In Brent Staples “Just Walk on By: A Black Man Ponders His Ability to Alter Public Space”, the author describes his experience being regularly mistaken for a criminal. At the end of his article, it becomes clear that Staples is attempting to convince the general public that the stereotype of every black man being a criminal is not true. Although the topic is fairly serious, his tone is very reflective as he discusses how he feels and what he experiences in society. His intended audience is anyone who believes in this stereotype, or doesn’t believe that this is a problem. In his narrative, he uses mainly his own experiences to tell his story, but uses other people’s experiences also. Staples employs the use of onomatopoeia when describing his stories, such as using the words “thunk thunk thunk” when describing the sounds of people locking their car doors as he walks past. Onomatopoeia is intended to draw the audience in to the story and create imagery in their minds. Another rhetorical device seen is analogy. Staples has a long analogy comparing those who began “young thugs” to babies who enjoy seeing themselves create mischief. The use of analogies creates images in minds and allows for better understanding. Another device displayed is metaphors. The author says how he acts as a “shadow” in the middle of many of his friends who turned to trouble. He appeals to ethos and pathos, as he is credible enough to speak about these experiences since he has earned them, and pathos since the audience feels bad that they allowed this stereotype to happen.
I really enjoyed this particular narrative. I think the author brilliantly wrote about a subject that is poorly addresses -- the stereotyping of young black men. With so many stories of police brutality towards African Americans in the news these days, this is a relevant narrative. By including his own experience, and those of others, he hopefully gives his readers a wakeup call. It certainly gave me one. Even though everyone is supposedly equal now, some people are definitely still stuck in the past.
Staples, Brent. Just Walk on By: A Black Man Ponders His Ability to Alter Public Space.