Blog Response Due by 11/12/08

The essay compiled by Brent Staples, "Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space," was a very eye-opening passage. It is alarming that after all of the steps the United States has taken to become less stereotypical of others that many people will avoid "suspicious" looking characters on the streets. Many people will unfairly classify a young black man walking on the street as a threat to society and a possible rapist, murderer, or mugger. Staples has personally been involved in many of these situations, and he couldn't possibly any more different than any one of those types of criminals. It is the sad truth that almost every person I know would react in a similar way if they were walking on a dark street with a so-called "suspicious" looking man. We have eliminated the concept of giving the other person the benefit of the doubt, so to speak.

I feel like I personally do not have much ability to alter public space. I don't think I've ever been considered threatening, as I have a slight build and often try to show my ability to be accepting and nice. I cannot think of any specific examples when I have altered the route or changed the feeling of a public space just by walking by or walking into a room. It must be extremely difficult and frustrating for those who are stereotyped as being "suspicious" while walking into a room. Personally, I believe that we can all do a better job of accepting others and greeting each other on the streets. There is no reason that a man that is bigger and more intimidating than me should have a greater ability to alter public space.

I feel like I am generally pretty accepting of every type of person in a public space. I have been in many public places with many different types of people. Unfortunately, there are times when I will identify someone on the rapid or in the mall who I consider "suspicious looking." I always have an internal argument with myself, however, that reinforces my belief that not everyone who looks suspicious is trying to harm me. I rarely alter my routes or avoid looking at people because of what they look like. It is not polite to do so in that situation even though many people take that action. I have been lucky to grow up with many close friends that come from different backgrounds and races, and I feel like that has helped my ability to be more accepting. I will continue to refrain from reacting negatively to others in public places, and I think if everyone did the same the United States and ultimately the world would be a more unified place.