Sociology

1. What was your impression of the article? What key point do you think the author was trying to make?

2. Do any particular groups in society intimidate you by their appearance?

If so, which ones? Why do they intimidate you? Are some groups more sterotyped than others, that can lead us to this fear?

3. Do you think that any other factors, beyond the race of the author, played a part in how he was received/treated? If so, which ones?

“Just walk on by: A black man ponders his power to alter public space“ by Brent Staples, is an interesting article about race discrimination and racism, that unfortunately still exists. Brent Staples writes about his experience with judgmental people. Unfortunately people from different genders and races judge others. Personally, I have friends from all different cultures. For me judging is the worst thing one can do in order to live a happy and satisfied life. I believe this is also a key point that he tries to make with his article.

Anyway, he was talking about standard unpleasantries he experienced with police, doormen, bouncers, cabdrivers, and others whose business is to screen out troublesome individuals before there is any nastiness. Whenever I went out with my friends, most of the time my Afro American friend could not get into a club. He is the nicest guy, but the bouncer judged him because black males have a bad reputation compared to white males.

I can understand when females are afraid to walk at night with all that bad happens in todays world. I would not trust random people either, because as a women, you are more likely to get in trouble because you are more helpless and unfortunately some people make use of it. So yes, some groups are more stereotyped than others, but a particular group in society does not intimidate me.

I do not know what other factors could have played a part in how the author was treated. Maybe another factor was his beard and appearance and the time of the day. Anyway, unfortunately...