Chain smoking indoors, flashy attire, extravagant ceremonies, and not so extravagant living quarters is what photographer Peter van Agtmael captured during his time hanging out with members of the KKK.
Although I am Native American Indian and obviously oppose the group and what they stand for, the mystification of the culture is similar to that of my own. You hear about the KKK here and there but we don't notice their presence unless someone is hurt or killed by a member. I place great value on photographing everything, the good bad, ugly, dangerous, and controversial for the public to see and learn from. We often can't rely on mainstream media to visually take us to these places on the outskirts of society. Like my Native culture, no one sees us until photographers choose to go there.
By Peter van Agtmael
The wedding of two members of the KKK in a barn in rural Tennessee. (Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos)
Following the recent tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia, I was curious to see the lives of the hate group beyond the violence we watched a few weeks ago. Although the group has been in headlines since the attacks in Virginia, there is little to be found on the lives they live when they aren't out rallying for their beliefs. While their crimes are popular on the news, I think it's important these images by Peter van Agtmael during his time spent with members in their private lives are seen.
The wedding of two members of the KKK in a barn in rural Tennessee. (Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos)
A KKK members puts away his robe after a BBQ and cross lighting/burning ritual in Maryland. (Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos)
A member of the KKK after a cross lighting/burning in Maryland. (Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos)
Photo by Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos
Photo by Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos
Peter Van Agtmael is represented by Magnum Photos. More of his work can be seen on his website.
[via The Washington Post]
Too bad he didn't provide text. These photos aren't particularly useful without context. Two people can look at the same photos and have different reactions. Having lived in rural Tennessee, years ago, I'm sure my reaction is at least a little different from someone's who has never encountered these kinds of people in their daily lives. I'm not in any way defending their prejudices but that's not the whole story.
When you put it that way, the story really becomes that much more interesting, to me at least. I grew up in Tennessee (also in a rural area) for the majority of my childhood through teen years and I would have never even guessed that there were any meetings/rituals/etc. of this sort. Seeing a companion piece, including shots of these same people at home or work, would be fascinating to compare with this one.
My guess is that they didn't give much info as to what the significance of their behavior is. OR he chose not to share it because he wanted you the viewers to see it through your own eyes and form your own raw conclusions from his photography.
When I see photos like these or those taken of ISIS fighters, etc. I always wonder how much of it is real and how much is for the camera. Well, thanks for posting them anyway.
I think you're overthinking this. Ms. Colton hasn't shown the bias you appear to be addressing. And I am VERY conservative.
Okay. I believe you.
As for the use of the word "native," like many words, it has more than one meaning. Her use was in identifying her genetic heritage as a "Native American". Yours, of course, identifying your birth place. Perhaps it's unfortunate, for clear dialogue, they share the same word.
You could restate your question, using people descended from Asian Indians and Native Americans (or American Indians if you prefer). There is a clear and obvious difference. North American Society, as a whole, decided to correct Columbus' error with the use of the term "Native American". Roll with it. As an interesting side point, South American's don't particularly appreciate citizens of the USA identifying ourselves as "Americans." You can't please everyone but you can disagree without being disagreeable. :-)
Okay. I give up. There's no reasoning with you. BTW, what happened to your Power Rangers uniform?
I think Patrick is referencing the fact that he recognizes you from your old accounts, Peter Brody/Pete Miller.
I'm surprised you "outed" him.
Thought as much... the guy is on a mission. FStoppers is probably one of many platforms he ignorantly posts on.
For someone who claims to "debate" you seem to indulge in name calling which is a cheap way to discredit the opposition without substance in ones argument.
Pete, Peter, and Bob... I am the "weak" owner of Fstoppers.com. As I said in my private message to you before, we actually do appreciate you being here. You comment more than any other Fstoppers reader. We just ask that you tone your comments down a bit. You have a "tone" which is so obviously you, that we have figured out that it's you 3 separate times with 3 separate user names. If you're a conservative that's great, and feel free to comment from that angle, but just remember this is a photography website and every article doesn't need to become a political argument.
Funny!
Of course I would!
You insist on a strict adherence to a narrow definition of a term you've prescribed to a word to avoid exclusion of a group (yours) under the widely accepted usage. Do you understand that that is the textbook example of political correctness?
Bob Brady/Pete Miller/Peter Brody/John Baker/whoever you are, I pointed out an error in your logic and you attempted to redefine the term, which is ironic given your obsessive attention to semantics (it's also appropriation of the term for your own purposes). Here's the definition of political correctness:
noun
the avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.
You have mentioned in the past that you think white people are discriminated against, and now, you have railed against the use of "Native American" because it excludes people who are not American Indian but were born in the Americas, i.e. you do not approve of the use of a term in a manner that excludes a group of people who (you believe) are discriminated against, i.e. you are being politically correct *by definition*. The fact that you've now undermined your own rallying cry doesn't make this fact any less true. If you want to stick to semantics so badly, use the dictionary definition, just as I have here, and just as you fall back on as fodder for an argument so, so often. The simple truth is that I played your game by your rules and it backfired for you, and that makes you angry.
Also, I never said I was against political correctness. I pointed out the irony of you being politically correct when you call it the "scourge of Western civilization." Anyway, my part in this discussion ends here; I don't find much value in debating someone when I don't even know who they are, no offense intended by that statement.
Oh Bob. I spoke of abstracted logic devoid of political leanings to make a linguistic observation and point, and you just couldn't divorce your biases and unrelenting anger from that to consider something rationally. You are not the authority of definitions of words (nor am I) and to portray yourself as such and shift (or in this case, deliberately ignore and substitute your own definition that conveniently excuses you from the very behavior) is a disingenuous attempt to patch up a hole in logic. Changing the rules of the game because they no longer favor you is exceedingly immature. Too bad, I always prefer discussions to impasses.
Oh Alex, Nailed it.
Out on the reservations, there's no such thing as political correctness. We are happy, fun, carefree people, we feel complete just breathing in the fresh air and being with our families. Our languages are simple because we know excess words as seen in your comments bring no good into the world or to others. We don't have words of hate like English is filled with because we love other humans and we love our earth.
We call ourselves Indians, you know why? Because if my ancestors spoke of their True tribe's name, they would have been shot in the head by your great great great grandparents. When the fur trappers took my ancestors to our reservation in Oregon, they marched them hundreds of miles barefoot in the dead of winter. When the Europeans finally let them stop and stay in the un plentiful are of land they chose we deserved, you know what they did?
They gave them white Catholic names, they wrote these names in a book that was kept in the little Catholic church they forced them to attend.
Sam, Jenny, Joseph - my real ancestors, look them up: Last names Riggs and Shangretta. Ever heard an Indian legend with a character named Jenny? NO you haven't because before your people nearly killed us off, we had culture.
Anyways, if my ancestors EVER spoke their Indian names out loud or even a single word in our native languages, they'd be shot or shunned into the woods to starve and die.
Next time you want to make a comment claiming to know the "Right" way to classify my people, come talk to me and I will give you all the correct info you need. The word "Native" OR Ïndian" you will find isn't even relevant or an accurate description of anything.
______________________________
Your people took 30 different tribes and bands that spoke thirty different languages and stuffed them in my reservation in Grand Ronde. And that makes me a mixture of Chinook, Umpqua, Rogue River, Kallipuyan, Molalla and Shasta....
I speak Chinuk Jargon, not Ïndian"
Here's my tribe's website if your open minded enough to take a look, you will find that the word Indian OR Native is nowhere to be found, my friend....
https://www.grandronde.org/
The ONE and ONLY reason I even use these two words is that If I said I was Chinook and Umpqua, you wouldn't have a clue what I meant because sadly your government hides us from you in fear we will show you a free way of life without pharmaceuticals, alcohol and first world problems such as your own.
__________________________
Here is an incomplete list of the tribes in the United States, we are not Native, we are not Indian. We are these... A whole lot of Tribes huh?
We are neither Native or Indian, which is all you know? We are individual completely separate at one time, totally different languages and complete different cultures.
You should really stop believing everything your government tells you to believe....
You only live once a man, be positive, encouraging and kind, you will be a lot happier I promise.
If you have trouble finding this, go sit in a sauna once a week for an hour and go on a walk every night to heal, it will kill the fungi and illness in your body and hopefully bring some new good energy in to your life.
It's a good day to be alive.
Walk in peace and many blessings to you :)
__________________________
Ababco
Abenaki/Abnakii
Aberginian
Abittibi
Abenaki (or Abnaki)
Absaroka/Apsaroke (see Crow)
Absentee
Accohanoc
Accominta/Agamenticus
Achiligonan
Achomawi
Acolapissa
Acquintanacsnak
Acuera
Adai
Adirondack
Adshusheer
Agua Caliente
Agawam
Ahantchuyuk (see Kalapula)
Ais/Ays
Akonapi
Alabama/Alibamu
Alchedoma
Aleut
Algonquian Family
Algonquin
Allakaweah
Alliklik
Alsea/Alsi
Amacano
Amahami
Amaseconti
Amikwa
Anadarko
Ancient Puebloans/Anasazi
Anishinaabe
Ani-Stohini/Unami
Aondironon
Apache
Apalachee
Apalachicola
Appomattoc
Aquackanonk
Aranama
Arapaho
Arendahronon
Arikara (Arikaree, Ree)
Arivaipa
Arkokisa
Armouchiquois
Arosaguntacook
Ascahcutoner
Assateague
Assegun
Assiniboine (Stoney)
Assuti
Atakapa
Atanumlema
Atchatchakangouen
Atfaiati
Athapascan Family
Atikamek
Atquanachuke
Atsina - See Gros Ventre
Atsugewi
Aucocisco
Avavares
Avoyel
Awani/Awanichi
Awatobi
Bahacecha
Bankalachi
Bannock
Basawunena
Bayougoula
Bear River
Bellabella
Beothuk
Bersiamite
Bidai
Bigiopa
Big Swamp Indians
Biloxi
Blackfoot/Siksika
Blewmouths
Bocootawwonauke
Brotherton
Buena Vista
Caddo
Cahokia
Cahuilla
Cajuenche
Calapooya
Callam
Calusa
Canarsee
Caparaz
Cape Fear Indians
Capinans
Catawba
Cathlacomatup
Cathlacumup
Cathlakaheckit
Cathlamet
Cathlanahquiah
Cathlapotle
Cathlathlalas
Caughnawaga (see Kahnawake)
Cayuga
Cayuse
Chactoo
Chakankni
Chakchiuma
Chatot
Chaui
Chaushila
Chawasha
Chehalis
Chelamela
Chelan
Chemehuevi
Chepenafa
Cheraw
Cherokee
Chesapeake
Chetco
Cheyenne
Chiaha
Chickahominy
Chickamauga
Chickasaw
Chilliwack
Chilluckittequaw
Chilula
Chimakuan
Chimakum
Chimariko
Chine
Chinook
Chippewa (Ojibwe)
Chiricahua Apache
Chitimacha
Chiricahua
Choctaw
Choula
Chowanoc Chumash
Clackama
Clallam (see Klallam)
Clatskanie
Clatsop
Clowwewalla
Coahuiltecan
Coaque
Cochimi
Cochiti
Cocopa
Colville
Comanche
Conestoga
Congaree
Conoy
Coos
Copalis
Coree
Costanoan
Coushatta (Koasati)
Cowichan
Cowlitz
Cree
Creek
Croatan
Crow
Cuñeil
Cupeño
Dakota
Dakubetede
Deadose
Delaware
Diegueño
Diné - See Navajo
Dotame
Doustioni
Dwamish
Eyak
Eno
Erie
Eskimo - See Inuit
Esselen
Eyeish
Fernandeño
Flathead - See Salish
Five Civilized Tribes
Fox
Fremont
Fresh Water
Gabrieleno - See Tongva
Grigras
Gros Ventre
Guacata
Guale
Guasas
Haida
Hainai
Halchidhoma
Halyikwamai
Hanis
Hathawekela
Hatteras
Havasupai
Hidatsa
Hainai
Hitchiti
Ho-Chunk (See Winnebago)
Honniasontkeronon
Hoh
Hohokam
Hopi
Houma
Housatonic
Huchnom
Hualupai
Humptulips
Hupa
Huron
Ibitoupa
Icafui
Illinois/Illini
Innu
Inuit
Inupiat
Iowa/Ioway
Iroquois
Ishak (see
Isleta del Sur
Jamez
Jeags
Juaneño
Kadohadacho
Kahnawake
Kalapooian
Kalispel
Kamia
Kanza/Kaw
Karankawa
Karok
Kaska
Kaskaskia
Kaskinampo
Kato
Keresan Family
Kawaiisu
Kawchodinne
Kawia
Keyauwee
Kichai
Kickapoo
Kiowa
Kitanemuk
Kitksan
Kitsai
Klallam
Klamath
Klickitat
Koasati - See Coushatta
Kohuana
Konomihu
Kootenai/Kutenai
Koroa
Koso
Kosotshe
Koyeti
Kutchin
Kutenai
Kuitsh
Kusan
Ktunaxa
Kutchin
Kwaiailk
Kwakiutl
Kwalhioqua
Lakmiut
Lakota
Lassik
Latgawa
Lenape - See Delaware
Lillooet
Lochapoka
Lohim
Loucheux
Luckeamute
Luiseno
Lumbees
Lummi
Lutuamian
Macapiras
Machapunga
Mahican
Maidu
Makah
Maliseets
Mandan
Manhattan
Manahoac
Manso
Marameg
Maricopa
Mariposan
Martha's Vineyard
Mascouten
Maskegon
Massachusett
Mashpee
Matchoctic
Matinecoc
Mattabesic
Mattole
Meherrin
Meits
Menominee
Mescalero Apache
Meskwaki
Methow
Metoac
Miami
Mical
Michigamea
Michilimackinac
Micmac
Mikasuki
Miluk
Mishikhwutmetunne
Missouri
Miwok
Mobile
Mocogo
Moctobi
Modoc
Mogollon
Mohawk
Mohegan
Mojave
Molala
Monacan
Mono
Mono-Paviotso
Montagnais
Montauk
Moravians
Moratoc
Mosepolea - See Ofo
Muckleshoot
Mucogo
Mugulasha
Muklasa
Multnomah
Munsee
Muscogean Family
Nabedache
Nacisi
Nacogdoche
Nakota
Naltunnetunne
Nanatsoho
Nanticoke
Napissa
Napochi
Narragansett
Natchez
Natchitoches
Nauset
Navajo
Neusiok
Neutrals
Neketemeuk
Nemalquinner
Nespelem
Nez Percé
New York
Niantic
Nippissing
Nipmuc
Nisqualli
Nongatl
Nooksak
Nootka
Noquet
Nottoway
Ntlakyapamuk
Occaneechi
Oconee
Ofo
Ojibwe/Ojibway
Okanagon
Okelousa
Omaha
Onathaqua
Onatheaqua
Oneida
Oneota
Onondaga
Ononchataronon
Ontonagon
Opelousa
Osage
Osoche
Otoe
Ottawa
Ouachita
Ozette
Paiute
Pallachacola (see Apalachicola)
Palouse/Palus
Panamint
Papago
Pascagoula
Passamaquoddy
Patiti
Patwin
Pawnee
Pawokti
Pecos
Pedee
Pennacook
Penobscot
Pensacola
Peoria
Pepikokia
Pequawket
Pequot
Piegan
Pima
Pinal Coyotero
Piankashaw
Piro Pueblo
Pit River
Plains Indians
Pocomoke
Pocomtuc
Pohoy, Pooy, Posoy
Pomo
Ponca
Potano
Poosepatuck
Potawatomi
Powhatan
Pshwanwapam
Pueblo
Puyllup
Puntatsh
Quahatika
Quapaw
Queets
Quinaielt
Quileute
Quinault
Quinipissa
Rappahannock
Ree - See Arikara
Rouge River
Sac
Saconnet
Sahehwamish
Salinan Family
Salish
Saluda
Samish
Sanpoil
Santee - See Dakota
Santiam
Sappony
Sarsi
Satsop
Saturiba
Saturiwa
Sauk - See Sac
Sawokli
Seechelt
Sekani
Semiahmoo
Seminole
Seneca
Senijextee
Serrano
Sewee
Shakori
Shasta
Shawnee
Shoshone
Shinnecock
Shuswap
Siletz
Siksika (See Blackfoot
Sinagua
Sinkakoius
Sinkiuse/Sinkyone
Sioux
Sissipahaw
Siuslaw
Skaddal
Skagit
Skidi
Skilloot
Snake
Snohomish
Snoqualime/Snoqualmie
Soacatino
Sobaipuri
Spokan
Squaxon
Stehtsasamish
Stillaquamish
Stockbridge
Stony - See Assiniboine
Suislaw
Sugeree
Suquamish
Surruque
Susquehannock
Sutaio
Swallah/Swalash
Swinomish
Tacatacuru
Tachi
Taensa
Taidnapam
Takelma
Tali
Taltushtuntude
Tangipahoa
Tanoan Family
Tano
Taposa
Tarratine
Tatlitkutchin
Tawakon
Tawasa
Tawehash
Tenino
Tekesta, Tequesta
Tewa
Tionontati
Tillamook
Timucuan Family
Tioux
Tiwa/Tigua
Tlingit
Tocobaga
Tohome
Tolowa
Tongva
Tonkawa
Towa
Tsattine
Tschantoga
Tsilkotin
Tsimshian
Tübatulabal
Tukkuthkutchin
Tualatin (see Atfaiati)
Tulalip
Tunica
Tunxis
Tuscarora
Tuskegee
Tutchonekutchin
Tutelo
Tututni
Twana
Tyigh
Ucita
Umatilla
Umpqua
Unalachtigo
Unami (see Ani-Stohini)
Ute
Utina
Wabanaki
Waccamaw
Waco
Wailaki
Walapai - See Hualupai
Walla Walla
Wampanoag
Wanapan
Wappinger
Wappo
Wasco
Washa
Washoe
Wateree
Watlala
Wauyukma
Waxhaw
Wenrohronon
Wea
Weanoc
Weapemeoc
Wenatchee - See Yakama
Whilkut
Wichita
Winnebago
Wintu
Wintun
Winyaw
Wippanap
Wishram
Wiyot/Wiyat
Woccon
Wyandot
Wynoochee
Yahi
Yahooskin/Yahuskin
Yakama
Yakonan Family
Yamasee
Yamel
Yampa
Yana
Yankton - See Nakota
Yaquina
Yatasi
Yavapai
Yazoo
Yodok
Yojuane
Yokut Family
Yonkalla
Yscanis
Yuchi
Yufera
Yui
Yuki
Yuma
Yuman Family
Yurok
Yustaga
Zuni
Some of the happiest people I have met are living in poverty and have many problems, our happiness does not come from our perfect lives, it comes from the way we handle our problems. Our communities are happy and full of life because we handle the issues of drug use and alcoholism with culture. The new generations of Indians, are getting away from the substances because we have brought back our cultures and languages in many tribes. We have youth prevention programs in my tribe, that teach kids to be sober their whole childhoods.
Drugs, alcoholism, and suicide are high on reservations, but we are close communities that do everything we possibly can to heal these wounds, and that is why we are happy. Americans are unhappy often because they heal sicknesses like these with bandages and never heal the real rooted problems like the way children are raised, environment, general morals.
.
I knew you wouldn't take a single thing from my response, therefore, I do not care to check my grammar when responding to you.
You are done learning in life. Apparently, you know all there is to know about the world. So why are you here?
Thank you very much!
If I were walking down the street and the KKK were on one side and Antifa was on the other and I had to choose, the choice for me would be very simple. The KKK hates everyone except? Antifa hates facists which equates to? The KKK's history in America is inconceivably violent. People trying draw comparisons between the two groups while glossing over this history are, frankly, ridiculous.
I don't know. I certainly wouldn't equate them but when you're being beaten by someone for no reason, the difference doesn't matter. Members of Antifa have been violent toward innocent bystanders. Recently, I've read about several instances of some members attacking reporters et. al. On the whole, though, I see your point.
Total disconnect from reality, raving prose style does not help.
Easy there MrSnowFlake, ... perhaps you should calm yourself, .... Hey, I have an idea, go take some photos, ...... and just to let you know ANTIFA is not a group, it is a concept, kind of like when we fought Hitler, and won, same thing, ..... i know that might be hard to grasp, a group of people getting together for one common purpose, to face, and shut down hate when it rises, .... now maybe hate a little less, and love a bit more, .... ;)
You have a lot to learn about life Mr. Snowflake
You are so very sad MrSnowflake, so very sad
Very poorly though out post.
Bob Brady
I am not willing to discuss a racist point of view on word revisionism, thank you very much
That dog is wearing a KKK cape of some sort! For some reason that takes the seriousness out of it for me...like, you hate minorities but love dogs in little matching outfits. How ridiculous these people are!
I'm not trying to normalize them but most people are ridiculous to some degree or other and they're less so than you think. It's easy to focus on the faults of others, you don't happen to share, and ignore those you do.
Okay Robert, you voted me down. Why do you disagree?
I down voted you because you're response is more to start a debate, which I am not going to entertain, and less about the dog in a KKK cape, which is frightening and hilarious at the same time...dare I say, "frilarious".
So your comment was meant as ??? I don't care anything about the dog because people of all types like or don't like dogs. I understood your point in that regard but don't think it helps to call people ridiculous. It's easy to classify people in a derogatory manner but doesn't help anything. If your only point was the dog, okay. I get it.
"Frilarious" Now that there is funny...I don't care who you are! :-)
Meant as a funny observation only, not a commentary on socio political issues...even though you are trying oh so hard to turn it into one.
Again. I wouldn't have objected except for your use of the word ridiculous. I can't imagine anyone benefits from that. Sorry...
You are objecting to the word ridiculous when used in conjunction with the KKK. Okay then.
This is my last response to this thread as it is becoming increasingly pointless. Best regards.
When engaging people with whom you disagree, for any reason, you should ask yourself, 'Do I want to punish/ridicule them or do I want to change their minds through thoughtful and respectful dialogue?' jmo
Lol, too funny. Yes very ridiculous and pointless. :)
Never make a post about yourself, try to never use, "I." You use it too often, indicating you need a chat group, not a comment forum. I hope that helps.
Not especially. I (sorry) know what you mean but in the case of the post you responded to, I (sorry again) was suggesting anyone should ask themselves what their goals are when engaging others. In that particular case, the "I" is in fact them. How would you have written it?
Furthermore, it seems you are suggesting I (sorry...Wow, it is a problem, isn't it?) not post here. If so, there were probably better examples of the offense for you to respond to. Just my (does "my" count?) two cents.
I hope that helps. :-/ (Wait a minute...you used the word "I" twice in your comment!)
Edit: your comment made me curious so I looked you up. You're that guy who thinks he's a professor and needs to "grade" everyone else's efforts. Now it makes sense.
I agree that the dog cape, the Mountain Dew, the mess, indoor smoking all shows that they have no idea what they're doing. The point of sharing this is to show how little they should be taken seriously perhaps, and how easily they can be stopped if law enforcement chose to do so.
NO Bob, it is not encouraged AND that is not why you have a resurgence of white supremacist groups!
I disagree with Bob's analysis but I'm interested to know, why do you think there's a resurgence? I kinda thought they were there all along but were merely coming out more as a response to their left-wing counterparts. Like someone saying "watch this" and doing something stupid. Then, their brother says, "that ain't nuthin'" and attempting to out-stupid him. :-)
Personally, I just think you guys feel embolden and encouraged by the current administration. Particularly when they don't disregard these groups and seem to cater to them. Along with other illegitimate factors. And not all white people are racists and yes, there are blacks and other who are racists. BUT, the majority of the non white people that are racists is pretty much attributed to the way they are treated. I'm not saying that's an excuse, but that's the reason. And stop telling people to go back to Africa or Mexico or whatever county or origin their ancestors are from. You do realize that Whites came here to across waters, right?
Bob/Pete/Peter Brody/Brady/Miller, or whoever you are, you are not a patriot. Please take your far-right wing militance elsewhere.