The American dream is portrayed by many as something that can happen to anyone regardless of skin color, cultural background or race. It is not known to the public that there are inequalities between people with different races, religions, ethnicities, or social classes. Black men are a major target for inequality. They have found it hard to achieve their personal goals and live the American dream. They have less opportunities, which is why they are less likely to achieve their goals.
A black man’s bad reputation in society makes it unlikely that those in power will give him the same opportunities as they would a Caucasian. Brent Staples states in “Just Walk on By: A Black Man Ponders the Power He Has to Alter Public Space” that as a Chicago-based journalist, he rushed in to the magazine’s office with an urgent deadline and was mistakenly viewed as a burglar. The office manager called in security to harass him until he reached his editor. Staples quoted “I had to prove my identity”. I had to move quickly toward someone who knew me. This is a great example of how prejudice can hinder the opportunities of black men living in America. Brent staples not only works as a magazine journalist but was also at the event to deliver a piece he’d written. The behavior of this office administrator is a proof of the fact that others’ views on black men can have a negative impact on their success and also affect their opportunity. Feeling powerless prevents black men from seeking positions of authority or speaking up on issues they are passionate about. This is one of many consequences that racial discrimination has brought to society. Racial profiling is a major cause of mistrust for law enforcement and has led to hostile environments, social tensions, and mistrust towards black men. Brent Staples’ “Just walk by: A Black man Ponders His Ability to Alter Public Space”, a book about black men, is a great example. He talks about a bad experience he had because of racial discrimination. While walking in the dark, a woman assumed he was after her. She was probably thinking he was a criminal. Mr. Staples quotes Staples “It wasn’t until I heard the echo of her terrified footfalls did I realize the unwieldy inherited I’d received – that ability to change public space in ugly manners”. To be associated with a negative stereotype, black men need only exist. The black men are denied the chance to prove their innocence, and therefore they automatically become criminals.
Racial Profiling of Black Men from an Early Age causes Groups of People to Turn Against Each Other and Lose Trust. The success of our communities is crucial. Unjust acts against blacks increase tensions in communities. It is a serious issue when people feel injustice in their communities. Black men, who are the target of negative stereotypes, often accept them by thinking themselves inferior. The media frequently portrays African-American men as violent. The media only portrays the violence that occurs between individuals.