Black Men And Public Space By Brent Staples Summary

"Danger Verses Judgement" "It was in the echo of that terrified woman's foots.." (Staples 336) that shows the foreshadowing of the unknown. In the short story, "Black Men and Public Space," by Brent Staples, is a tragic story of fear and embarrassment. From the first person point of view, we are able to observe what the main character; a young black man, faces on a daily basis. Being treated and viewed as a prisoner, ironically, was not how he ended up. While experiencing constant judgement; I believe, the black man had a great deal of internal suffering and sadness. Staples makes this evident through theme, characterization, and symbolism. A late evening, in Chicago, starts the beginning of many social inequalities. The theme in this story is never having the chance to be perceived as good. He was seen as fearful, causing those around him to flee. Although, he continues to display a great amount of courage by never changing himself, or the evening walks that he enjoys. "Suffering a bout of insomnia, however,
"I was undistinguishable from the muggers..."(336) In addition, He was judged by those he came in contact with. This increased feeling of sadness, madness, anger and shock. "I was surprised, embarrassed, and dismayed..." (336) "Over the years, I learned to smother the rage I felt at so often being taken for a criminal...Not to do so would surely have led to madness." (337) While consistently viewed as a someone to be skittish of, he continued to work towards making himself less threatening. (337) A better person, than those casting judgement, he understood why he was viewed as a frightening person. "...young black males are drastically overepresented among the perpetrators of that violence." (336) Through characterization, the young black man faced each trial with understanding; although, the accusations made him "feel like an accomplice in a tyranny."