Nowadays, everyone is exposed to discrimination and stereotypes. Either this is done consciously or unconsciously. Society has put labels on people to identify who they are. But is this always correct? Are there any discrepancies? Is there a goal? Perhaps it’s about identifying cultural differences. If you interview these people who have been discriminated against, they will share with you their own experiences and through them you can find out how they felt, how this problem was solved and how it can be changed. Many of us who read stories about discrimination and cultural stereotyping know it's wrong, but our reaction may not be the same as those telling the story. You will find it interesting to see how others deal with discrimination and stereotypes. Brent Staples, author of “Black Men and Public Spaces,” shares with his readers the ups and downs of discrimination as an African American man. Staples believes he was discriminated against because of his appearance, color and physical attributes. In Staples' story, he feels like people think he's a criminal. Women often do not feel safe in his presence. His large build, the dark color of his skin and his nocturnal walks make these strangers believe that he poses a possible threat. Many women quickly flee from him. Staples relates in his story that he felt surprised and embarrassed that people were not able to distinguish him from a law-abiding citizen and an aggressor (614). Additionally, Staples feels fear, he always thinks that he will accidentally find himself in a situation that could compromise his safety. In his words “Where fear and weapons meet…there is always the possibility of death” (614). In Judith Ortiz Cofer "The Myth of the Latin Woman: I Just Met a Girl Named Mari...... middle of paper ......ity for our actions and for the way we communicate with each other others. If we have the opportunity, it is better to express ourselves and tell others that discrimination and stereotypes are no longer accepted and necessary for the evolution of our society. It is absurd to think that a country so welcoming to immigrants still has problems with race and discrimination. The only way to stop it is to first create change within yourself. If you change the way you think, you will change the way you feel and the actions you take. Because you are no longer contributing to the problem but are controlling your own thoughts and actions and no longer participating in the negativity. Others will be led by your example and change will begin to happen. You can't change the way the world views discrimination and stereotyping, but you can change your own view and participation in it..