Long Summary of "Just Walk on By"

In “Just Walk on By” by Brent Staples he discusses his personal experiences with the all too familiar idea’s that white people, specifically women, have about black men. “To her, the youngish black man- a broad six feet two inches with a beard and billowing hair, both hands shoved into the pockets on a bulky military jacket- seemed menacingly close. After a few more quick glances, she picked up her pace and was soon running in earnest.” This was how Staples described his experience with his first “victim”. Staples describes that the woman’s fleet from him surprised him, as well as embarrassed him. He says that he had then realized that his appearance was no different from the muggers, rapist, or other terrible people. All white people see is the same stereotypical black man, which Staples argues is not the case with all black men. It would only take a black man in the wrong place, at the wrong time for something to go terribly wrong. During Staples’s first year away from home, he became familiar with how uncomfortable people became around him. People, of any race and gender, would hit the locks if he was to pass by them on the streets. Staples refers to essayists Norman Podhoretz and Edward Hoagland, saying that they grew up in fear of black males (Podhoretz) and that negroes mainly attacked other negroes (Hoagland). “They seem to set their faces on neutral and, with their purse straps strung across their chests bandolier style, they forge ahead as though bracing themselves against being tackled”, Staples wrote explaining how women reacted to him on the streets. Staples was confused as to how he was 22 years old and was not aware of why he caused the disturbances that he did. However, he came to the realization that it could have been because of how he was raised, a good boy. Staples explains that there are many things that go into the making of a “thug”; feeling of empowerment that intimidation brings, perception as being tough, and knowing they are