Society today has created a safety blanket for women who are victims of harassment. Many women can relate to the prevalent fears of walking alone at night, with fears of being the next victim on their mind. The woman’s perspective is always broadcasted, but however it is rare to hear the perspective of a man who has not contributed to the fears of women. Brent Staples in his work “Black Men and Public Spaces”, sheds light on what it means to be an African American man in society today. Not only does this article tackle the topic of women, but it also discusses police brutality and other instances where black men face prejudice in public.
In “Black Men and Public Spaces”, Staples gives examples of his experiences of being treated as a criminal, as well as other black men he knows. He provides anecdotes of different instances such as when a white woman ran away from him in the middle of the night while we walked behind her (Staples 1). Other experiences he names are being mistaken for a burglar as well as a murderer (Staples 2-3). His words and experiences makes one reflect on the actions they perform around people based on their complexion. Staples is not unreasonable, he justifies the white woman from the first anecdote’s response by addressing how women are more vulnerable to attacks and must take precautions to protect themselves (Staples 2).
Brent Staples uses this article to inform his audience on how their assumptions and stereotypes harm black men. He describes how he is perceived as dangerous and as a criminal simply from one glance. This blatant portrayal is uncomfortable for both parties, especially since Staples is an innocent man with no intent of harm (Staples 1 and 3). The author achieved his purpose through anecdotes and by expressing his feelings towards the matter. Staples’ audience are the people who read Ms. Magazine, the magazine where his article was published. His intended audience were mainly women. In “Black Men and Public Spaces”, despite being firm on his stance, Staples writes “women are particularly vulnerable to street violence, and young black males are drastically overrepresented among the perpetrators of that violence” (12). Here, he justifies women’s reaction around black men and faults the false representation of black men for bringing that fear upon them. In doing this, he considers his audience and their perspective.
After reading his argument, I agree with Staples. One should not be quick to judge a person based on their complexion. The assumption can be detrimental not only to the person, but can create unnecessary conflict. To support this point, Staples brings up police brutality, but does not elaborate by simply saying “where fear and weapons meet–and they often do in urban America–there is always the possibility of death” (2). A point I do not agree with in the article is where Staples states he has repressed his anger for the prejudice he faces (3). I believe he should not repress it, rather he should try and reform the way people view people of color. He writes that he changes the way he acts, such as making sure people leave the area so they do not believe he is following them and whistling classical music (Staples 3). This is unjust for him and black representation must be changed. Staples has also influenced the way I view this topic. I walk home fast at night whenever I see men on the street. However, I forget that the person I’m trying to get away from might not even be a malicious person trying to do harm. This work has made me think about the other person’s feelings as well.
Brent Staples in “Black Men and Public Spaces” expresses in a calm tone how stereotypes and misrepresentation hurts real people. It makes others act differently around them. With overrepresentation of crimes in the black community, comes a price for black men. It engrains a picture of black men in society, including hurtful stereotypes. His work calls for people to reevaluate the issue pertaining to race in America. He also calls for people to not judge a man by his complexion because it makes the situation uncomfortable, and in certain circumstances, may escalate and cause death. Although he is angry, he is willing to make people feel secure over an image he cannot control.
Works Cited
Staples, Brent. “Black Men and Public Spaces”. Harper’s. Harper’s Magazine Foundation, December 1986. Print.
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