...“Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders His Power To Alter Public Space” Stereotypes affect different individuals regardless race, religion, sex, and creed. In “Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space,” Brent Staples demonstrates how a stereotype on race and sex can intervene with one another. Each point, whether a narrative or remark, can have positive and negative outcomes on the audience Staples is trying to enlighten. His thesis, the ability to alter public space through racial stereotypes, affected him as well as many other persons of his stature and skin color. It not only influenced lives of people like Staples, but infringed onto the “victims” of Staples and others like him. Staples explains his thesis throughout the essay through narratives of incidents in his life. He explains one encounter with a young white women, “on a deserted street, in an impoverished section of Chicago” (556). She glances back at him and disappears off into the dark. In paragraph two, Staples understands her thoughts of him being a mugger, a rapist, or even a murderer; but “her flight” made him feel “like an accomplice tyranny” (556). It also made him feel like he was “indistinguishable from the muggers,” and laid on him and “unnerving gulf between nighttime pedestrians—particularly women” and himself (556). This confrontation not only shows how a stereotype affected the thoughts of a female walking at night, but how it negatively touched a black male...
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...Fernando Mercado English 101 August 20,2013 Black Men and Public Spaces In Black Men and Public Spaces,” Brent Staples is a black man who whenever in public is met with fear from “others because of his race's stereotype. Staples has the ability to alter public space by his physical behavior, his dress and his verbal reaction. Black men have a reputation of being rapist, murders and gang members how to change his perception or level of threat to others. He accomplishes this by his physical behavior. In his essay “Black Men and Public Space”, Brent Staples attempts to introduce people to something most all are guilty of, but pay little attention to. Using accounts from his own and others’ experiences, Staples essay portrays the racist tendency of people to assume black men are potentially violent and dangerous. Therefore many people get worried when a young black man is around. He’s since realized how people view him when he’s on the streets. If he happened to be entering a building behind some people who appear skittish, he’ll walk by letting them clear the lobby before he returns so as not to seem to be following them. He’s even had to change the way he walks just so people wouldn’t suspect him of doing anything. For example one of his most frightening confusions occurred in late 1970’s when he worked as a journalist in Chicago. One day he was rushing in the office with a magazine deadline in hand. He was then mistaken for a burglar...
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...Rhetorical Précis “The Death of the Moth” By Annie Dillard Annie Dillard in her essay, “The Death of the Moth” (1945), asserts that in order for her life to have meaning, she would have to do something that outlasted her life as a human being. Dillard supports her assertion by comparing her purpose in life to the one moth that did not turn to ash in the midst of the fire but flourished in spite of its last moments. The author’s purpose is to share an anecdote as to explain why she is the way she is in order to inspire another generation of writers. The author writes in an awestruck tone for the class she is speaking to so they may realize just how poetic life as a writer can be. “Black Men and Public Space” By Brent Staples Brent...
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...feels she is a victim and finds him intimidating, even though the author is completely harmless. 2. When Staples says he has the power to “alter public space” because of his appearance. He writes this from personal experience, has noticed the way people lock their car doors and cross to the opposite side of the street. He knows he can alter just by walking through. 3. Staples walk the streets at night because he has insomnia. 4. The "making of a young thug" are those where a young man is seduced by the violence, "by the perception of themselves as tough guys." Staples also states that men are supposed to be fighters, to be hostile and have the "fighter's edge" in everything they do. 5. Staples attempts to make himself less threatening by moving with care, giving people more space, and whistling relaxing tunes while he walks places. He pays attention to how closely he is to people, makes it apparent that he is not following them, and is generally very cautious. Purpose and Audience 1. The thesis is it was in the echo of that terrified woman's footfalls that I first began to know the unwieldy inheritance I'd come into- the ability to alter public space in ugly ways. 2. He uses personal examples throughout the essay, and throws in a few direct quotes from essays he's read that relate. His personal examples make it a strong essay because it is from his viewpoint, and he uses so many stories to back up his point that it is difficult to argue against him at all. 3. He assumes...
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...back cover of the test book. On test day, you will be asked to read them before you begin answering questions. Make sure you use a No. 2 pencil It is very important that you fill in the entire circle on the answer sheet darkly and completely. If you change your response, erase it as completely as possible. It is very important that you follow these instructions when filling out your answer sheet. Record your answers on paper, then score your test Use the answer sheet when completing a practice test on paper to simulate the real testing environment. After completing the practice test, you can score the test yourself with ‘‘Scoring Your Test,’’ or you can return to collegeboard.com • • • • • • ESSAY Time — 25 minutes Turn to page 2 of your answer sheet to write...
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...Raven Pitchford Chad Poovey English 112 5 Februaury 2013 Black Men and Public Space In his essay, Black Men and Public Space,” Brent Stables a black man who whenever went somewhere, was a big frighten to the people in his surrounding areas. His essay tells how many people assumed that every black was dangerous. Being judge for the skin tone make people feel uncomfortable to be around the next race. Brent talks about being stereotyped, his childhood, and precautions. Brent catches the reader attention by helping them to see what it was like, by painting a vivid picture. Brent Stables is saying that black men are being deeply stereotyped as a dangerous individual to society. Because black men have a reputation of being rapist, murders, and gang members, therefore, many people worry when they see black men come around. Brent assumed that he was a rapist and mugger, because tot the people, he was considered as a dangerous person to the people he saw at the beginning of the story. Being out during the dark, the only thought that came to people mind was, he is a criminal.” For example, his first victim was a white woman, who was afraid of him because of his color. He was walking behind her and she away into the streets. The second misunderstanding that made them think that he was dangerous was, when he was walking cross the street he heard drivers, black, white, male, or female hammering down the door locks (208). As a child, Brent came of age in Chester, Pennsylvania...
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...Com 1020 Assignment 2 Introduction Mass communication is the variety of all the media mediums together, and is aimed at a large audience. A ritual view is directed not towards the addition of messages in space but the maintenance of society in time, not the act of imparting information or influence but the creation, representation, and celebration of shared even if illusory beliefs, James,(1988: 43). This essay will discuss how mass communications has transformed the temporal and spatial foundations of the social-sphere. This essay will start by defining the key terms which are communication, mass communication, and the para-social. The separation of social space from the physical place by mass communications, time and space and mass communications will also be discussed in the essay. The para-social interactions, how mass communications transformed the temporal and spatial foundations of the social sphere will then follow. The ritual dimensions of communication will also be discussed, the essay will then sum up the essay and give the researcher’s opinion. Definition of key terms Communication refers to the transmission of meaningful messages; these messages are conveyed in images, language, gestures, or other symbols. Thompson. (1997:30) Anthony R, (2004), defines mass communication as the process in which professional communicators design and use media to disseminate messages widely, rapidly, and continuously in order to arouse intended meanings in large...
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...Essay: Discuss what the central components of a Maori worldview are ensuring that you fully explain at least four values. The four values that will be explained in this essay are Tapu, Whakapapa, and Tikanga. Worldview is the perspective of the world in which we live in (Ka'ai, 2004). The purpose of this essay is to discuss and provide a strong understanding of the central components and to fully explain four values pertaining to the Maori worldview. Firstly, this essay will define the terminology “Maori worldview”. Secondly, it will discuss the value of tapu and its importance in the Maori worldview. Thirdly, it will illustrate the value whakapapa and how it is one of many primary values in the Maori worldview. Lastly, it will provide an understanding of the value tikanaga and how it encompasses all Maori values. To understand a Maori worldview is by understanding these key indicators tribal identity, land and landscape, spirituality, language, culture, diversity, kinship structure, self-determination, concept of time, cultural knowledge and reciprocity these indicate the importance of Maori values each being a central component in the Maori worldview (Ka'ai, 2004). Therefore, this Maori worldview is considers the holism approach; meaning that all these values impact individually and collectively work together in creating a Maori worldview. Tikanga has been described as Maori customary values and practices. According, to Williams ‘Dictionary of Maori Language’ who...
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...and negative effects computers have had on your personal, professional, and academic life. Create a one-page list of your ideas. Thesis: Based on your brainstorming, write a one-sentence working thesis statement that focuses on the impact of computers related to a single area of your life (personal, professional, or academic). The thesis should be one you could develop into an essay of about one page (250-300 words), directed to readers of your local newspaper. Don't draft the essay in your journal, however. You need only your list from brainstorming and your working thesis statement. REQUIRED JOURNAL ENTRY 3: DRAFTING This entry builds on the brainstorming and thesis you developed for Journal Entry 2. Evidence: Identify three different types of evidence you could use to develop your working thesis from Entry 2. Use specific information from your brainstorming list, as well as any other ideas that come to you. (Length open) REQUIRED JOURNAL ENTRY 4: REVISING This journal entry requires you to review the rough draft of the essay below. Analyze the draft according to each of the areas listed, identifying what needs revision. For each area, explain why and how you would change the draft. (4 para-...
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...Living with strangers Living with Strangers is an essay written by Siri Hustvedt, and in it she discusses the difference between life in the big city and life in the countryside. More precisely, she discusses the difference in social rules and her opinion on it. Siri begins by briefly describing to the reader how one was expected to behave where she grew up. Whenever you encountered someone on the road, whether you knew them or not, you should always greet them. If you didn’t, you would be considered both rude and a snob, which was pretty much the worst thing you could be in that part of rural Minnesota. When Siri moved to New York City in 1978 and she was met by a world vastly different from what she knew, and quickly learned that the social code of conduct was quite different as well. Greeting everyone you meet simply isn’t practical in downtown New York, as you are confronted with hordes of people every time you leave the apartment. On the subway, you are forced into such close contact with strangers that you can smell their hair oil, perfume and sweat, a level of intimacy reserved for lovers and family in rural Minnesota. Another phenomenon of big city life, or coping technique as she calls it, is that whenever something odd happens in the public space, you simply pretend it isn’t happening. She presents several examples of strange people doing strange things, and every single spectator simply minding their own business. To give any kind of response is viewed as...
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...Escalator The historical escalator has come a long way since its inception in the late 19th century. From its humble beginnings as a novelty attraction at the Coney Island amusement park, the escalator has evolved into a ubiquitous feature of modern life. This essay will explore the history of the escalator and its evolution into the modern-day moving staircase that we know today. We will examine the engineering and technological advancements that have made the escalator safer, more efficient, and more convenient for people to use. Additionally, we will discuss the impact that the escalator has had on society and the ways in which it has changed the way we move through public spaces. The escalator has had a significant impact on the world...
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...Relying on examples from your own experience and from Staples’ essay, write an essay discussing what parts you think race plays in people's reactions to Staples. Do you think his perceptions are accurate? Make sure that you document Staples’ words and ideas and that you include a works cited page. (See Chapter 18 of the Patterns text for information on MLA documentation.) A White Man’s Privilege Alters Public Spaces “My first victim was a woman – white, well dressed, probably in her early twenties, I came upon her late one evening on a deserted street in Hyde Park, a relatively affluent neighborhood in an otherwise mean, impoverished section of Chicago.” Staples begins his essay very powerfully. Upon reading the first paragraph, one would think they were about to read about a thrilling crime. Unfortunately, Staples was recounting a time he was judged by the color of his skin, as he walked through the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. “I was indistinguishable from the muggers who occasionally seeped into the area from the surrounding ghetto.” Staples’s naivety is sadly endearing, as he has clearly hadn't experienced any deep form of racism until he was almost twenty two years old. Why does Staples evoke this reaction? My story begins in Chicago as well, the year is 2008 and I was walking down Belmont; heading east from Sheffield. It was 4:30am and the streets were dark and distant. I was still getting to know the city and was walking extra cautiously, as not to slip...
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...Yolanda Williams The Cold War American Intercontinental University Abstract This essay is on the cold war and the major events that affected it. It will be analyzing 2-3 major consequences the conflict had on the United States. It will also explain how the war affected American sensibilities, including the way Americans viewed the war and themselves. The essay will also answer: if the war changed America’s role in the world? And was the outcome of the war beneficial or detrimental to the United States or was it a combination of both. The Cold War: Containment By the time World War II ended, a large majority of the American officials came to a conclusion that the best defense against the soviet threat was a strategy called “containment”. George Kennan explained the policy: The Soviet Union, he wrote was “A political force committed fanatically to the belief that with the U.S. there can be no permanent agreement between parties that disagree”, as a result the only chance America could make was the long-term, patient but firm and vigilant containment of Russian expansive tendencies. This way of thinking would shape American foreign policy for the next four decades. The Cold War: The Atomic Age In 1950, a National Security Council report known as NSC-68 had copied Truman’s suggestion that the country use military force to “contain” expansionism where ever it seemed to be occurring. The report called a four-fold increase in defense spending. American officials...
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...Research & Writing II Does the internet provide grounds for a more independent public sphere Name: Christian Michael Kramer Student ID: 6050586 E-mail address: cm.kramer.student@maastrichtuniversity.nl Course code: ACU2900 Group Number: 07 Tutor: Ruud Hendriks Assignment name: Exam Assignment: 00 Attempt: Regular Academic year: 20132014 Date: 31.1.2014 Words: 4034 Filename: 20132014-ACU2900-00-REGULAR-6050586.pdf I Contents Page I: List Of Contents Page II: Introduction Page III: Problems with mass media Page V: Can the internet as we know it today be a remedy for these problems? Page VI: Activism & the Internet Page IX: Conclusion: What does that mean for society? Page XI: Bibliography II Introduction In the last decades one cannot but see that the distribution of the internet was more than rapid and by now influences the daily life of billions of people. According to the internet journal ZDNet, the number of people who use the internet amounts to 2,1 billion people worldwide. The number of websites is continuously growing every year. This has an impact on many aspects of life. Writing emails, reading online journals, being active on social media platforms and going shopping online belongs to the daily routine of many people nowadays. Manuel Castells describes the era we are experiencing right now as the time of the 'Network Society'. In this society the exchange and currency of information is broader, faster and more varied than ever. This affects not only private...
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...QUESTIONS ON “BLACK MEN AND PUBLIC SPACE†THE FACTS 1. What does Staples mean in paragraph 2 by “the ability to alter public space?†2. What does he learn from his encounter with a white woman as recalled in paragraphs 1 and 2? 3. What other anecdotes does Staples use to illustrate the problem of “black men and public space?†4. What is the essay’s thesis? 5. What “truths†does the author describe in paragraph 5, and how does this paragraph help him advance his thesis? 6. In paragraph 10, the author claims that “Black men trade tales like this all the time.†To what kinds of tales is he referring? How does including that sentence help him accomplish his purpose? 7. Why has he forced himself “to smother the rage [he] felt at so often being taken for a criminal? (paragraph 11) 8. Who are Beethoven and Vivaldi? Why does Staples whistle their music? THE STRATEGIES 1. Besides illustration, what methods of development does the author employ? 2. Staples begins with an anecdote. Discuss the effectiveness of this story as an introductory device. 3. The thesis of the essay is implied. Would the essay have been more effective if it had been explicit? Explain. 4. Staples’ tone is remarkably subdued. Discuss the reason(s) behind his adopting such a tone. Should he have expressed more emotion? THE ISSUES 1. Is Staples’ experience unique from his perspective as a large, tall black man...
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