ABSTRACT
The pattern of violence is the custom in the South to permit whites to resort to violence and threats of violence against the life, personal security, property and freedom of movement of Negroes. In the Negro community, where personal security is most lacking, this dangerous pattern of having knives and guns around is most widespread. Lynching is one Southern pattern which has continued to arouse disgust and reaction in the North and has, therefore, been made much of by Negro publicists. There are several substitutes for lynching. One is the killing of Negro criminals by the police officers. Another substitute is quiet murder without the formation of a mob. A third substitute is that in which police and court officials promise to vigilante leaders that the accused Negro will receive a quick trial and the death penalty if he is not lynched. The effects of riots may be even more harmful to amicable race relations than are those of lynching.
