Why do KKK members cover their faces with hoods?

Question

You would think that if someone belonged to a group like that then they would have pride in what they do, right? Why do they act ashamed?

Just curious...I am in no way affiliated with the KKK or do I share ANY of their beliefs.

Answer 1

Same as racists on the net. It is easy to be brave when there is nothing to fear. Really sad and pathetic.

Answer 2

The costume "is sometimes known as the 'Glory Suit' by those who wear it, and many pejoratives by the Klan's numerous opponents."

The origins of the use of the costume are unclear, but it does seem certain that it was originally intended to be some kind of disguise. Although the organization has no relationship with Spain, the contemporary white gown with a cone hat follows the Spanish Roman Catholic "Nazareno" tradition, where such garments have been commonly used since time immemorial in festivities such as the Holy Week symbolizing the act of penance. In Spain and former colonies the pointed hat is called "Capirote".

It has been stated that the novels of Sir Walter Scott and others, influenced the organisation in various ways, for example in the use of the Fiery cross. They may have also influenced the KKK's costume,

There are a number of explanations given as to what it represents:

The ghosts of the Confederate troops in the American Civil War.
The white represents the white race, reflecting the racist ideals of the organization.
The pointed hood also resembles that of a medieval executioner (although this was usually black, and that of grand inquisitor.)
The red cross on the white costume, and the horse resembles that of crusaders.
The costume was similar in design to those worn by the Spanish Inquisition, with the exception of the hood.
The white outfit may also be reflective of supposed Druid costume.[1]
Because of the symbolism and appearance of these costumes, superstitious blacks in the South thought KKK night riders were the actual ghosts of Confederate soldiers, riding their horses out of Hell to find a drink of water.

The KKK's own militaristic origins in the Civil War also played a part in developing, and turned the Klan into a Proto-Fascist organization (true Fascism did not arise for several decades, and then in Europe).

The film The Birth of a Nation helped to fix many of the elements of KKK dress, and regalia. However, notably the film also shows the Klansmen wearing a variety of costumes, and there is far less 'standardisation'. For example, rather than the well known conical hats, the film shows a number of Klansmen in what are effectively 'flat' hoods, with a pole sticking up.

Earlier costumes were also not necessarily white, but various colours. White eventually became the standard colour, although higher ranks also use costumes which are not."

More information can be found at hte source.

Answer 3

The robe is a knight's robe. Originally the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan were to keep order in the Reconstruction south. Because they not only rode herd on the freedmen, but white offenders ,as well, they remained anonymous to be effective. Later incarnations of the Klan were harassed by NAACP, ACLU, FBI and the Supreme Court. A hidden face reduced the chance of personal persecution. Now, not all hide their faces.

Answer 4

I think it has Christian stems. In Spain on the Dia de los Santos (Saint's day) we were horrified to see people wearing the KKK outfits marching down the street. But it is a religious outfit for them, I don't know what the purpose is.

Anyway, I think they now wear the masks for intimidation purposes. They look scary and big and like ghosts. If we all just saw that they were regular redneck idiots under those fancy cone heads, we wouldn't be scared at all and we'd just laugh our asses off.

Answer 5

Well, they aren't exactly the most upright of the citizenry, so I'd imagine they do it partly for the same reasons that bank robbers, train robbers, and stagecoach robbers of the old west used to cover their faces when committing crimes. Also, KKK people may be fearful of getting fired for belonging to such a group.

Answer 6

KKK wore hoods and sheets over their body to represent the ghosts of their forefathers that died or fought in the Civil War. They used to go around scaring blacks and supporters of blacks, and other outsiders as a means of intimation in order to avenge their fallen southerners that fought for them or their beliefs. Nowdays, although not all of them wear sheets or hoods, it's just a tradition or custom that represents the KKK...

Answer 7

Cuz they some pu$$y @ss b!tches!! That's why!! They also said they're "Doing the Lord's work". Then why won't you show the face that God has picked to carry out his will? Even when they were at their peak of power and had the government under their thumbs, they still took time out before a coss-burning or lynching to cover up with that pointy piece of white cloth. Cuz they were afraid!! Bunch of cowards that're gonna get it in the end and I'll tell you why! We might not be able to ID them, but God can pick out each and every one of them!! And they're so-called "Lord's work" will get them a one-way ticket to hell!!

Answer 8

Because beneath the bully exterior they are cowards. Like the terrorist orgs PLO, Alkidia, Hezbollah, etc. But at least the KKK didn't hid behind women and children while being bullies.

Answer 9

well hell if i was part of the KKK and it dont sound like a bad idea i would show my face, you have seen my 360 page and how much rebel pride i have, i aint ashamed of bein who i am

Answer 10

I think it started with them drssing up as ghosts from the fallen Confederate soldiers to scare the blacks.