Read Just Walk On By: Black Men And Public Spaces

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Read Just Walk On By:Black Men And Public Spaces. Find it very upsetting that people are afraid of him on the street walking at night. He says, "I was so often taken for a criminal." How does Staples describe himself? Write 3 paragraphs on how you would feel and what you would do if you found yourself alone on the street at night with someone like Staples walking behind you.

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When I imagine myself alone on a quiet street at night with someone like Staples walking behind me, I initially feel a sense of fear and vulnerability. Staples describes himself as a person who has been unfairly judged based solely on his race and appearance, which makes me conscious of my own perceptions and biases. If I am aware of the stereotypes that associate black men with criminality, I might feel a mixture of anxiety and unease, even if I know intellectually that Staples is not dangerous. This situation highlights how societal prejudices can influence personal feelings, often leading to disproportionate fears based solely on race and appearance.

As I continue walking, my feelings might shift from fear to a conscious effort to be calm and composed. I would remind myself that being prejudged does not define who someone is and that stereotyping often results from ignorance and fear. To lessen my own anxiety, I might try to assess the situation rationally, considering whether there is any real threat or if my fears are rooted in societal conditioning. I would avoid making eye contact or showing signs of nervousness, as these behaviors can sometimes provoke misunderstandings or escalate the situation. Instead, I would focus on maintaining a confident and non-threatening posture, which can help to defuse any tension and communicate that I am not afraid or hostile.

In the end, my primary goal would be to ensure my own safety while respecting the dignity of the person behind me. I might cross the street or alter my route if I felt uncomfortable but would aim to do so without animosity or suspicion. Recognizing that Staples describes himself as unfairly perceived due to racial stereotypes reminds me of the importance of challenging my assumptions and being aware of the biases that influence my perceptions. By maintaining composure and kindness, I can prevent unnecessary fear and promote understanding, acknowledging that the fears I might feel are rooted in societal issues that need to be addressed rather than individual threats. This experience underscores the need for greater awareness and empathy in navigating public spaces in diverse societies.

References

• Steele, C. M. (2010). Whistling Vivaldi: How stereotypes affect us and what we can do. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Staples, R. (1992). Just walk on by: black men and public space. In R. Staples, Race matters. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
• Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity. Prentice-Hall.
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• Ferguson, R. A. (2000). Bad boys: Public schools in the making of Black masculinity. University of Chicago Press.
• Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Addison-Wesley.