Fostering Empathy and Understanding:
an Analysis of Brent Staples’ Challenge to Societal Perceptions (Unabridged)
In his essay, “Just Walk on By: Black Men and Public Space,” Brent Staples offers a thought-provoking exploration of the personal impact of societal prejudices against African American men. Initially published in Harper’s Magazine in 1987, Staples’ essay continues to serve as a powerful and relevant reflection on the challenges faced by black men due to racial stereotypes and the fear these stereotypes generate.
In “Just Walk on By: Black Men and Public Space,” Brent Staples’ personal account of racial prejudice resonated with me, prompting a reflection on my own familial and personal experiences. Growing up in a multicultural and multiethnic family, I never considered my aunts or cousins as inherently different. However, I became increasingly aware of the unwarranted comments and looks they received based solely on their skin color, not only from strangers but even from certain family members. This behavior felt both unjustified and deeply wrong, especially when directed towards members of one’s own family.
In a similar context, during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, I…
