Snapshot: Boston, 1974

The thrust of xenophobic patriotism aimed directly at an American citizen. The black common man is held back by passerby. Some of those in the background raise their fists in the air in victory. Others in the background turn away from the violence. Yet most just simply watch, not intervening and not participating. The man in all black aims for the midsection of the vulnerable black man who is wearing all white. The brick streets in black and white show no red although red is almost certain in the photograph.
What could bring someone to such a rage to stab someone in the chest like a Roman Hoplite? Was the man trying to go home? Was he in the wrong place at the wrong time? Was the man dressed in black pointing the flag towards someone else? Did the javelin thrower miss? Did the Russian communists scream for joy when they saw this picture? Did the nation regress back? Did the children scream? Were children beaten for being who they are? Did the schools close? Did the President cry, get angry, or agree? Was the Underground Railroad closed? Did textbooks change? Or did it get covered up? Where are the rest of those in protest? Did the racist faces of Irish Boston scowl at their actions years later? Or did the man trying to help the black man by pulling him to safety accidentally get him killed?