Black Men and Public Space Brent Staples has had several experiences that have made him come to a conclusion that the black male body inspires fear in public spaces. In my opinion he is right to feel that way. Unfortunately, it is something that comes naturally to some people. This is due to the media exposure with black males, the lack of diversity in their upbringing and demographics. These examples all play a part in why someone may fear a black male. Exposure to negative media about black males can spark fear in people. Coming in contact with a black man right after hearing the news about a black man doing something horrific can make you afraid of them. Like what Staples says in his article “At dark shadowy intersections, I could cross in front of a car stopped at a traffic light and elicit the thunk, thunk, thunk of the driver – black, white, male, or female- hammering down the door locks”.(p.2) Perhaps those people have heard of black men …show more content…
When walking through a dark street where crime usually happens can terrify a person especially when walking alone. Like one of Staples experiences “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.” (p.1) They were on a dark empty street alone near a town known for its crime. An enormous part in how people react is location just think about it, would a person be afraid of someone where they are lights and people no not usually yet a dark deserted street they will. Therefore, people’s mentality is that criminals will hurt a person on a street that is dark and no one