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A Black Man Ponders His Powers to Alter Public Space

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A Black Man Ponders His Powers to Alter Public Space

Summary
In the piece titled "Just Walk on by: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public
Space," Brent Staples examines his lived experiences as a black man in urban America as well as
the prejudice and fear that he faces from others. Staples describes one instance where a woman
fled in terror because she thought he might be a threat. The unfortunate truth that being regarded
as threatening is a risk in and of itself is brought home by this interaction and future comparable
incidents. Staples recognizes the alienation and suspicion he experiences as a result of the
disproportionate representation of young black boys engaging in street violence. He also looks at
how society expects men to be intimidating and tough, pointing out the negative effects and
catastrophes that can result from adopting such ideas. According to Staples, the mainstream
media's image of black men as violent and dangerous is to blame for this perception. He adds
that the reality that many black men are ignorant and underprivileged only serves to perpetuate
the stereotype.

Cause And Effect

Cause: Stereotypes based on race and feelings of threat.
Effect: Fear and alienation. Staples draws attention to the entrenched racial assumptions and
prejudices that cause some people to see him negatively based only on how he looks. Because of
these prejudices, he is constantly the target of mistrust and fear, which alienates him.
Cause :The disproportionate representation of black guys in street violence
Effect: Negative attitudes and elevates awareness. Staples agrees that young black guys are
statistically overrepresented among those who commit acts of street violence. Because of this,
people tend to associate his race with criminality, which makes them wary of him and
perpetuates the unfavorable perceptions.
Cause :The attempt to appear non-threatening
Effect: Psychological and behavioral impact. Staples lists the steps he takes to lessen his
frightening presence, including giving people their space, avoiding conflict, and even whistling
with classical instruments. These behaviors are meant to reduce the stress and foster a sense of
security.
Cause : Inequality and Social Discrimination
Effect: The Staples draws attention to the ingrained unfairness and prejudice that underlie
attitudes toward black men and result in systematic bias.
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Reference

Staples, B. (2021). Just walk on by: A black man ponders his power to alter public space.
In Public Space Reader (pp. 90-95).
Routledge.https://www.livingston.org/cms/lib9/NJ01000562/Centricity/Domain/723/Just
%20Walk%20on%20By%20A%20Black%20Man%20Ponders%20His%20Power%20to
%20Alter%20Public%20Space%20by%20Brent%20Staples.htm