Summary Of Black Men And Public Space By Brent Staples

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In Brent Staples “Black Men and Public Space” a firsthand insight is offered about life as an average educated black man, and the common misconception that he is dangerous. Staples realizes his power to alter public space and subsequently adjusts his behavior to strengthen self-presentation, relieve anticipated tension and stay safe; in the face situations reflecting societal expectations and discrimination based on physical appearance. Though he rationalizes that attempts to ease tension is for the benefit for others and his own physical safety, with each one on one interaction experienced, it becomes evident through progressively desperate behavior that he is attempting to soothe the emotional tension he feels within. Staples opens with …show more content…

The urgency of people in their cars also reflects societal views on men of colour, they shut the minority out with subtle discrimination. Staples often uses imagery and then validates it with literal explanation. An example of this is when he describes women as walk “with their purse straps across their chests bandolier style”, the offered complimenting literal aid, the women are described as bracing themselves against being tackled. This combination of imagery and literal explanation makes sure the reader understands, these women are prepared for a one-way battle. The protagonist excuses their behavior by mentioning they are vulnerable but does not make him feel better, after all, he has been consistently generalized based on appearance. As well as understanding his position with women, he also sees that he is considered a “fearsome entity” (Staples 420) and part of a “drastically overrepresented” group, perpetrators of street violence, based on the colour of his skin (Staples 420). The protagonist separates himself through language in the same way that people separate from him in real

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