Watch Klansville U.S.A

Klansville U.S.A. is a documentary film that takes a deep dive into the rise and fall of the Ku Klux Klan in North Carolina during the 1960s. Narrated by Oliver Platt, the film provides a chilling insight into the Klan's activities during this time and how they used rhetoric and violence to terrorize black communities and maintain their grip on power.

The documentary begins by exploring the history of the Klan and how its ideology of white supremacy and hatred for African Americans helped it to gain a foothold in North Carolina. It then goes on to detail the various ways in which the Klan exerted its influence over the state and how it managed to recruit members from all walks of life.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the way in which it portrays the Klan's seeming omnipresence during the 1960s. From burning crosses in people's yards to holding massive rallies in public spaces, the Klan was a constant looming threat to those who opposed their violent and racist agenda. The film features interviews with both former Klan members and their victims, who speak candidly about their experiences and how the Klan affected their lives.

What is perhaps most surprising about Klansville U.S.A. is the extent to which the Klan was intertwined with the political and social structures of North Carolina during this time. The film details how the Klan used its political power to influence local elections and how prominent business leaders and politicians openly promoted white supremacist ideals. It also illustrates how the Klan's influence extended beyond North Carolina, with a large and active presence in other states across the South.

However, the documentary also sheds light on the efforts of those who sought to challenge the Klan and its ideology. Community organizers, civil rights activists, and brave individuals who spoke out against the Klan all play a part in the film, and their stories provide a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak narrative.

The film's strength lies in its ability to connect the past to the present, highlighting the fact that racism and white supremacy have not gone away, but instead have simply adapted to new circumstances. It does so by coupling archival footage with interviews and insights from modern-day experts on extremism, showing how the language and tactics used by the Klan are still being employed by white supremacist groups today.

Overall, Klansville U.S.A. is a harrowing but important film that shines a light on a dark period in American history. It is a powerful reminder of the dangers of hate, and the importance of standing up to those who seek to spread it.

Klansville U.S.A is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes.