Brent Staples’ essay “Just Walk on By” is a compelling exploration of race, perception, and the complexities of identity in America. Through his personal narrative, Staples illuminates the often uncomfortable intersections between race and social behavior. His rhetorical strategies serve to engage readers while driving home critical insights about societal biases. This essay will delve into some of the most prominent rhetorical strategies employed by Staples, such as ethos, pathos, and vivid imagery, which together create a powerful commentary on race relations.
Establishing Credibility: Ethos
One of the first things that stands out in Staples’ writing is his ability to establish credibility or ethos. As an African American man who has lived through many of the experiences he describes, Staples speaks from a place of authenticity. He shares personal anecdotes about how others react to him in public spaces—how people clutch their bags tighter or cross the street when they see him approaching. By framing his narrative around these lived experiences, he invites readers to trust him; after all, who better to discuss racial perceptions than someone who has directly encountered them?
Moreover, Staples does not shy away from addressing his own feelings about being perceived as threatening due to his race. He recalls how he often feels compelled to alter his behavior to put others at ease—like whistling classical music as he walks through predominantly white neighborhoods. This self-awareness adds another layer of credibility because it shows that he’s not just telling a sob story; instead, he is reflecting on broader societal issues while navigating them personally.
The Emotional Appeal: Pathos
Alongside ethos, pathos plays a significant role in Staples’ argumentation strategy. Throughout “Just Walk on By,” Staples evokes deep emotional responses from his audience by sharing vivid descriptions and relatable situations that resonate with readers on an emotional level. For instance, when he discusses how fear can distort reality for both himself and those around him, it’s hard not to feel empathy for both sides—the apprehensive strangers who may feel threatened and the innocent man just going about his day.
A particularly poignant moment comes when Staples reflects on moments where he realizes that simply existing as a Black man in certain spaces can provoke irrational fear among white individuals. This evokes feelings of sadness and frustration; readers can’t help but feel for someone who must carry this burden daily. Such emotions compel readers not only to understand but also sympathize with Staple’s plight—a clever use of pathos that fosters deeper reflection on issues surrounding race and safety.
Painting Pictures: Vivid Imagery
A significant strength in Staples’ writing lies within its vivid imagery. He paints pictures with words that bring moments alive for readers—moments like walking down dark streets late at night or passing women who instinctively move away from him as if they are dodging a bullet rather than simply navigating public space. This imagery does more than create visual representations; it allows readers to experience these moments vicariously.
The contrast between light and dark becomes especially meaningful throughout this piece; darkness symbolizes fear while light represents safety and comfortability—a metaphorical landscape where racial dynamics play out dramatically against one another. When Staple describes himself walking at night under streetlights while others recoil at his presence or how he’ll make extra efforts such as wearing lighter clothing during evening strolls just so people might perceive him differently—it forces us into uncomfortable realizations regarding our subconscious biases.
A Call for Change: The Larger Message
Through these rhetorical strategies—ethos building trustworthiness among audiences through shared experience; evoking emotional responses via pathos; utilizing rich visuals—the larger message becomes evident: society needs change concerning racial perceptions! Rather than merely highlighting problems faced by individuals like himself alone (which would be completely valid), Brent staples seeks dialogue surrounding solutions too! His arguments push us toward recognizing our roles within systemic bias—not just pointing fingers but engaging everyone toward progress collectively.
Conclusion: Why Rhetorical Strategies Matter
In conclusion, Brent Staple’s use of rhetorical strategies profoundly shapes “Just Walk on By” into much more than an anecdotal account—it evolves into essential social commentary calling attention towards inequities present across various facets involved within human interactions relating back specifically regarding race! By weaving together ethos-driven narratives infused heavily with emotion alongside striking imagery all throughout each paragraph leading towards thought-provoking conclusions about systemic racism today—I find myself moved deeply enough afterward wanting change along alongside diverse communities everywhere involved & engaged actively fighting against prejudice hoping someday soon we might see equitable treatment extend widely across societies far beyond mere walks through life ourselves freely without fear!
- Sewell Jr., William H., “The Structure of Opportunity.” In *Social Forces* Vol 81 No 1 (2003): 51-76.
- Tatum, Beverly Daniel “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” New York: Basic Books (1997).
- Staples Brent “Just Walk On By.” *Essays & Stories*, Harper Perennial Modern Classics (1990).
- Davis Angela Y., “Women Race & Class.” New York: Random House (1981).
- Baldwin James “Notes of a Native Son.” Boston: Beacon Press (1955).
