Identifying with Brent Staples was not because he’s African American, in view of the fact that I can relate to him. The beginning of the essay started off with him getting mad at people because they felt that they are doing the right thing by thinking that he’s a criminal. Towards the end he realizes that he cannot be mad at people for thinking the way they do about his race, therefore he forgives them and moves on with his life. I identify with Staples, in that you cannot be upset about what people say about you, because you will always be depressed, and mad at yourself for nothing.
Relating to the story was not complicated in a way, for the reason that people seem to assume you’re a party of a stereotype they have in their mind. The only reasons why people think that way are because of the media and people were raised to hate other races or even their own race. However, we all do it and I believe we can stop it or even help it. The only thing I can think about is that people should be more open minded about others cultures and backgrounds. I believe that if I become more aware that every individual is not identical to one another, then I am helping to reject stereotyping. For example, while walking down the street to school; most men look at me and say I’m a hoe, slut and other pigeonhole terms. I feel that men should be more respectful and careful about what comes out their mouths.
Reading the story made me relate to the examples of tribulations as well as Staples did in his essay. Just by reading about the challenges that he went though was eye-opening. Knowing that everyone would be judged by the color of their skin and of their culture is a problem in society as lived today.
No comments:
Post a Comment