK has a history of committing violent even terrorist activities against fellow citizens.
(3) MEMBERSHIP-It appears there is a diverse group of people who belong to “Black Lives Matter” while the KKK is a white’s only organization.
SIMILARITIES
(1) PARANOID- Both groups try to portray whole groups of people whether it be because of their race, religion or uniform they wear as having negative evil intent against their “people”.
(2) POLITICAL- They have tried to reach out to different political elements so that they can be a “more legitimate” political force.
(3) RHETORIC- The KKK and Black Lives Matter use incendiary extreme remarks when they voice their opinions.