“You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught” – The ABCs of hate

Project Description

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and some individuals in American society have perpetuated hate from a young age through various means, including indoctrination and cultural influences. The song “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” from the musical South Pacific highlights this issue. The song underscores that hatred and prejudice are not innate but are learned behaviors, often passed down through generations. Children are impressionable, and exposure to prejudiced beliefs, whether directly or indirectly, can shape their worldview.

The KKK, as a hate group, has historically targeted young minds through recruitment efforts, propaganda, and fostering an environment of fear and prejudice. Meanwhile, elements in American society have sometimes failed to adequately address systemic racism, allowing hate to persist. To combat this, it’s crucial to promote education, tolerance, and diversity, ensuring that young generations are carefully taught values of empathy, inclusivity, and equality instead.

“You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught” – The ABCs of hate
size: 11 x 14.0625″ | Acrylic on MDF board
© 2023 Jeff Kahn