Analysis Of Just Walk On By Brent Staples

Creating change inside of a society takes consistent focus and dedication, but most people would rather conform instead of dealing with the rigors of fighting for what is ethically right. Throughout American history, African American people have been forced to act certain ways to survive in a society dominated by the white race. While change has continued to slowly take place over the years, African American people still conform consistently due to unjust stereotypes formed through entertainment and media. The point of writing for Dave Barry in “Turkey’s In The Kitchen” and Brent Staples “Just Walk By: Black Men In A Public Space” is to bring attention to the way society has formed stereotypes based on gender and race. Even though each piece
In the essay “Just Walk On By” by Brent Staples, he says “I began to take precautions to make myself less threatening… And on late-evening constitutionals along streets less traveled by, I employ what has proved to be an excellent tension-reducing measure: I whistle melodies from Beethoven and Vivaldi” (Staples 397). Changing one’s lifestyle to conform to other people’s needs, does not help create progression in any society. Staples in this essay, consistently alters his daily life while working, going places, or even walking down the street. Stereotypes based off his skin color, have caused him to make white people in society uncomfortable. While most people would show no sympathy to others who live based off general and unfair thoughts, Staples brings a different perspective to the table. He condemns his life by changing who he is to meet a racist standard, so everybody else can be comfortable. This may help Staples survive in society, but it does not help end the unfair treatment he faces. It creates a circle of problems, that will never be fixed without somebody taking action. Despite this perspective being quite common in society today, it does not mean it is right. The concept of this mindset is repeated by generations, and it creates an even larger social problem over time. Staples may come off as being polite or respectful, but he’s just pushing his race and
In the book “Understanding Everyday Racism: An Interdisciplinary Theory” by Philomena Essed, she writes “Racism not only operates through culture, it is also the expression of social conflict. Individuals are actors in a power structure. Power can be used to reproduce racism, but it also can be used to combat racism” (Essed 4). Culture and society has created numerous problems for the African American community, for over a century now. The people in power of this country, such as the media, have played a crucial part into pushing African American people into a corner. Stereotypes have led to discrimination, strengthening the racial abuse African Americans have faced since their first day in the United States. This has caused many people in the community, to fear their oppressors on a regular basis. It’s a big reason why Staples opted to change his lifestyle in order to avoid conflict with someone who could possibly destroy his life. This same power that has oppressed African Americans, could be used for good. Unfortunately, society has shaped African Americans to shy away from taking control of their destiny in this fashion. Change is possible, but our culture has beat down African Americans to flinch at these opportunities. The defeated mindset the United States implemented in a majority of the African American