Hate Groups and Extremist Organizations in America: An Encyclopedia

This expansive collection of A-Z entries offers a compelling look into hate groups in America. Focusing on organizations in operation today, this resource book for student and general audiences covers numerous hot-button issues in politics and culture.

The Southern Poverty Law Center lists nearly 900 hate groups active in the United States today. Some of these, such as the KKK, have deep roots in American history. Others are newer, formed in response to policies and shifts in our cultural landscape. Often these organizations imply defense of America and political ideals in their names, such as "Council of Conservative Citizens" and "American Family Association." Some, such as "White Aryan Resistance" and "Supreme White Alliance," are more direct in their associations. Nearly all posit an erosion of rights and values; a way of life that is becoming lost to immigrants; a diffusion or integration of population; and government overstep.

Many of these groups preach a necessity for violence, through either outright or thinly veiled language. Membership in these organizations poses another topic for investigation, as their ranks are not just anti-government or pro-gun rights types who seek to defend the Constitution. Many are simply citizens who see their ideal for America as under threat by various groups—whether ethnic, racial, or religious. This unique reference will allow readers to explore the underlying issues central to understanding them. How do these hate groups get started, and why do people join?

• Defines what a hate group is and what distinguishes such groups from other groups operating within the social and political landscape of the United States
• Provides readers with an understanding of the numerous hate groups that are affecting both the social and political environments in the United States
• Encourages readers to conduct further research into these groups by including extensive bibliographic resources as well as suggestions for further research
• Provides information on groups that pertains to their origins and current activities and suggests possibilities of their future impacts on the political, social, and economic environments in the United States