The most tragic element of the KKK's "ancient" rituals is that they represent an attempt to "invent" a cultural context & sense of belonging/empowerment. Most "white power" groups have similar tactics, and who's the quickest to buy their lies? Young European-American men in economically-depressed areas with limited cultural & intellectual resources.

I often wonder what would happen if these angry, spirit-starved, hungry-minded young men were given REAL cultural nourishment: powerful traditions of dance & music, community gatherings in which to learn them, stories and lore communicated to them by mentoring elders, instruction in ancient languages that open up entire worlds of perspective, insight, and understanding, and--best of all--the chance to gain meaningful employment in the service of such a heritage, through performance, teaching, archeological research, hands-on creative work, etc.

I know these ideas have been tried before--I've read a great deal about the Arts & Crafts Movement & other social reform projects in the late 1800s & early 1900s, which seem to have had only a moderate impact on the problems they sought to address-- but surely we can learn from both the successes & failures to create & implement something better?

The hunger for heritage runs so deep... no wonder so many young people attempt to "invent" communities, cultures, and histories for themselves through participation in gangs and similar organizations. Clearly, the task is set before us: we must offer someting more substantial & nourishing, something authentic, something undeniably powerful and "real" that reaches into these angry, wounded young people before they unleash their anger and wound others.

I don't pretend to know the best way to reach them--I suspect it involves some serious face-to-face contact and an investment of time to rebuild their damaged trust. I also suspect that the very fate of the world depends on this work. We must impart all of our "folk" wisdom and knowledge, and re-tell the old stories so that they can continue and new stories can be born.

From the postings I've read throughout this forum, it is clear that many Mudcatters have already embraced this challenge. Perhaps I'm preaching to the choir... but here it is, Sunday morning, and the sun has graced us with its presence for another day of possibilities. I've had a bit of rest, and I'm newly invigorated by the music & linguistic gifts of my own heritage. I guess I just can't help preaching, 'cause it feels like Good News worth sharing!

An Beannachd Oirbh/Blessings,

--Cuilionn