Analysis Of Just Walk On By Staples

In “Just Walk on By: Black Men and Public Space,” Staples argues that stereotyping and discrimination greatly influences the way black males are forced to function in everyday life. It is clear that he is very troubled especially by the problem of the “criminal” stereotype associated with this this group, which he is a part of. When explaining his and others experiences with fear and prejudice, Staples admits that he is the one who has to end up conforming because society is not willing to. First, Staples begins by telling a personal anecdote about a women being outwardly frightened and running away on the streets of Chicago just from his presence. Although this is something he makes clear is very frequent in his life, his frustration comes …show more content…
While it is apparent that he has grown to accept that society will never change for him, and describes the many ways that he conforms instead. For example, the quote “I whistle melodies from Beethoven and Vivaldi…” shows the lengths he goes to on the streets of Chicago to make himself seem less “threatening.” While it sounds very unnecessary to go to those lengths, it dawns on the reader that this is a reality every day for Staples and the other victims of this unjust discrimination. This changing of his daily actions for the sake of others comfort shows quite the opposite of the “mean” or “violent” stereotype, and instead shows his want to help the very people who are judging him. Also, Staples addresses the fear factor in this situation. In the quote, “I have become thoroughly familiar with the language of fear…” it almost seems as if he is referring to fear as its own being that can overpower people’s original perception. By referring to fear as this instead of just a feeling, Staples is showing how once fear has been set in a person’s mind, change becomes quite difficult in regards to how that person perceives whatever it is he or she fears. Staples works extremely hard to try and minimize the effects of fear on the women he is around, but it is upsetting because that should not be something he is tasked with doing. In addition, Staples understanding of the women and acceptance that it is not their fault suggests that he believes it is instead society’s, and is very angered that this concept was portrayed in the first place. This is an important point that is discussed because it is a major issue that does not get highlighted enough because no one wants to go against society. It is also possible that he is frustrated at the