Saturday, August 18, 2007

Is This What Wikipedia Means by "a lecture on birth control?"

The Wikipedia account of Margaret Sanger's speech to the Ku Klux Klan states the following:


"...Sanger even gave a lecture on birth control to the women's auxiliary of the Ku Klux Klan in Silver Lake, New Jersey..."

Below in italics you will see the words of Margaret Sanger as they appear in her Autobiography.

Although no record of what Margaret Sanger actually said at the Klan Rally exists, the words in bold are actual birth control quotes from Margaret Sanger used on other occassions that reflect how Sanger may have lectured on birth control at a Klan Rally.

***************


Always to me any aroused group was a good group, and therefore I accepted an invitation to talk to the women's branch of the Ku Klux Klan...As someone came out of the hall I saw through the door dim figures parading with banners and illuminated crosses. I waited another twenty minutes. It was warmer and I did not mind so much. Eventually the lights were switched on, the audience seated itself, and I was escorted to the platform, was introduced, and began to speak.




"Birth control must lead ultimately to a cleaner race."



Margaret Sanger. Woman, Morality, and Birth Control. New York: New York Publishing Company, 1922. Page 12.




"We should hire three or four colored ministers, preferably with social-service backgrounds, and with engaging personalities. The most successful educational approach to the Negro is through a religious appeal. We don't want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population. and the minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members."



Margaret Sanger's December 19, 1939 letter to Dr. Clarence Gamble, 255 Adams Street, Milton, Massachusetts.


"Eugenic sterilization is an urgent need ... We must prevent multiplication of this bad stock."



Margaret Sanger, April 1933 Birth Control Review.




"Eugenics is … the most adequate and thorough avenue to the solution of racial, political and social problems."

Margaret Sanger. The Eugenic Value of Birth Control Propaganda. Birth Control Review, October 1921, page 5.




"As an advocate of birth control I wish ... to point out that the unbalance between the birth rate of the 'unfit' and the 'fit,' admittedly the greatest present menace to civilization, can never be rectified by the inauguration of a cradle competition between these two classes. In this matter, the example of the inferior classes, the fertility of the feeble-minded, the mentally defective, the poverty-stricken classes, should not be held up for emulation....On the contrary, the most urgent problem today is how to limit and discourage the over-fertility of the mentally and physically defective. "



Margaret Sanger. "The Eugenic Value of Birth Control Propaganda." Birth Control Review, October 1921, page 5.




"The campaign for birth control is not merely of eugenic value, but is practically identical with the final aims of eugenics."



Margaret Sanger. "The Eugenic Value of Birth Control Propaganda." Birth Control Review, October 1921, page 5.




"Our failure to segregate morons who are increasing and multiplying ... demonstrates our foolhardy and extravagant sentimentalism ... [Philanthropists] encourage the healthier and more normal sections of the world to shoulder the burden of unthinking and indiscriminate fecundity of others; which brings with it, as I think the reader must agree, a dead weight of human waste. Instead of decreasing and aiming to eliminate the stocks that are most detrimental to the future of the race and the world, it tends to render them to a menacing degree dominant ... We are paying for, and even submitting to, the dictates of an ever-increasing, unceasingly spawning class of human beings who never should have been born at all."





Margaret Sanger. The Pivot of Civilization, 1922. Chapter on "The Cruelty of Charity," pages 116, 122, and 189. Swarthmore College Library edition.




"The undeniably feeble-minded should, indeed, not only be discouraged but prevented from propagating their kind."



Margaret Sanger, quoted in Charles Valenza. "Was Margaret Sanger a Racist?" Family Planning Perspectives, January-February 1985, page 44.




"The third group [of society] are those irresponsible and reckless ones having little regard for the consequences of their acts, or whose religious scruples prevent their exercising control over their numbers. Many of this group are diseased, feeble-minded, and are of the pauper element dependent upon the normal and fit members of society for their support. There is no doubt in the minds of all thinking people that the procreation of this group should be stopped."


Margaret Sanger, The Birth Control Review, Gothic Press, pages 172 and 174.

At some point, the crowd of Klanswomen certainly must have broken into a chant of "Maggie! Maggie! Maggie!..." Sanger concludes her account of this event in her Autobiography by noting that her performance earned her twelve invitations from like-minded groups.

In the end, through simple illustrations I believed I had accomplished my purpose. A dozen invitations to speak to similar groups were proffered.

***************


The Wikipedia entry makes Sanger's speech at the Klan Rally sound like a dry public health discussion. But you will note from Sanger's past quotes on birth control that this is not at all how she discussed the topic, and it would certainly be logical to think that she broke out some of her more inflamatory talking points to use on the Klanswomen. The Wikipedia entry also notes that Sanger called it "one of the weirdest experiences I had in lecturing," but it fails to mention that the crowd was "parading with banners and illuminated crosses."

Wikipedia further neglects to mention that after the Klan speech "a dozen invitations to speak to similar groups were proffered ." Yes, Maggie must have really been a hit with the Klanswomen.






Thanks to http://www.eadshome.com/MargaretSanger.htm for the dead on quotes.

38 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:39 PM

    Twaddle, twaddle, and piffle.

    Margaret was a great woman and you are not.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous4:11 PM

    As a historian, I find it incredibly disingenuous the way the far- and Christian right choose to characterize historical figures in such ignorant and ham-handed way. You can try to demonize Margaret Sanger--or reclaim Susan B. Anthony or Thomas Jefferson as right-wing ideologues or what have you--but history does not stand with you.

    If Sanger spoke with the KKK women's auxiliary because it was one of the largest social organizations of the time, she obviously did so with some trepidation (as is obvious in the tone of the small sound-bite you and others use) and for an audience who did not really agree with her message of women's liberation through control of their own bodies. In fact, though occasional moderately eugenicist ideas proffer minor superficial likenesses, the viewpoints of such women's groups and of the Nazis and other fascists were in most cases in direct contradiction with Sanger and other sexual liberals of the time.

    The conservative 1920s KKK and the later German National Socialists, whether politely listening to Sanger or not, thought that contraception by women was a danger to the moral identity of the state/nation/race. Not unlike you and your comrades, they would rather burn Sanger's books (as the Nazis did later) or ban their mailing in US postal areas (which Sanger successfully fought) than actually admit that it's good for women to control their bodies. So... who's side are YOU really on?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous11:37 AM

    I can recommend.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello,
    This is an amazing blog post here.... Keep posting such an awesome blog post. Thanks very much!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Margaret Sanger was an unapologetic racist. Planned parenthood was the new name to cover up the eugenics connection that forms the foundation of the modern progressive movement.

    Wikepedia is known for its progressive spin. They regularly rehab their heros and this is a case in point.

    I suggest that anyone who doubts the connections between Sanger and those of her ilk see the documentary Maafa 21: Black Genocide in 21st Century America. The truth always leads to liberation, but error ends in bondage.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Humm..interesting campaigne for birth controls in those days.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Humm..interesting campaigne for birth controls in those days.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi, nice post. I have been wondering about this topic,so thanks for sharing. I will certainly be subscribing to your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was working and suddenly I visits your site frequently and recommended it to me to read also. The writing style is superior and the content is relevant. Thanks for the insight you provide the readers!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I was working and suddenly I visits your site frequently and recommended it to me to read also. The writing style is superior and the content is relevant. Thanks for the insight you provide the readers!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for the post, its really containing the descent knowledge and I really like the blog.

    ReplyDelete
  12. It is very interesting for me to read that article.
    Thank author for it. I like such topics and everything
    connected to this matter. I definitely want to read more soon.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What remarkable post! I think getting a bit of experience behind you writing for student magazines and websites is probably a good idea as well, just to familiarise yourself with what might be expected of you.



    natural supplements

    ReplyDelete
  14. Interesting Post. I really enjoy this post.. Thanks for sharing this...

    ReplyDelete
  15. You made certain good points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found the majority of people will have the same opinion with your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Quite effective info, lots of thanks for the article.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous9:35 PM

    A huge dick in my pussy,the warm wet tounge up my own arse and cum as
    well as pussy juice all over me. Fuck, ozzy

    Here is my webpage: hcg injections

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for such a great post and the review, I am totally impressed! Keep stuff like this coming.
    Tourism Logo Design | Automotive Logo Design

    ReplyDelete
  19. nice

    ktarao- Our Escorts at Chennai Escorts Agency with sexy and Beautiful Escorts girls.



    busty Chennai escorts girls

    escorts in Chennai

    escorts service in Chennai

    call girls in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  20. hyii



    Vchennaiescorts- Choosing your favorite girls from our escorts is so simple as because we are available for you all time for fullfil yours nights



    Chennai female escorts

    call girls in Chennai

    Chennai call girls

    Chennai high profile escorts

    Chennai independent escorts

    ReplyDelete
  21. chennaihotgirl- Our Agency should provide the best elite and independent escorts in chennai
    escorts in Chennai
    escorts service in Chennai
    independent escorts in Chennai
    Chennai female escorts
    call girls in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  22. I stress and difficulties satisfaction after day, always fun and joy. I have expertise in raising their mood about love, emotions and erotic feelings.


    Pondy Bazaar Escorts

    Sirperumbudur Escorts

    T Nagar Escorts

    ReplyDelete
  23. bangalore escorts
    bangalore escorts Today, the new system has gone to work, why the New Year will be a normal way of working, the other side has got profit and there is no profit. Yana’s Bangalore keys did not match any other normal.
    .https://www.payalpandya.com
    https://www.payalpandya.com/about.html
    https://www.payalpandya.com/services.html
    https://www.payalpandya.com/gallery.html
    https://www.payalpandya.com/blog.html
    bangalore escorts
    escorts in Bangalore
    bangalore escorts service

    ReplyDelete
  24. bangalore escortsToday, the new system has gone to work, why the New Year will be a normal way of working, the other side has got profit and there is no profit. Yana’s Bangalore keys did not match any other normal.
    https://www.whollymodels.com
    https://www.whollymodels.com/about.php
    https://www.whollymodels.com/services.php
    https://www.whollymodels.com/gallery.php
    https://www.whollymodels.com/rates.php
    https://whollymodels.com/blog/
    bangalore escorts
    escorts in Bangalore
    bangalore escorts service
    https://www.whollymodels.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hello! We provide high class female escorts in all over Chennai. Check out our gallery of Chennai escorts modal girls and call 24/7 hot and sexy Independent escorts girls at Chennai escort agency for night fun. Call us for hot and sexy Escorts Services of F call girls, Independent Chennai Escorts at affordable price.
    mahikapur

    Chennai Escorts
    Chennai Escorts Service
    Chennai Escorts Agency
    Chennai Independent Escorts
    Chennai Escort
    Call Girls in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am going to tell you important things about these call girls in Chennai that make them really amazing. Know that the individuals are always ready to entertain you both erotically and normally.

    chennai escorts services
    chennai escorts
    chennai escorts
    escorts in chennai
    chennai escorts services
    escorts in chandigarh
    jaipur escorts

    ReplyDelete

  27. Hi My Name is Alisha Petel at I read your all Blog. Your blog is very informative. When you hook up with our high-profile Model you are bound to get maximum erotic pleasure from them. (07045557873)As all of these Model come from a higher class and are well-educated, sensuous and seductive, they take the sensual pleasure of clients to unimagined heights. Dating this class of escorts will not only arouse your passion and rejuvenate your senses but will let you feel exhilarated and ecstasy.http://puneindependentescorts.com/ You and your partner will be enjoying the same feelings and emotions. Remember that lovemaking is not only confined to a single partner. Instead, it is confined to both of you. There is nothing to be doubtful about the quality of these escorts since they are very attractive and keep your senses gratified when you hire any of these escorts and spend some quality time with her. For more details please visit here.Thank You for Sharing Blog.

    Pune escorts

    Bangalore Escorts

    Mumbai Escorts

    While having a company with an Alisha you should also adopt a good attitude. You too should be generous in your attitude. Consider her as your true friend not merely as sexual partner. Share your innermost feelings with her and do not waste much time in having a gossip with her.
    Sex Services In Mumbai

    Koregaon Park Escorts

    Escorts Girls In Mumbai

    For more details please visit here.Thank You for Sharing Blog.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous5:16 AM

    Panaji Escorts
    I'm impressed, I must say. Very rarely do I come across a blog that's both informative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. Your blog is important

    ReplyDelete
  29. Keeping that in mind we will welcome you to Ludhiana escorts agency, a brand name which everyone is buzzing in town, a name which is the precedent for high class escort service and place for amusement and entertainment.
    Ludhiana escorts
    udaipurescort service
    Gurgaon escorts
    Jodhpur escorts
    Noida escorts
    Dehradun escorts

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am an Jaipur delhi escorts is the perfect girl to seduce any man by exposing glamour and natural beauty; finding the beautiful girl at Jaipur escorts not so tough because here each escort looks lovely and hot.
    Jaipur escorts
    Nainital escort service
    Goa escorts
    Mumbai escorts
    Pune escorts

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Kaun Banega Crorepati9:46 AM

    I blog quite often and I genuinely appreciate your content. Your article has really peaked my interest. I'm going to take a note of your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too. find more about KBC Winner lottery 2020

    ReplyDelete
  33. I did not know the entire benefits of Garmin Nuvi Update. But since I have read this blog on map update, I have installed all available updates for my garmin device. I must say that this piece of blog has helped me improve navigation experience. I am not suggesting all my friends to read this blog and get My Garmin Express with this team. For detailed information, you can contact us at toll-free number +1 888-309-0939. Our Garmin GPS professionals will provide instant help.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous12:38 AM

    I really gald your blog Thanks for sharing such an wonderful informative post.
    Hyderabad Escorts
    Chennai Escorts Service
    Independent Ahmedabad Escorts

    ReplyDelete