The white supremacist organisation, 'Ku Klux Klan', infamous for racism and violence, is reportedly rebranding itself and opening its doors – quite surprisingly – to other members of the society such as Jews, Blacks, Hispanics and gays.
The group – known for its notorious activities such as burning crosses, lynching and horrific racist attacks – has now claimed to stand for "a strong America" and not for baseless hatred towards other groups.
The move reportedly comes after John Abarr, a KKK member from Great Falls in Montana, had a discussion with the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NCAAP), although it is not exactly clear what they talked about.
Abarr is a now a reformed man and has started a new group called 'The Rocky Mountain Knights'. Although he hasn't specified how many members the organisation has, he was cited as saying by Georgian TV channel WMAZ that the rebranded outfit will not discriminate against people on the basis of race, religion or sexual orientation.
"The KKK is for a strong America," Abbar said, according to the TV channel.
"White supremacy is the old Klan. This is the new Klan," he said, adding: "It thought it was a really good organisation. I don't feel we need to be separate."
But many have questioned the actual motives of Abarr. According to critics, he is only trying to bolster his own career, with many specifically questioning his need to retain brand KKK.
Bradley Jenkins, Imperial Wizard of the KKK, was quoted by Huffington Post as saying: "That man's going against everything the bylaws of the constitution of the KKK say. He's trying to hide behind the KKK to further his political career."
Adding to people's suspicion, was the fact that the prospective Klansmen for the 'rebranded Ku Klux Klan' will still be required to fulfil certain criteria. Apart from the necessity to be 18 and that members live in the Pacific Northwest, they will still have to wear the notorious white robes and take part in bizarre rituals.
