Brent Staples’ Use Of Pathos, Ethos, And Logos In The Black Men And Public Space

Race has always been a topic that has brought out different feelings, opinions, and ideas. People of different races are treated differently based on color. Brent Staples was a famous African American journalist who wrote an article entitled “Black Men and Public Space.” Staples employed many rhetorical tools to make his experience as a black male in public spaces more appealing. Staples’s article shows how racism persists despite progress. Staples shows how, despite black men’s achievements, they are still treated with suspicion when walking down the street. Staples gives several examples to show how Caucasian Americans use racial stereotypes, from law enforcement officers and police officers to people walking in the dark. Staples explores the obliviousness of some people who judge others based on their race without taking other factors into consideration.

Staples emphasizes in his essay that, no mater how educated, successful or hardworking black Americans are, Caucasian Americans hold a negative view and judge blacks. Staples uses examples to show racism, which is prevalent in our society and specifically among Caucasian America. This happens despite the progress made. Staples’ article aims to expose the repetition of racism in society, thus empowering the readers to remove this powerful influence. Staples employs rhetorical devices in order to appeal to his audience while also delivering his message. In other words, he uses ethos to validate the views of his victims by identifying and relating with them. Staples uses his psychology degree, his career as a writer, analogies and descriptions to support his logos. Staples uses a docile, compliant, and accommodating tone to give the impression that the author is willing to go to any length to make others comfortable. He also uses a guilt tone to gain an emotional response. Staples says: “I was never at ease with ….”.. This is the most important quote in the passage. It forces the reader to feel the guilt of the author and puts them in the same position as him. Staples creates vivid images and uses imaginative word choices in order to convey his experiences.

Staples is addressing more than just one group of people. He talks to white women but also speaks to society. Using pathos and stories, Staples creates an intimate and casual atmosphere by establishing a casual and informal environment as a Black man in the streets. Staples describes a black man walking behind a woman of color who walked faster because she believed he was following her. Use of words such a victim and mean to describe the reaction the woman had when she found herself behind him is used in order to give the audience a clear picture. Staples changes the scene; Staples starts to raise emotions in the reader. For instance, he writes that “It wasn’t until I heard the echoing of that woman’s terrified footsteps that I realized what a difficult inheritance I was given, and the ability to change the public realm in ugly, unwelcome ways”. Staples is able to grab the attention of readers with this quote. He highlights the negative consequences that are more often caused by the coloration of a person’s skin.

Staples uses stories and evidence to show his trustworthiness. He doesn’t blame white women for their negative comments, but explains why they act that way. Staples uses rhetorical techniques to convey his message. Staples is able to show a deep understanding of his reader, which helps build trust. Staples reflects about his background, the place he grew-up and how it was difficult to notice him “against all of the gang warfare and murders on streets”. Staples notes that only a handful of boys were raised to be “good” boys, a testament to his ability to complete a Ph.D. program in psychology. Staples uses contextual evidence, which is based on Staples’s difficult past, to demonstrate to the readers how Staples has managed to thrive and stay motivated to achieve certain success levels in his own life. Staples’s understanding of what it means to be a black person helps increase the level of trust that is placed in him and the message. Staples uses pathos to achieve his goal, which is to make the audience aware of the racism and discrimination that exists in public places. Staples also uses the ethos by validating his stories with the experiences other people had. This allows him to show the audience that Staples is credible because many black males experience prejudgment.

Staples refers to evidence by using logos. “It is the equivalent of the Cowbell that Hikers wear when they realize they are in Bear Country”. Staples convinces the reader of his argument using the differences between the cowbell worn by hikers and the discriminatory Caucasian Americans. Diverse methods using unique techniques are used to influence an audience based on logical reasoning. Staples’ logical dictation, for example, is truthful, but not exaggerated. Staples, for example, deliberately avoids mentioning New York’s exact crime rate; instead, Staples states that “Women in particular are vulnerable to street violence ….”. Staples’ argument is to demonstrate that it is women who are targeted. Staples shares his opinion that young black men are significantly over-represented when it comes to perpetrators. ….”. If someone were studying racial prejudices against violence, the black males would come out on top.

Staples acknowledges the contradictory views on discrimination and confirms that discrimination is the worst thing that anyone should experience, especially by strangers. Staples makes effective use of rhetorical devices like pathos, logos, and ethos in order to give the audience a glimpse into what black men, particularly, experience in today’s society. Staples employs techniques that help him evoke emotional responses from the audience of white woman and society. The reader is then able to empathize in Staples’ shoes. Staples uses a relatable writing style to establish different tones. He takes his readers from a docile tone and unexpectedly converts them to a guilt-ridden tone. The reality is that racial discrimination and stereotypes still exist and are a daily part of our lives. Staples’ article conveys strong words that are not to be taken for granted and make us strive to do better in the future.