Bonner "Flying Home"

"What does she know of humiliation? She's never been down South. Now the humiliation would come. When you must have them judge you, knowing that they never accept your mistakes as your own, but hold it against your whole race-that was humiliation." Pg. 208

I found this image from Ellison's story to be particularly striking. Here we are given Todd's thoughts in a frantic blast, as he relates a letter from his girl to his present state of humiliation. I found it interesting that Todd is concerned about how his actions will echo beyond his own life and shadow all other members of his race and that he will be chastised by both white and black people for his failure and wake of negativity. This seems to be a statement about the world in which these characters reside.When Todd thinks of being judged, he considers how the entire society both black and white will view his actions, even though it is easy to assume that his judges will be white military officers. But because the white society around him craves negative reinforcement to justify its violence and anger, and he is a member of the Air focre, (on the front lines of racial tension) his actions will radiate away from him, supplying more wood for the furnace of prejudice. I found it interesting that Ellison chose this to be Todd's first fear after the faulty landing. His fears gradually increase as he learns more about the property on which he has crashed and he bigins worrying about his own personal safety. Yet his initial fear is one of complete humiliation and resentment.
Question: What is Ellison saying about the South here and why did he include the letter from Todd's girl?