No phenomenon recurs more frequently in human affairs than persecution for nonconformity. Differences in dress, in language, in customs, in religion and in political thinking arouse hostility and suspicion.
The great American irony is that while Negroes differ from others in color, the numberless outrages that have been committed against them amount to persecution for conformity—for trying to be like everybody else. It may seem incredible, but it is profoundly true that the vast majority of Negro Americans, including our youth, want in, not out; that we want to share the American dream, not destroy it. Indeed, if you look into the hate-filled eyes of the violent minority of Negro youth with insight as well as sight, what you are likely to see are tears born of their years of rejection and ostracism.
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