Staples’ “Just Walk on By: Black Men in Public Space”
Brent Staples’ essay “Just Walk on By: Black Men and Public Space” explores the psychological and social toll of racial prejudice against African American men. Through vivid personal anecdotes, Staples exposes how systemic bias forces him to alter his behavior to appear “less threatening.” Despite facing constant fear and misjudgment, he chooses empathy and restraint over anger. His story becomes not only an account of racial injustice but also a testament to resilience and humanity in the face of persistent dehumanization.
References
Staples, Brent. “Just Walk on By: Black Men in Public Space.” 50 Essays: A Portable Anthology, edited by Samuel Cohen, 5th ed., Bedford, 2017, pp. 339-342.
Reference
StudyCorgi. (2025, October 4). Staples’ “Just Walk on By: Black Men in Public Space”. https://studycorgi.video/staples-just-walk-on-by-black-men-in-public-space/