Black Men and Public Space

I found this essay to be extremely sad. As a white female, I have never encountered the stares and aversions that Staples had to face everyday. This is a result of my white privilege, which until recently, I hadn't been aware of. I commend Staples for remaining calm in those situations. I would have been extremely frustrated and angry if faced with similar prejudice. However, I do regret to admit, that if I passed him on a dark street late at night, I too would advert my eyes and quicken my pace. Not because of his race, but because of his gender and build. As a woman I have been trained to be skeptical of strange men. I have been scared by the countless stories of rape and kidnapping that my Grandmother insists on telling me. Unfortunately, stereotyping is a very real, very aggravating issue. I like staples attitude towards his lot in life. He takes the high road and understands why others may avoid him just because of his looks. I found his comparison of his whistling melodies from Beethoven and Vivaldi to the cowbell hikers wear in bear country extremely well put. It really showed me how he must feel, trying to put people at ease as they walk by. It is his way of saying, "Hey, I will not rape you. Nor will I kidnap you. Have a wonderful evening."