In "Just Walk On By: Black Men and Public Space," Brent Staples discusses his experiences as a black man in public and how his race has affected the way he is perceived and treated by others. Staples writes about how people often react with fear and suspicion when they see him walking down the street, and how he has learned to cope with these reactions and assert his own presence in public.
Staples begins by describing his first encounter with the idea that his race could be perceived as a threat. As a young man, he was walking through a white neighborhood when a woman grabbed her purse and crossed the street to avoid him. This incident left him feeling confused and hurt, and he began to realize that his race could be seen as a source of fear for others.
Throughout the essay, Staples reflects on the various ways in which he has learned to navigate public spaces as a black man. He writes about how he has learned to use his body language and demeanor to convey a sense of calm and non-threat, even when confronted with racism or discrimination. He also writes about how he has learned to use humor as a way of defusing tense situations and to assert his own presence in public.
Despite these efforts, Staples acknowledges that racism and discrimination are still a reality for him and for many other black men in public spaces. He writes about how he has been followed and confronted by store clerks and security guards, and how he has sometimes been the target of racial slurs and hate crimes.
In the end, Staples argues that the fear and suspicion that black men often face in public spaces is not only unjust, but it is also counterproductive. He writes that by treating black men with suspicion and fear, society is reinforcing harmful stereotypes and perpetuating a cycle of racism and discrimination. Instead, Staples argues that we should work to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where all people are treated with respect and dignity regardless of their race.
In conclusion, "Just Walk On By: Black Men and Public Space" is a powerful and thought-provoking essay that explores the ways in which race can shape our experiences in public spaces. Through his personal reflections and observations, Staples sheds light on the realities of racism and discrimination faced by black men, and he calls for a more inclusive and equitable society where all people are treated with respect and dignity.
