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LIFE Goes Inside Today's KKK

Swastika Sole

Swastika Sole

Karen spent four years photographing the Klan in cities and small towns in 25 states, Canada, and Germany. "I still approach the Klan members as I did during the first rally I attended," Karen told LIFE, explaining the unprecedented access he's been granted. "I keep my camera off to the side, and I go up and introduce myself, or catch up with people I know from previous events. But there’s no real secret to how I've gotten this access: it's all about honesty and being interested in what people have to say. People notice things like that."

Photo: Blank/Time & Life Pictures

Apr 13, 2009