The Ku Klux Klan is a classic example of how deindividuation works and affects human behaviors. We will be analyzing the KKK under the lens of deindividuation. But first let's take a moment to re-acquaint ourselves with this notorious racist group.
The KKK originated in the South of the US as part of a racist movement against newly-freed African-Americans in the 1860s. Their distinct uniform separates them from the other hate groups. They would carry out extremely violent lynching targeted towards African-Americans on the basis of white supremacy and anti-social mixing.
So deindividuation happened within the KKK and propelled it to action? Yes. The KKK had all the required foundations for deindividuation to take place. Honestly, it really did.
Anonymity: The uniforms with white masks covered their whole faces and made it impossible to distinguish one member from the other. It gave them the chance to go beyond the extreme without being found out and condemned personally.
Diffused responsibility: As it was impossible to tell which member was who, the responsibility associated with crime vaporized. They would always go on lynching trips together as well. If they were caught, the responsibility was everyone's. And we all know how the saying goes, if something belongs to everyone, it belongs to none.
Group size: The KKK, hateful and condemnable as they may be, has got up to 8,000 members by 2012. Yes, it's still around.
Check this out: http://www.kkk.com/
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