Questions and Answers
Who is described as 'the youngish black man - a broad six feet two inches with a beard and billowing hair'?
What does Speaker2 recall seeing as a boy?
countless tough guys locked away
What is the potential consequence mentioned in Purpose1 when in a dangerous situation?
death
What realization does the narrator have regarding their ability as stated in Exigence?
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Who are described as individuals with whom unpleasant interactions may occur, according to Audience1?
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How is Audience2 described?
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Where did Speaker3 grow up?
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What is the context mentioned in the definition of Context?
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What hazard is noted in Purpose3?
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Study Notes
Speaker Descriptions
- Speaker1 is a youngish black man, approximately six feet two inches tall, characterized by a beard and billowing hair.
- Speaker2 reflects on witnessing numerous tough individuals incarcerated during childhood and experiences with loss, having buried several friends.
Themes and Motives
- The inherent dangers in various public and private spaces highlight the speaker's awareness of potential life-threatening situations, particularly when interacting with law enforcement.
- Fearful public interactions can lead to unintended consequences, demonstrating the speaker's anxiety around being misperceived.
Exigence and Impact
- The speaker acknowledges the realization of having an "unwieldy inheritance" - the ability to disrupt public spaces due to societal perceptions of race and danger.
- The experience of encountering a fearful woman on the street serves as a catalyst for the speaker’s understanding of racial dynamics in public environments.
Audience Engagement
- The speaker refers to "unpleasantries" with authorities and individuals who assess and categorize others based on perceived threat levels, indicating a societal trend of exclusion and profiling.
- The mention of an affluent white woman as Audience2 suggests that race and class significantly influence perceptions of safety and normalcy in public spaces.
Contextual Background
- This essay was first published in Ms. Magazine in 1986, placing it in a historical context of ongoing racial discussions and the evolution of public space interactions.
- Chester, Pennsylvania, is identified as the speaker's hometown, reflecting the industrial struggles and societal tensions of the 1960s that shaped his early experiences and perceptions of race.
Underlying Concerns
- The notion that being viewed as dangerous can create substantial personal risk further explores the complexities of racial identity and societal expectations.
- The text raises critical questions about safety and identity in urban settings, challenging readers to reconsider their understanding of fear and race.
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Description
Test your understanding of key concepts and vocabulary from Brent Staples' essay 'Just Walk on By'. This quiz includes definitions and insights into the themes and personal experiences portrayed in the text. Perfect for literature students looking to deepen their analysis.
