blog




  • Essay / Comparison of Staples' Just Walk on by and Walker's Scattered Inconveniences

    Table of ContentsEssay ComparisonConclusionReferencesIn the essays Jerald Walker's “Scattered Inconveniences” and “Just Walk on by: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space » by Brent Staples, the authors offer distinct perspectives on issues related to race and discrimination. Although their perspectives differ, both essays shed light on the complex dynamics of racial diversity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Essay Comparison In “Scattered Inconveniences” by Jerald Walker, the author explores the theme of racism, including stereotyping, exclusion, and finger-pointing. Walker explains how he sometimes resorts to stereotypes, assuming that a truck driver poses a threat because he is white and wears a cowboy hat. He generalizes that everyone in Indiana is racist and everyone in Iowa City is a hippie. Walker's fear of discrimination and negative influences on his family leads him to blame white people for various societal problems, including AIDS and gang-related problems. He also recounts instances of racial exclusion, such as being subjected to racist behavior at the gym, where white individuals made gorilla noises at him. Additionally, he excludes his friend Clyde for not conforming to the expectations of people of color. However, it becomes clear that not all individuals are racist, as demonstrated by the Chevrolet driver who helps Walker and his family when their car door is opened. This essay reminds us that racism is not a universal trait and that there are many well-meaning individuals in society. In “Just Walk on by: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space” by Brent Staples, the author reflects on his own experiences of being seen as a threat because of his appearance as a black man. Staples shares anecdotes from his time as a graduate student when he would go on nighttime walks and notice the fear he inspired in others. He describes scenarios in which his mere presence caused reactions of fear and caution, such as people locking their car doors or crossing the street to avoid him. Staples uses powerful descriptions, such as the repetitive “thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk” of car door locks, to illustrate the immediate impact of his presence on public spaces. It highlights the racial dynamics at play and how perceptions can change the atmosphere of a public space. Both essays address the issue of racial diversity, but their perspectives differ. "Scattered Inconveniences" depicts the author's initial propensity toward stereotyping and fear of discrimination, while "Just Walk on by" recounts instances of racial prejudice directed against the author. Both essays reveal that not everyone is racist, but racial prejudice and discrimination persist, illustrating the complexity of racial dynamics in society. In the realm of storytelling, Jerald Walker reflects on his use of elevated metaphor in “Scattered Inconveniences.” He suggests that the man in the Chevrolet serves as a metaphor for the sin of American racism, emphasizing how racism, while still prevalent, has weakened over time. Walker aims to tell a compelling story, but he recognizes that readers may interpret it differently. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In conclusion, these essays provide insight..