The last few years have been marked by a surge in racial tension in the United States. It seems that after several reforms and political movements, racial justice remains out of reach. In this day and age, it is especially important to turn to older essays on the questions of race in America and critically examine their contents. They provide a necessary context for today’s struggles as well as allow to benchmark recent progress or shortcomings against the previous situation. The overarching theme traversing many write-ups is a black person’s place in society as well as their own and non-black people’s perception of their status. This essay compares and contrasts two such essays – “Black Men and Public Space” by Staples and “The Middle-Class Black’s Burden” by McLain. In his essay, Staples explores the perception of black men by non-black people, predominantly women, in public places. The narration is set in Chicago and New York, in particular, Manhattan and Brooklyn. The author’s observations and personal experience led him to the conclusion that non-blacks see black men as a menace, especially in secluded, desolate, or poorly lit places. Staples puts forward the idea that non-black people do have some grounds to fear black men as, statistically, they are most likely to be perpetrators of violence. Still, diminishing every person to a stereotype is hurtful and makes it every black man’s responsibility to prove that he is safe to others. Mclain’s piece also deals with the perception of black people in society, but this time, with their own ideas about being black and middle-class. There is no particular setting where the narration takes place; however, the author mentions Paris and the Deep South of the US. The point that McLain seeks to make is the conflict that middle-class black people have to face as they are detached from their roots but are not fully initiated into the White world. Both texts are intended for broad audiences, though it probably takes some maturity and background knowledge to fully understand the intricacies of the racial dynamics that the authors are addressing. Black people may find the ideas and experiences described by Staples and McLain relatable. In turn, for non-black people, it may be a lesson in empathy and an opportunity to change their perspective on how they see and treat people of color in their lives. The predominant tone that the authors use is serious and introspective. However, while Staples sounds more level-headed, McLain’s narration is more emotionally driven. The first essay addresses some of the authors’ hurtful encounters with non-black people as well as memories from his childhood that were far from happy. For instance, Staples writes how in his first year in New York, he had to learn “ the language of fear.” The author’s choice of words to describe his feelings is poignant – he is suffering from “alienation” and faces “frightening confusion.” However, the dominant impression of the article is not accusatory, aggressive, or resentful, though it is filled with remorse. Staples does not lecture the reader but rather invites him to a friendly conversation. His openness is evidenced by his clever use of humor. For instance, he calls a white woman who was obviously s