I just finished reading the short story “Just Walk on By” by Brent Staples. It is a memoir about Staples’ early college years, learning about how his race and physicality instill fear in others.
I especially enjoyed Staples’ story because I identify with it a lot. I try not to let my perceived race impact the way I interact with society; however, because of my skin color, people sometimes perceive me as a threat. Like Staples, I did not realize this until I moved away from home, into a big city. For me, the city was Boston.
In my post, Men Can Be Feminists, I briefly mention that, because I am a man, I can walk down a street alone without worrying about being harassed by strangers. However, my brown skin allows me an added sense of security. It is also true that I sometimes intimidate passersby with my appearance.
I recall one instance in which an older white man veered off the sidewalk when he saw me approach from the other direction. He chose to walk on the side of the street rather than share the sidewalk with me. Granted, it was late at night and there was no one else around. In his mind, he probably thought he was just playing it safe.
For me, I am not necessarily upset that strangers will misjudge me based on my appearance. This happens all the time, to everyone, and is largely unavoidable. However, I am saddened by the fact that we live in such a world that one must be so vigilant in order to protect him/herself from violence.
Just like a woman who wants to be free to wear a skirt in public without being harassed for it, I wish I could walk down the street without feeling the need to give others space or whistle classical music in order to demonstrate my innocence. Nevertheless, this is the world in which we live. And as I mention in my post on privileges, everyone can be a victim of prejudice in some way.
Brent Staples is an author and editorial writer for the New York Times. His books include An American Love Story and Parallel Time: Growing up In Black and White. Staples is a graduate of Widener University and the University of Chicago.
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