Ponders His Power To Alter Public Space Essay, Research Paper
?Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders His Power To Alter Public Space?
Stereotypes affect different individuals regardless race, religion, sex, and creed.
In ?Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space,? Brent Staples demonstrates how a stereotype on race and sex can intervene with one another. Each point, whether a narrative or remark, can have positive and negative outcomes on the audience Staples is trying to enlighten. His thesis, the ability to alter public space through racial stereotypes, affected him as well as many other persons of his stature and skin color. It not only influenced lives of people like Staples, but infringed onto the ?victims? of Staples and others like him.
Staples explains his thesis throughout the essay through narratives of incidents in his life. He explains one encounter with a young white women, ?on a deserted street, in an impoverished section of Chicago? (556). She glances back at him and disappears off into the dark. In paragraph two, Staples understands her thoughts of him being a mugger, a rapist, or even a murderer; but ?her flight? made him feel ?like an accomplice tyranny? (556). It also made him feel like he was ?indistinguishable from the muggers,? and laid on him and ?unnerving gulf between nighttime pedestrians?particularly women? and himself (556). This confrontation not only shows how a stereotype affected the thoughts of a female walking at night, but how it negatively touched a black male. Staples gives example after example showing a bigoted label he obtains due to his race and sex. Not only females, but males of the same race show a sign of uneasiness and discomfort when confronted by black males in insecure and dangerous areas. In his essay he mentions Norman Podhoretz, the writer of, ?My Negro Problem?And Ours.? Podhoretz recalls in his essay that he grew up in terror of black males, and that ?he cannot constrain his nervousness when he meets black men on certain streets? (557). If a black man is unable to feel comfortable on a desolate street, how is a young female able to feel at ease on the same streets at night? Staples also expounds to the reader the magnitude of his thesis through his familiarity ?with the language of fear? (556). He vividly explains, ?At dark, shadowy intersections in Chicago, I could cross in front of a car stopped at a traffic light and elicit the thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk of the driver?black, white, male, or female?hammering down the door locks? (556). Through this statement, Staples clearly shows one side of his audience, females, the negative outcome this stereotype gives. No one wants to be able to sense fear against themselves walking down the street.
Another time when Staples realizes his ability to alter public space was when he describes how he was mistaken as a burglar. As he entered a jewelry store, on assignment for a local paper, the owner ?excused herself and returned with an enormous red Doberman pinscher? (558). Staples looked around and left. Here he isn?t only able to show his thesis one more time but to show the intensity of his ability to alter public space. This did not occur in a dark barren ally but in a well lit jewelry store.
Staples purpose in his essay isn?t only to elucidate his reader about the thesis but to confront his double audience, black males and females in general. He states, ?Women are particularly vulnerable to street violence, and young black males are drastically over represented among the perpetrators of that violence. Yet the truths are no solace against the kind of alienation that comes of ever being the suspect? (557). Staples wants to show his dual audience the effects on one another. Black males need to understand that there will always be stereotypes against them, and need to take drastic measures to make females feel more secure out in public. Staples himself began to take precautions to make himself ?less threatening? (558). He lists certain methods of acquiring such precautions such as moving about with care, ?particularly late in the evening,? and giving himself a ?wide berth to nervous people on subway platforms during the wee hours? (558). Doing such acts will not only make females feel more comfortable but also make the black male feel less of a ?criminal? or ?an accomplice in tyranny? (556).
Throughout the beginning of the essay, the reader can easily notice Staples? offended and annoyed tone through his despondent narratives and forthright comments. He mentions the ?hunch posture,? noted by Podhoretz described as a ?quick-hunch posture for broken-field maneuvering? (557). Staples often witnessed this posture ?from women after dark on the warrenlike streets of Brooklyn? (557). He declares, ?The seem to set their faces on neutral and, with their purse straps strung across their chests bandolier style, they forge ahead as though bracing themselves against being tackled? (557). This act done by women is understood by Staples but undoubtedly irritated him. He contemplates in his essay indirectly why women can?t understand his feelings and how such a stereotype can mentally have a negative bearing on him. Though towards the end of his essay, he fully comprehends women reactions to the stereotype against him and others like himself. Here the reader will notice the shift, from irritant to an understandable tone. At length, Staples accepts the stereotype against him, and hopes to acquaint with his dual audience the positive and negative impacts of a black mans ability to alter public space.
Work Cited
Barnet, Sylvan, Marcia Stubbs, and Pat Bellanca, The Practical Guide to Writing with
Readings and Handbook. 8th ed. New York: Longman, 2000.
yep
Другие работы по теме:
Резонансные явления в простейших электрических цепях
Исследование асинхронного трехфазного двигателя с фазным ротором. Схема последовательного и параллельного соединения элементов для исследования резонанса напряжений. Резонанс напряжений, токов. Зависимость тока от емкости при резонансе напряжений.
Изготовление лестницы
Лестница полезная вещь, пригодится для работы в саду, или других помещениях с высокими потоками. Снабжен резиновыми пластинами для устойчивости. Срок службы 3 года.
Оптимизация графика занятости персонала
График занятости работников риэлтерской компании, обеспечивающий требуемый уровень обслуживания и удовлетворяющий потребность в персонале при минимальных затратах на оплату труда. Требуемое число работников по дням недели. Расписание выходных дней.
Theme Of Toni Cade Bambara
’s The Lesson Essay, Research Paper In Life, education comes in all forms. A major theme of Toni Cade Barbara’s The Lesson is that the most valuable lessons in life are those not learned in the classroom. This story is about an educated black women, named Ms. Moore, who takes the poor and underprivileged neighborhood children to FAO Schwarz.
The Post Office Essay Research Paper
“The Post Office” There has always been one place that has filled me with dread. Every time I walk into the post office I feel an overwhelming sense of disgust and threat. There are several reasons why the post office affects me in these ways. I feel so disgusted when I walk in the post office because often they do not have the materials I need.
IN A Black Person
’s Head During The Civil Rights Essay, Research Paper It is the year 1960 and We colored folks want equal rights. My name is Jason Davis and I am 25 years old and I work with the NAACP and with the non
Fear Of What We Don
’t Know Essay, Research Paper The Fear of What We Don t Know The main focus of Big Black Good Man is that people are intimidated by things that are different from them in some way. Richard Wright tells his story through the eyes of an old man who works at a tavern and is intimidated by the presence of a big black man named Jim.
BLACK Essay Research Paper BLACK IS THE
BLACK Essay, Research Paper BLACK IS THE HOLE DEEP IN OUR HEARTS THE LONELINESS WE FEEL, WHEN OUR LOVED ONES DEPART BLACK IS THE COLOR OF THE HEAVENLY SKY THE COLOR YOU WEAR
Anaysis Of
– A Warn Path Essay, Research Paper Anaysis of – A Warn Path This is a short story about a very old black lady named Phoenix Jackson. The story is about Ms. Jackson’s long walk to the town. She incounters many obsticles on the way but, none of them stand in the way of her getting to where she needs to go. She also displays that she is getting quite senial.
Black Men And Public Spaces Essay Research
Paper Today, when a black person walks around at night, they are automatically thought of as being a troublemaker. People will often do everything possible to avoid a black person, be it walk on the other side of the street or cross a street at a different area. Black Men and Public Space , by Brent Staples, demonstrates just what really happens to a black person when he/she is walking around at night, or even during the middle of the day.
Black Sabath Essay Research Paper Jenny dont
Black Sabath Essay, Research Paper Jenny don?t know what love is. But really Jenny is the one that doesn?t know what love is. Then Jenny starts to try to get a ride She is running away from Forrest. Then Forrest tells her he is going to Vietnam. Jenny stops and looks at him then tells him not to be brave if you?re in trouble or danger run.
Black Essay Research Paper Black Soldiers in
Black Essay, Research Paper Black Soldiers in the Union Army During the Seventeenth, Eighteenth and part of the Nineteenth Century the White People of North America used the Black people of Africa as slaves to benefit their interests. White people created a climate of superiority of their race over the Black African race that in some places, still lingers on today.
Black Holes Essay Research Paper Our universe
Black Holes Essay, Research Paper Our universe is a vast abyss, always expanding without any end. Many objects in space are exciting and interesting. One great mystery is the black hole. Ever
Banishment Of Little Black Sambo Essay Research
Paper The Banishment of Little Black Sambo Literature is an exceptional way to give a point of view, to tell a story, or to entertain. However, some people believe that certain works reflect poorly on society, so they demand that these pieces be banned from civilization. Writings, such as The Catcher in the Rye, were restricted from schools due to vulgar and offensive content, and were deemed unfit for the eyes of an adolescent.
African Americans Unnoticed Essay Research Paper For
African Americans Unnoticed Essay, Research Paper For too many years, African Americans have lived without knowing the people who have influenced their way of life. We walk around without taking the time to appreciate the people that have allowed us to go to these black colleges and universities, or the African Americans that have dedicated life their to make life better for all mankind as well as blacks.
Prejudice Essay Research Paper As I walk
Prejudice Essay, Research Paper As I walk down the aisle, the sales clerk glares at me with contemptible eyes, watching every move I make, unquestionably thinking if she turns her head for the slightest moment that I will slip everything of value into my purse. Prejudging people for their appearance is a common practice that humans perform.
Pop Culture
’s Negative Effects Essay, Research Paper May 2001 English 115 – In today s society, popular culture is often accused of having a negative effect on individuals. In Lee Ballinger s Rock and Rap Have Never Been Better and Stephen King s Why We Crave Horror Movies, the authors express their opinions on the inaccuracy of this statement.
Mom Said I Could Essay Research Paper
Mom Said I Could As young children our moms and dads would reward us for our actions, or punish us. However, for some kids a reward may have been a new toy, being taken out to their favorite restaurant, or a privelage. At the time of adolescence a privelage may have been dtaying up past your bedtime to whatch a movie, or sleeping over a friends house.
Amiri Baraka Online Poems Essay Research Paper
Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note Lately, I’ve become accustomed to the way The ground opens up and envelopes me Each time I go out to walk the dog. Or the broad edged silly music the wind
New York City Blues Essay Research Paper
I walk through the village Through the park where I watched the street performers dance so long ago It?s dusk and the neighborhood Crew is alive and well. ?Hey, girl, I got it cheap?
The Swing Essay Research Paper every summer
The Swing Essay, Research Paper every summer i go to my grandpa’s house it was when i was six years old that we first took the walk across the old bridge that bridge was a special bridge
Poem Black And White Essay Research Paper
My colorful world filled with black and weight, Seems to turn gray has skies turn bright, The sun no longer orange, But round in its big boring wonder, I turn around to use more than a frown,
Wolf Spiders Essay Research Paper Wolf spiders
Wolf Spiders Essay, Research Paper Wolf spiders are a group of ground-dwelling hunting spiders. There are more than 2000 types of wolf spiders. They range from 2mm to 40mm. Some wolf spiders can even walk on the water of a pond. They can walk or run while chasing after it?s prey. They use their front legs to catch their prey, and then they bite and crush the prey with their powerful jaws.
Exercise Essay Research Paper The time has
Exercise Essay, Research Paper The time has come. You realize and decide that you need to exercise. You have many options. Walking would be your best bet. Most Americans in today?s society do not get enough exercise in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Going for a walk could help you loose weight, get in shape, and is a lot of fun.
On Being Black And White Essay Research
Paper I was late for school, and my father had to walk me in to class so that my teacher would know the reason for my tardiness. My dad opened the door to my classroom, and there was a hush of silence. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on my father and me. He told the teacher why I was late, gave me a kiss goodbye and left for work.
Jim The Greatest Black Man To Ever
Walk The Pages Of An American Novel Essay, Research Paper The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain is a very controversial novel. Over the years there have been many articles and television specials that have challenged the book. One particular article, A Muddied Mississippi Misadventure , by Pat Conroy, says, Nigger Jim is the greatest Black man to ever walk the pages of an American novel (line 27).
Black Feminists Debate Essay Research Paper Black
Black Feminists Debate Essay, Research Paper Black Feminists Debate Whiteness Stephanie Philipovich & Angela Torchia Passage #1: “Here is the house. It is green and white. It has a red door. It is very pretty. Here is the family. Mother, Father, Dick, and Jane live in the green-and-white house. They are very happy.
Black Man Of Civil War Essay Research
Paper One of the things that were important at war was that the Blacks proving themselves was that of the Black Man acting as a soldier in the Civil War. During the Civil War the decision to use Blacks as soldiers in the
Cry The Beloved Country A Walk Of
Life Essay, Research Paper Cry, the Beloved Country: A Walk of Life By Dane Dressler Feb.-9-2000 Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton, stands out from other
My Friend
’s Bedroom Essay, Research Paper My friend s bedroom, on the second floor, is cozy and special. The shape of her bedroom is semicircular. As you walk into the room, the soft green walls and clean deep blue ceiling make the room seem light thus even cozier than it is. Moreover, you can see lots of stars scattered on the deep blue ceiling and walls.
Black Holes 4 Essay Research Paper Black
Black Holes 4 Essay, Research Paper Black Holes area region of space-time, which nothing can escape, even light. It is impossible to see a black hole directly because no light can escape from them; they are black. But there are good reasons to think they exist.
The Black Hole Essay Research Paper The
The Black Hole Essay, Research Paper The Black Hole In order to understand what exactly a black hole is, we must first take a look at the basis for the cause of a black hole. All black holes are formed from the gravitational collapse of a star, usually having a massive core. A star is created when huge gas clouds come together due to attractive forces and form a hot core, combined from all the energy of the two gas clouds.
WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME Essay Research
Paper WHAT YOU MEAN/MEANT TO ME WHEN I SEE YOU WALK BY, WHEN YOU DON’T STOP TO SAY HI, ALL I CAN DO IS SIT BACK AND SY, FOR I CAN’T FORGET THAT TIME, THAT TIME WHEN YOU MADE ME CRY,
Учет на ООО "Альфа"
Простановка в журнале операций корреспонденции счетов, а также выполнение необходимых расчётов. Составление шахматно-оборотной ведомости и оборотно-сальдовой ведомости за октябрь. Заполнение необходимой отчётной формы. Составление баланса на 2011 год.