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Samuel Cohen (PhD, City University of New York) is Associate Professor of English at the University of Missouri. He is the author of After the End of History: American Fiction in the 1990s , co-editor (with James Peacock) of The Clash Takes on the World: Transnational Perspectives on The Only Band that Matters , co-editor (with Lee Konstantinou) of The Legacy of David Foster Wallace , Series Editor of The New American Canon: The Iowa Series in Contemporary Literature and Culture , and has published in such journals as Novel , Clio , Twentieth-Century Literature , The Journal of Basic Writing, and Dialogue: A Journal for Writing Specialists. For Bedford/St. Martins, he is author of 50 Essays: A Portable Anthology and coauthor of Literature: The Human Experience .

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“Just Walk On By” by Brent Staples Essay

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Introduction

Brent Staples lived in the United States since 1951 when racial discrimination was an outstanding matter. His story Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space is very momentous; it encourages every man who has ever witnessed any form of racial discrimination. The author, Brent Staples is knowledgeable considering he holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has wealth of experience in journalism. This makes the story more creditworthy. Brent authored the article in 1986 after nasty experiences of racial discrimination which were amplified by the fact that he was black. The major goal of the story was to highlight to the public the issue of prejudice that was widespread in America.

Through the article, Brent was successful in highlighting the racial discrimination that blacks were subjected to. The whites held a misconception of the blacks; they viewed them as rapists, muggers, or some other worse people. This is displayed by the author through his first encounter with a white woman. Brent comes upon a white woman who he estimates to be in her late twenties. Though Brent is an avenue behind the woman; the woman perceives the distance to be menacingly close.

Her view of a black man amplifies the matter, she glances at Brent and picks up her pace, and disappears. From the incident, Brent concludes that the lady must have seen herself threatened by a black rapist, murderer, or even worse (Staples, 1999). This concludes the degree of racial discrimination that was prevalent in America; blacks were seen as criminals from the sheer fact that they were black.

The other aspect of racism that the author successfully highlights is racial discrimination against blacks by the police. The police naturally perceive black to be criminals. This complicates society’s perception of the blacks since it is expected that blacks can seek refuge from the police. The police are fearful of the blacks and treat them with contempt. Brent displays this fact in his article by highlighting the “meeting of fear” when he makes an errant move after being stopped by a policeman. Racial discrimination against blacks by the police amplifies the chances of death since the police perceive blacks as criminals (Staples, 1999).

The blacks are mostly understood to most of the time be on the wrong or stealing from unrestricted places. Whenever a black is seen in a stockpile or shopping center it constantly seems like he is being followed or watched. Beyond reasonable doubt the ones that need to be observed but no concentration is paid on them are the Whites and Asians among other heritages (Knowles & Prewitt, 1970).

Most of the young black males who dress in loose clothes, long necklaces, pagers, have golden teeth, then drive cars with loud music are without human intervention labeled as a hooligan or just evil men. This characteristically relates to the black man in public space who was considered as an assailant due to his manner of clothing and his race.

Black men were being blamed for crimes they had not committed and were subjects of typecasting which was false. Some blacks committed crimes and were dangerous, similarly, there were still few whites who did the same crimes and were still perilous. Blacks are repeatedly neglected due to the whites’ pre-supposition of their characters that are based on the color of their skin.

Racism characterizes the ability to element people on their race and racial classes as more advanced than others. Prejudice and favoritism are influential weapons promoting panic or hatred during conflict, war, and economic downturns. Racism has fostered imbalance and bias for centuries, as well as influencing how we relate to other individual beings.

Racial injustice is a menacing moral and social syndrome affecting black people. It is diagnosed by the classification of its symptoms and manifestations which include terror, bigotry, division, isolation, discrimination, and disgust. While these symptoms of ethnic narrow-mindedness may be apparent, the solitary fundamental cause of racial injustice is unawareness. Historically, a race of people is defined as residents with noticeable genetic features.

Humans are different in looks, the problem begins when the signs of indifference become obvious: fanaticism, partition, and revulsion (West, 2001). Positively, one may embrace the differences of peoples on the face of the globe and speculate the exclusivity of individuals who reside on a different part of the earth or across the street. Racial discrimination perverts this distinctiveness of the races and takes the opinion that these differences detach persons further into groups, with one group being lesser to the other.

As persons and as cultures we have an instinctive need to feel superior to others. Also, as humanity we have come to the point of saying that there could be distinction either in races or genders. We would have to overcome false credibility and begin enjoying the differences instead of pretending that they are non-existent. We are all God’s creation who should enjoy equal rights and the life of an African has just as much right and importance to be on the planet as that of a white man (West, 2001).

Knowles, L. L. & Prewitt K. (1970). Racism in America. 1st ed. New York, NY: Prentice-Hall.

Staples, B. (1999). Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space. Article. Canadian Content pages, 173 – 176.

West, C. (2001). Race Matters. New York, NY: Beacon Press.

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50 Essays Quiz - "Just Walk on By: Black Men and Public Space" by Brent Staples

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This quiz assesses student understanding of Brent Staples' "Just Walk on By: Black Men and Public Space." Some of the questions are basic comprehension, but most of the questions are modeled after the AP Lang question stems.

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Essay Samples on Just Walk on By

"just walk on by" by brent staples: navigating identity and perception.

Brent Staples' poignant essay, "Just Walk on By," offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between identity, perception, and fear in contemporary American society. Through personal anecdotes and astute observations, Staples sheds light on the pervasive impact of racial bias on the experiences of Black...

Just Walk on By

Unprovoked Racial Discrimination In Brent Staples’ Just Walk On By

In the past, countless people tended to discriminate against blacks and whites and ignore blacks. For example, you may be suspected of being a criminal just because you are black, or you may even be put in jail. Unprovoked discrimination is one of the many...

Racial Profiling
Racial Segregation

Racism in "Scattered Inconveniences" by Jerald Walker and "Just Walk on By" by Brent Staples

In the essays “Scattered Inconveniences” by Jerald Walker and “Just Walk on by: A Black man ponders his power to alter public space” by Brent Staples, the authors had two different viewpoints, which they expressed. In “Scattered Inconveniences” by Jerald Walker, the author was talking...

Stereotypes

Rhetorical Analysis of Brent Staples' Article "Just Walk on By"

Brent Staples is an African American man born in 1951 who received his first Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences at Widener University at 22 years old. Staples continued on to graduate with a Master's degree in psychology at the University of Chicago and subsequently he...

Black Men And Public Space

Just Walk on By: Breaking Racist Stereotypes Around African Americans

Despite the struggle to stop racial discrimination has made a significant step for the past thirty years, racism still thrives amongst us in the modern world. Racism has emerged to be such a deep-seated part of society to an extent that people tend to avoid...

African American

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Best topics on Just Walk on By

1. “Just Walk on By” by Brent Staples: Navigating Identity and Perception

2. Unprovoked Racial Discrimination In Brent Staples’ Just Walk On By

3. Racism in “Scattered Inconveniences” by Jerald Walker and “Just Walk on By” by Brent Staples

4. Rhetorical Analysis of Brent Staples’ Article “Just Walk on By”

5. Just Walk on By: Breaking Racist Stereotypes Around African Americans

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“Just Walk on by” – Brent Staples Analysis

In the essay “Just Walk on By”, Brent Staples explores the impact of discrimination on his life as a black man. He shares various personal experiences where he felt judged or discriminated against solely because of his skin color, which greatly affected how he viewed himself.

Staples has constantly faced prejudice and stereotyping due to his race, resulting in numerous uncomfortable encounters. In order to avoid being incorrectly perceived as a threat, he has had to take precautions while out in public. Staples’ essay highlights the impact of discrimination on his life and employs various literary devices to further illustrate his perspective.

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The essay clearly expresses Staples’ stance on discrimination, highlighting how he has been unfairly treated due to his skin color and appearance. Although discrimination is a sensitive topic that is often avoided, Staples employs a light tone and humor to effectively convey his message. He skillfully incorporates irony and adopts a friendly approach to address the more serious aspects, making it more digestible for the audience.

In the opening, Staples humorously mentions how he unintentionally labels a woman he encountered as his “victim,” even though this is not what he intends. The woman quickly assumes he is a mugger, leaving him feeling embarrassed and ashamed. He further presents himself as a timid individual by explaining that he can barely handle cutting a chicken with a knife, let alone inflicting harm on another human being. Through his humorous approach, Staples lightens the mood surrounding the challenging subject of discrimination, making it more accessible for readers.

The author employs a diverse array of metaphors as a literary tool, skillfully integrating them for impactful and unforgettable effect. Comparing himself to a shadow, he vividly portrays the negative perception that others have associated with him. He finds himself unable to shake off the perilous persona that has been thrust upon him. Subsequently, he likens his whistling to cowbells, employing it as a cautionary signal for those in his vicinity. Staples expertly whistles sophisticated melodies to mitigate his menacing image. The use of metaphors is a widespread and highly successful technique in literature.

When metaphors are used as a literary device, they instantly create a vivid picture in the audience’s mind and make it easier to imagine the main character. By comparing himself to a shadow, the reader immediately connects with the protagonist’s personality. While the character may appear timid, it becomes evident that there is another side to him that not everyone is aware of. The use of metaphors in this essay helps to bring a lighthearted tone and adds playfulness throughout. Additionally, the author also incorporates frequent imagery.

The reading effectively allows the reader to imagine the different scenarios and visualize Staples in various places and interactions. The author’s portrayal of people’s reactions and facial expressions when encountering Staples is particularly impactful and memorable. Actions can reveal a person’s true response, and a sudden change in facial expression is often a clear sign of how someone reacts to another person.

In his essay, Staples uses powerful imagery to depict the nervous and terrified expressions he encounters. This imagery helps readers understand why he believes people discriminate against him and fear him due to his skin color. Staples intends for readers to sympathize with him, making his storytelling even more impactful.

It appears as though he portrays himself as the perpetrator in all of these scenarios. He takes measures to appear blameless, avoids situations that could cast him in a negative light, and provides those who are passing judgment on him with a simple excuse. Staples discusses individuals of different races who were raised in his vicinity and observes that a significant number of them wind up incarcerated. He informs his listeners that his own skin color greatly outweighs the influence of white skin color when it comes to criminal activities. By mentioning this, he compels his audience to reconsider the significant impact of skin color.

However, by acknowledging these facts, he presents himself as even more innocent, and it becomes almost impossible for readers not to sympathize with him. Due to witnessing numerous individuals of the same racial background as him ending up in prison or facing even worse outcomes, he comprehends the reasons behind people wrongly assessing him. Additionally, he genuinely appears not to hold any resentment towards them for the misunderstanding. The way he responds to such situations further supports his cause. He frequently experiences feelings of shame or guilt, as if it were his own fault that these individuals he encounters are apprehensive about making eye contact.

Despite feeling sympathy for the people who unjustly prejudge him, the writer realizes that their negative perceptions are not his responsibility. Nevertheless, the repeated occurrences of being mistaken for a criminal leave him increasingly frustrated and angered. As a result, he has taken measures to protect himself, such as innocently humming sophisticated tunes while walking on the streets to avoid being seen as a potential wrongdoer. Moreover, Brent Staples’ essay maintains a consistent and calm tone throughout, adding to its overall impact.

The piece contains both short and long sentences, making it engaging and focused. Staples avoids using overly complex words to prevent the audience from getting overwhelmed. The sentences are easy to understand, allowing the audience to analyze and draw conclusions effectively. Additionally, the essay includes descriptive adjectives that are strategically placed for maximum impact.

The portrayal in “Just Walk on By” consistently creates a vivid image, enhancing the reader’s enjoyment and leaving a lasting impression. The essay’s memorability effectively ensures that the audience retains the message, which was likely the author’s intention. Additionally, the author includes personal anecdotes, adding a casual tone that prompts readers to contemplate the topic and lends credibility to their words. This approach also allows readers to potentially draw connections to their own experiences.

Brent Staples skillfully employs a range of literary devices to enhance the potency and clarity of his work, effectively challenging preconceived notions and engendering empathy for the discrimination faced by black men. By vividly depicting various scenarios, Staples compels readers to contemplate the implications of racial profiling. He adeptly captures readers’ attention and compels them to engage in introspection, thereby highlighting the struggles he has personally endured as a result of pervasive discrimination.

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Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders His Power To Alter Public Space – Summary & Analysis

Brent Staples’ essay titled ‘Just walk on by: A black man ponders his power to alter public space’ is an outstanding piece of minority literature of the twentieth century. Not only is the essay a high quality literary work, the point the author makes is also highly relevant to blacks and other ethnic minorities. Through the course of the essay, the author makes several valid observations and poignant remarks about the injustices meted out to blacks in everyday social situations. He rightly expresses his indignation at deep-rooted prejudice and the occasional hatred that blacks are subjected to. This aspect of his essay is not unique, for minority literature in America is full of such themes. But what makes Staples’ essay stand out from the rest is his proposed solution for the problem. Instead of adopting a radical standpoint of aggressive confrontation or even militant retaliation against racial injustices, Brent Staples attempts to see the problem from White Americans’ perspective and goes out of his way to ease their concerns (Staples, 1986). This is indeed a unique standpoint in the context of black and minority literature. While the logic employed by the author might come across as weak and his attitude might seem submissive, it takes a lot of courage and a big heart for a person from a minority community (that has historically been treated unjustly) to reach out and offer an olive branch. The rest of this essay will elucidate further reasons for why this is so and will argue in support of the author’s position.

Looking back at the history of racial reconciliation in the United States, it is fair to say that pacifist leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. have left a more enduring legacy than militant ones such as Malcolm X. In more contemporary times, the analogy could be extended to intellectuals such as Cornell West as against vociferous ethno-religious leaders such as Louis Farrakhan. While both sides have sound logical arguments to support their case, it is always the cool and balanced analysis of the pacifist, non-violent leaders that wins through. The same assessment is applicable to Brent Staples’ position, which is based on balanced and nuanced analysis and one that is bound to fructify into peaceful reconciliation. Moreover, while identifying the rationale for black male aggression, Staples also hints at its basic flaws:

“Many things go into the making of a young thug. One of those things is the consummation of the male romance with the power to intimidate… I recall the points at which some of my boyhood friends were finally seduced by the perception of themselves as tough guys. When a mark cowered and surrendered his money without resistance, myth and reality merged-and paid off. It is, after all, only manly to embrace the power to frighten and intimidate. We, as men, are not supposed to give an inch of our lane on the highway; we are to seize the fighter’s edge in work and in play and even in love; we are to be valiant in the face of hostile forces.” (Staples, 1986)

While the above observation comes from his own personal experiences, Staples’ essay is also meritorious for its consideration of the opposing view point. In this case it is the reference to Norman Podhoretz’ controversial 1963 essay titled ‘My Negro Problem – And Ours’. Despite the apparent racist tone on the essay, Staples does refer to some valid observations made by Podhoretz. For example, Staples concurs with his fellow scholar in recognizing the “special brand of paranoid touchiness” that black males have come to represent (Staples, 1986). The only problem with Staples’ perusal of Podhoretz’ views is its convenient stereotyping of all black males, for it is blatantly unfair to categorize an entire community as suffering from paranoid touchiness. But beyond this small weakness in his argument, there is much veracity behind many of the essay’s claims.

And finally, in what is a display of literary irony, the so-called “power to alter public space” leads the author to alter his private thoughts and behavior. When prejudices expressed by the white majority are so deeply-engrained for it to be dissipated overnight, a more practical solution is called for. In what are the most memorable last lines from the essay, the author tells his audience how he has learnt to convert tense situations into amicable ones. He tells how his adoption of a compassionate posture in the public space has transformed his personal experiences. While not being didactic about his method, there is an element of earnest recommendation in his words:

“I began to take precautions to make myself less threatening. I move about with care, particularly late in the evening. I give a wide berth to nervous people on subway platforms during the wee hours, particularly when I have exchanged business clothes for jeans…I have been calm and congenial on those rare occasions when I’ve been pulled over by the police. 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 and the more popular classical composers… Virtually everybody seems to sense that a mugger wouldn’t be warbling bright, sunny selections from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. It is my equivalent of the cowbell that hikers wear when they are in bear country.” (Staples, 1986)

Just walk on by: A black man ponders his power to alter public space. By: Staples, Brent. Literary Cavalcade, Sep98, Vol. 50 Issue 5, p38, 4p.

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Essays on Just Walk on by

Brent Staples' "Just Walk On By: Black Men and Public Space" is a profound reflective essay that delves into the racial stereotypes and dynamics of public space in America. Through personal anecdotes, Staples explores the misconceptions and fears that shadow black men, illuminating the broader social issues of race and identity. For students seeking to dissect and discuss these themes in their own writings, our Just Walk On By essay collection offers a wealth of resources. Whether you're analyzing Staples' rhetorical strategies, the essay's thematic depth, or its relevance in today's discussions on race relations, our collection serves as an essential tool for deepening your understanding and enhancing your arguments.

Just Walk On By Essay

Within our curated selection, you'll find essays that cover a range of topics related to "Just Walk On By," including:

Rhetorical Analysis: Essays that break down Staples' use of narrative, tone, and rhetorical devices to engage and persuade his readers, offering insights into effective writing techniques.
Themes of Race and Identity: Analytical pieces that explore the essay's examination of racial stereotypes, personal identity, and the impact of these factors on individuals' navigation of public spaces.
Social Commentary: In-depth discussions on how "Just Walk On By" reflects broader societal issues, such as systemic racism, public perception, and the social constructs of fear and safety.
Contemporary Relevance: Essays that connect Staples' experiences and observations to current events and ongoing conversations about race, policing, and social justice, highlighting the essay's enduring significance.
Comparative Studies: Works that compare "Just Walk On By" with other literary pieces or real-world scenarios, drawing parallels and contrasts to enrich the reader's comprehension of race relations and identity politics.
How can this collection aid my essay writing? By providing a diverse array of analyses and interpretations, our collection can inspire your own writing, offer new perspectives, and help structure your essay with solid arguments and examples.
Is this collection suitable for all academic levels? Yes, our essays cater to a broad spectrum of academic requirements, from high school projects to college-level research papers, making it a versatile resource for students across educational stages.
Can I reference these essays in my work? Certainly. These essays can serve as a scholarly foundation or supplementary material for your own analysis, provided you properly cite them according to academic standards.

A Gateway to Insightful Discourse

Our Just Walk On By essay collection is not merely an academic resource; it's a starting point for meaningful discourse on race, identity, and the dynamics of public space. Through engaging with these essays, students are equipped to craft thoughtful, well-informed writings that not only reflect on Brent Staples' impactful narrative but also contribute to the broader conversation on societal structures and racial understanding. Dive into our collection and let it guide you through the complexities of these crucial themes, fostering a deeper, nuanced appreciation of "Just Walk On By" and its implications for society.

Review and Analysis Paper by Brent Staples

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Staples’ Use of Literary Devices in Just Walk on by

Just walk on by: black men in american society, comparsion of staples’s just walk on by and walker’s scattered inconveniences, racism in american society in 'just walk on by' by brent staples, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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Just Walk on by Essay Examples

Review of "just walk on by" brent staples.

Brent Staples does a great job at explaining the present pessimistic point of view of black men in the United States In the short story, “Just Walk on By.” Furthermore, he explains despite people stating racial discrimination has died down, it is in the present...

Discrimination: Everyone is Their Own Person

As the years pass by society keeps wanting to make discrimination an issue, to make it stop, but in reality, it has been more present than ever before. According to Habbas and Associates discrimination can take up in many forms, for example, age discrimination, religion,...

The Analysis of Just Walk on by

For as long as we can recall, society has severely embedded into generations their personal beliefs of Black Americans, as merely their existence invokes feelings of unnecessary discomfort or terror. Victimized for his race, Brent Staples, an author, composed Just Walk on By: A Black...

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