As a black man, I often find myself reflecting on the ways in which my presence and actions can alter the public spaces that I inhabit. On a daily basis, I am confronted with the reality that the color of my skin can influence how I am perceived and treated by others, particularly in spaces that are predominantly white.
Growing up, I was taught to be conscious of my surroundings and to constantly monitor my behavior in order to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to myself. This meant being mindful of how I dressed, how I spoke, and even the way that I walked. I was taught to avoid certain neighborhoods and to avoid being out at night, as these were seen as risky behaviors that could potentially lead to negative outcomes.
As I have grown older, I have come to realize that these lessons were not only meant to protect me from harm, but also to teach me how to navigate a world that is often hostile to people who look like me. Despite the progress that has been made in terms of civil rights and equality, there is still a significant amount of racial prejudice and discrimination that exists in our society.
In recent years, the Black Lives Matter movement has brought attention to the ways in which black people are disproportionately impacted by police violence and systemic racism. As a result, I have become more aware of the power that I have to alter public space and to advocate for change.
I have learned that by simply existing in a space, I have the ability to challenge the status quo and to make others feel uncomfortable. This can be especially true in spaces that are not typically inhabited by people of color, where my presence may be seen as disruptive or threatening.
Despite the challenges that I face, I also recognize that I have the power to create positive change in my community. By actively engaging with others and advocating for social justice, I can work to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
In conclusion, as a black man, I am constantly aware of the ways in which my presence and actions can alter public space. While I may face challenges and discrimination, I also have the power to create positive change and to advocate for social justice.
A Black Man Ponders his Power to Alter Public Space by Brent childhealthpolicy.vumc.org
I understand, of course, that the danger they perceive is not a hallucination. Anecdotes such as his both instances in which he accidently scared women on walks and the time in which he and another reporter were mistaken for murder suspects or robbers are used to show real life proof of his message. She cast back a worried glance. Staples purpose in his essay isnt only to elucidate his reader about the thesis but to confront his double audience, black males and females in general. Then there were the standard unpleasantries with police, doormen, bouncers, cabdrivers, and others whose business is to screen out troublesome individuals before there is any nastiness.
A black man ponders his ability to alter public space Free Essays
Summary Of Just Walk On By In "Just Walk on By: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space" Brent Staples illustrates his thesis throughout the essay using specific moments where he is seen as a threat due to being tall and black. Racism is not only common today it's been a part of American history. In Search Of Our Mother's Gardens By Alice Walker 608 Words 3 Pages Although the family is upheld as the most important unit in society, learned behavior and values within that group can be negatively and positively displayed. . All day I attributed motives to people in paintings, especially people in Rembrandts. I was twenty-two years old, a graduate student newly arrived at the University of Chicago. Today, we know discrimination of race is unlawful, but it is still existent in some people, and it gets skillfully concealed under some form, or another.
Just Walk On By A Black Man Ponders His Power To Alter Public Space, Sample of Essays
One of those things is the consummation of the male romance with the power to intimidate… I recall the points at which some of my boyhood friends were finally seduced by the perception of themselves as tough guys. She felt unsafe when he entered her store. It's also a proven statistic by Havard University states that women are in fact scared of men. Staples works as a journalist in a predominantly white society. Barnet, Sylvan, Marcia Stubbs, and Pat Bellanca, The Practical Guide to Writing with Readings and Handbook. Almost anywhere you go these days, you will encounter mixed-race couples: at the grocery store, the mall, the theater, at a company function, at: a concert, even at church.
Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space Short Summary Essay Example
He went to nearby Waukegan , Illinois , a couple of summers ago to work on a story about a murderer who was born there. Brent Staples Jenson Intellectual Fad Summary 320 Words 2 Pages Jensen views that the commonly held ideas for masculinity not only effect men as humans but also affect women. He describes feelings of uneasiness towards his newfound self-image. That first encounter, and those that followed, signified that a vast, unnerving gulf lay between nighttime pedestrians — particularly women — and me. Staple changes his whole routine to ensure the comfort of other people. The Authors wrote about people walking around the city hunched over, eyes on the ground, bracing themselves for an attack by a black man.
