Instead, the virus continues to sweep the nation, keeping men away from their lodges and making it even more difficult to induct new members - something some say is too steeped in tradition to be attempted over Zoom. Within the organization's ranks, some members hoped the coronavirus pandemic might offer an opportunity to shed its reputation for mystery and secrecy and instead showcase the charitable work that Masons perform in communities nationwide. Here, nearly 200 "high" Masons join President Herbert Hoover at the White House in May 1932. The Freemasons have a long history of secrecy and influence, but today many of their traditions are a simple Google search away. In recent years, membership has dropped roughly 75% from a high of more than 4.1 million in 1959 - when about 4.5% of all American men were members. Many lodges still don't allow women to join, and others have struggled to attract members of color. While part of the problem is that Americans simply don't join clubs or fraternities as often as they used to, some critics argue that Masons have also struggled to keep up with the changing face of the nation. The challenges facing the organization have been decades in the making. But today, as membership plummets within one of the oldest international fraternal organizations ever to exist, a new question persists: What is the point? Among their members are Founding Fathers, presidents, musicians, artists and businessmen. ![]() Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Gettyįreemasons have long wielded the qualities most irresistible to thriller writers and conspiracy theorists - secrecy, politics, power and celebrity. Above, the Scottish Rite temple in Washington, D.C. We’ve found 25 of the weirdest and downright bad Barbie dolls you’ve ever seen in your life.In 1959, about 4.5% of all American men were Freemasons, but in recent years membership has fallen off roughly 75%. We know they can’t all be winners, but surely the masterminds behind the doll’s creations would put a little bit of sense into what they sell kids? Right? ![]() There have been plenty of controversial Barbies over the doll’s history sometimes she’s insensitive while other times she’s just entirely strange. Barbie has been one of those dolls to hop on the trend of each generation fairly quickly and with one look at her older models, you’ll be able to tell the time period she comes from. You would think with the kind of versatility Barbie has that she’d be a fantastic role model for young girls, but many seem to think that’s not the case. For every new wave of children, there’s always been a Barbie doll waiting for a new home. ![]() It’s been an iconic franchise in the toy industry that’s never faded out. Most of us has a Barbie growing up, but even if you didn’t you’ve at least heard the name before. She’s been a doctor, an astronaut and everything in between. We’ve seen Barbie go through a lot of phases in her ever-lasting life, each with a new career and exciting adventure. Everyone loves Barbie the doll who seems to be able to do everything and has a long-standing reputation with little girls for generations.
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