Just walk on by black men and public space. [Solved] Just Walk on By: Black Men and Public Space with this anecdote... 2022-10-30

"Just Walk On By: Black Men and Public Space" is a essay written by Brent Staples, in which he reflects on his experience as a black man living in a society where he is constantly perceived as a threat because of his skin color. Staples writes about how he has been the target of fear and suspicion simply because he is a black man, and how he has had to develop strategies for dealing with these reactions from others.

The essay begins with an incident in which Staples is walking down a street late at night and is confronted by a woman who is clearly frightened of him. Despite the fact that Staples is simply walking to his car, the woman crosses the street to get away from him, clearly fearful of what he might do. This experience, which Staples calls "the new racism," is one that he has had countless times before, and it is one that he finds deeply frustrating and demoralizing.

Staples writes about how he has learned to cope with these reactions from others, sometimes by crossing the street himself to avoid making people feel uncomfortable, and sometimes by engaging in friendly conversation to try to put people at ease. He also writes about how he has come to understand that these reactions are not necessarily the result of personal prejudice, but rather a product of the larger societal forces that shape our perceptions of one another.

Despite the challenges that Staples faces as a black man in public spaces, he remains hopeful that things can change. He writes about how he has seen progress in recent years, with more people of color being represented in leadership roles and in the media. He also writes about the importance of education and dialogue in promoting understanding and acceptance between people of different races.

In conclusion, "Just Walk On By: Black Men and Public Space" is a poignant and powerful essay that highlights the ongoing struggles of black men in a society that often treats them with fear and suspicion. Through his writing, Staples gives voice to the experiences of many black men who have had to navigate the complexities of race and identity in a world that often sees them as a threat.