“Racial Stereotypes” “Black Men and Public Space” is a short narrative written by Brent Staples. Staples begins by stating his first “victim” was a white woman in Chicago. As she avoids him hastily, Staples comes to realize that she is frightened by his appearance; large, black and intimidating. As a result, she perceives him to be some sort of mugger or rapist, much to his anxiety. Since he instills fear merely by his presence, he …showed first 75 words of 767 total…

…showed last 75 words of 767 total…this is when stereotypes become most dangerous; when groups live up to their stereotypes. Having this in mind, we should refrain from judging people on the basis of what your friend or neighbor thinks about “their” community. We should judge people for what they are as individuals not from what group they belong to, or whether or not they are Muslims or Jews, black or white; with this outlook we can hopefully eliminate racial stereotyping.