"Black Men and Public Space" by Brent Staples

Staples begins his essay with a story that probably most of us would have experienced in our lives. A woman is walking alone at night, sees a black man walking near her, becomes frightened, and runs away. But this was the first time that Staples had experienced this "inheritance" that he had been given. He goes on to explain how everywhere he went, people would associate him with a mugger, rapist, or murderer. And it isn't because of things he has done or is doing, it's because of the colour of his skin. If he crossed the street, he would always hear the "thunk, thunk, thunk" of the car doors locking. He continues on to discuss his past, living in Chester, Pennsylvania. He stayed out of trouble as a teenager, staying on the side lines as he watched a cousin, brother, and friend all day below the age of 25. Staples then ends his essay explaining how he now takes precautions wherever he goes, so that others may feel more comfortable around him. By whistling songs by famous classical composers or giving a wide berth to people on the street, Staples is able to calm everyone around him, and assure them he isn't who they think he is.