During the late 1900’s, it is evident that race and discrimination was still a prevalent issue within America. Even after many social reforms and federal laws, stereotypes and prejudice follow Brent Staples, an African American with a Phd in Psychology, in discrete ways. The persistence of racism is shown as Staples offers his viewpoint through a literary essay full of rhetoric. In Brent Staples’ essay, “Just Walk On By”, he conveys the message of fear of minority groups, especially black males, felt by white people as well as other black males through his building of credibility with illustrative diction and use of personal anecdotes. Brent Staples uses vivid descriptions and informative vocabulary in order to catch the attention of the reader.
