Different emotions, viewpoints and thoughts for countless years have been associated with the important topic of race. People of different racial backgrounds were judged at different levels and treated based on the color of their skin. Brent Staples, a well-known African American writer, stood up and countered negative stereotypes of African Americans in public spaces with his article “Black Men and Public Space.” Staples employs many rhetorical uses that increase the appeal of his life experiences as a black man in public spaces. Staples' article is a great example of how racism, despite the progress made over the years, is still very present. Staples reports how black men, despite their credentials and achievements in life, are still discriminated against, simply for taking a walk down the street. Staples uses several examples of how different Caucasian Americans display racial stereotypes, from police officers to law enforcement to ordinary people walking at night. Staples reveals how some people can be oblivious and judge a person based on their skin color without considering other aspects of a person's life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Staples points out, in his article, that no matter how educated, hardworking, or successful black men in America are, Caucasian Americans have a negative view and discriminate against blacks in a judgmental manner. Staples shows examples of references to racism that is happening around us in society, particularly in Caucasian America, regardless of all the growth and progress. The purpose of Staples' article is to reveal this repetition, thus allowing people to take control and remove this powerful influence from society. Staples uses rhetorical devices to connect with the audience, while managing to convey his point of view. For example, by identifying with his victims and validating their points of view, he appeals to ethics. Staples offers evidence such as his doctorate in psychology, his time as a journalist, descriptions and analogies that match the logos. Staples creates an opportunity to emphasize the tone of the article, using a docile, accommodating and compliant tone giving the audience the impression that he is willing to do anything to make the people around him comfortable he also uses a guilty tone which it is vital in eliciting an emotional response from the audience. Staples says: "I got used to it but I never felt comfortable...". This quote is perhaps the most critical statement in the entire passage; it requires the audience to start feeling the tone of guilt and transfer it into the writer's own situation. Staples uses intense imagery and imaginative word choices to paint a picture of his encounters, and in doing so, Staples stirs the emotions of his readers. Staples presents more than one audience, speaks to white women, and speaks to society as a whole by evoking emotions. of his audience using pathos, enhancing the intimate and informal environment created by stories and encounters as a black man on the streets. Staples describes walking behind a white woman who, paying attention to him, began walking faster when she thought Staples was following her; he considered it a pleasure because of the color of his skin. Recurring words such as mean and victim are used to paint a picture in the audience's mind that, being behind a white woman, the woman's initial reaction was adverse. Staples advances andthe picture begins to change; Staples begins to stir the reader's emotions. For example, she says that "it was in the echoing footsteps of that terrified woman, that I began to learn about the unwieldy legacy I was in, the ability to alter public space in horrific ways." This quote shows how Staples begins to capture the reader's emotion, highlighting the misfortunes that happen more because of the color of his skin. The evidence and stories used by the writer show how Staples' personal experiences as a black man support his reliability as he does not blame white women for relating negatively in a direct way but instead offers relatable information as to why they behave the way they do. It is evident when considering the context of this article focusing on racism and discrimination across multiple positions when using rhetorical concepts, influencing how Staples conducts his writings. Staples shows excellent understanding regarding the reader's perspective; by doing so, this helps establish trust with the audience. Staples reflects on his past, where he grew up and how he was barely visible “in the context of gang warfare and street murder.” Staples further goes on to note that some of them were raised as "good kids", showing that he still managed to graduate from the University with a Ph.D. in psychology. Considering Staples' tough background, Staples used contextual evidence to convey to the reader how Staples still managed to stay inspired and thrive to reach certain levels of success in his life. The basic realization of being a black man expands and enhances confidence regarding the message he is conveying. Staples effectively uses a range of emotions to appeal to pathos, which then helps him achieve his goal by making the audience see the levels of racism and discrimination that still exist in public spaces today. A final appeal to ethics is made by Staples when he chooses to validate his stories by highlighting the experiences of others who have had similar encounters, demonstrating to the audience the credibility of Staples' experiences as most black males have gone through frequent episodes of prejudice. By using logos Staples references evidence to support its claims; he says "it's my equivalent of the cowbell hikers wear when they know they're in bear country." Staples convinces the reader of his argument by showing the differences between the cowbell that hikers wear, in this case compared to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" compared to the cowbell and compared to the discriminating Caucasian Americans compared to bears. Adopt different methods involving unique techniques focused on influencing the audience from a logical point of view. Staples, for example, uses his logical dictation not only truthfully but not exaggeratedly. For example, Staples purposely ignores mentioning the exact crime rates in New York; instead, he states, "women are particularly vulnerable to street violence....". Staples instead articulates his argument to show that women are the ones regularly targeted. Staples offers his opinion by stating, “Young black males are drastically overrepresented among the perpetrators of that violence….” If anyone were to study racial stereotypes about violence, black men would be at the top of the list. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Recognizing conflicting views on discrimination, Staples confirms that being discriminated against is.