Stere"no"types

In Brent Staples' "Black Men and Public Space", he addresses how black men have the "ability to negatively alter space in an ugly way" (paragraph 2); he also portrays the impact stereotypes have on the public's opinion. Society has decided to take certain races and plan out their future, like they are the fates. The public begins profiling. They assume the worst and treat people like they are from outer space. This is especially true when negative stereotypes are enforced, such as African American's. People all assume that black men are set to find their "victims"(paragraph 1), however, this is completely inaccurate. Although, stereotypes don't restrict themselves to race, in cases like Jeannette Walls, people assume the worst of poor people. The public labels them as dingy thieves who live unhappy lives. The impoverished alter space by making people uncomfortable and cause society to basically ignore the situatuation. In essence there are all sorts of stereotypes, but they don't have to be true. In Sherman Alexie's piece, he portrayed Jimi Hendrix as a man who, in some cases, defied the odds. Despite succumbing to drugs, Hendrix was an extraordinarily influential musician. He is know, arguably, as one of the greatest musicians in rock history. He found a way to positively alter space, and influence others who are labeled as well. That is not something the public could ever expect from a black man. You'd think they are all too busy scaring off women on the streets. While others might say that you are your stereotype, know that everyone is their own individual. There is no true way to fight the fire of judgment. It is a component of human nature that may never escape us, but that doesn't mean we have to let society tell us who we are.