Review the article: Black men and Public Space by Brent Staples
1. Staples's first statement in this essay is "My first victim was a woman." What, exactly, does the author mean here? Explain.
2. What are some examples of "the language of fear"? Does such a language exist, or is it only in the author's mind?
3. What are Staples's feelings about his childhood? Use details from the essay to support your answer.
4. How much of the described women's reactions is based on prejudice? How much is based on common sense?
5. Staples whistles "melodies from Beethoven and Vivaldi" to reduce tension in the pedestrians he encounters. Can you think of any other tension- reducing strategies for late-night encounters with strangers?