Ronson Summary

Ronson’s, “The Klansman Who Won’t Use the N-Word” portrays a two-faced KKK branch which acts nice for the public, but still is a racist group.  Thom Robb is a very comical person, not the standard KKK leader one would picture.  Robb preaches that use of the n-word is prohibited and the ceremonial robes are prohibited because they give his KKK a bad public image.  Sounds great, a friendly KKK.  The only problem is his group’s actions and words constantly contradict his pose for the media.  Thom shows the group’s ideology when talking about Osama Bin Laden when he condones them and says “We’re certainly working for the same goal” (189).  The cross “lighting” (while in the traditional KKK uniforms) also seems to make them similar to their other KKK counterparts.  The fact that they watch old KKK racist propaganda still is a bit fishy for a “non-racist” KKK group.

I personally thought this piece was hilarious.  The idea of a friendly KKK group seems absolutely ridiculous to me.  Thom seemed like a nice guy in the early piece.  As it goes on he is still just a racist KKK leader.  The fact that he was still trying to salvage his group’s name, while hosting events like the “cross lighting” is absurd.  The main reason why I thought the piece was funny though is the stuff Thom says.  After the cross “lighting” ceremony:  The next morning, Thom spotted me trying to take a picture of the charred remains of the cross.  He asked me not to.  I asked him why not. “It’ll look like a hangover after a Saturday night party, people will get the wrong idea.” (199).  Seriously?  What is the idea he is trying to convey?  Thom’s statements truly made this piece enjoyable to read.