“Social …” “What?” they yelled. “… equality—” The laughter hung smokelike in the sudden stillness. I opened my eyes, puzzled. Sounds of displeasure filled the room. The M.C. rushed forward. They shouted hostile phrases at me. But I did not understand. A small dry mustached man in the front row blared out, “Say that slowly, son!” “What, sir?” “What you just said!” “Social responsibility, sir,” I said. “You weren’t being smart, were you, boy?” he said, not unkindly. “No, sir!”
