Staples: Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders

Improved Essays
Oppressed people need to set themselves apart from the rest - they need to realize that being different does not make them any less of a human being, or less fortunate. When oppressed people come to terms with this, they will be able to reflect this to others and not settle for what “has always been”, but rather pride themselves in their distinction, and take steps towards making a difference. In “Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders”, Brent Staples shares a personal experience on how he had to conform, to everyone’s perception of a black man, instead of standing up for himself. He had to put on a façade to make others feel comfortable so as to avoid grave risks to himself and the community. Brent Staples was oblivious of the fact …show more content…
Michael Caldwell argued that although the flag symbolizes history and heritage, it also scrapes on the scars of those that suffered from hate and racism. “It is never too late to right a wrong. Now is time to take the flag down from government offices or entities. For me, there is a sole flag above all others: the red, white and blue one that I love as an American”, Michael expressed. He continued to argue, “…Although the flag represented our history, a large part was built on the exploitation of human beings and should never be celebrated.” (Hate, oppression should never be celebrated). It is plausible to see someone fighting to making his voice heard for the satisfaction of an oppressed group. It doesn’t take moving a mountain to put one’s point across, but the little effort would inspire another to also stand up for him or herself. Like MLK Jr. said, “where a man stands in challenging times proves his worth, so why settle for anything less than being a human being just like everyone else? Why not give a speech in school about discrimination to motivate another oppressed person, or step in for someone being mistreated or report a situation where someone was being unfair because of difference in color rather than being a silent witness? “Rome was not built in a day”- the little one does now may amount to something worthwhile later

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