Black Men in Public Space Quiz

What is the main purpose of this essay?

• To encourage people to be careful when walking at night

• To show that not all black men are guilty of illegal activities

• To educate the American public about the effects of placing stereotypes on people (in this case black men)

• To show how mean and rude strangers can be in public

What did the author hear when he crossed in front of a car stopped at a traffic light?

• police sirens approaching

• the screams of a scared woman

• the sound of people locking their car doors

• someone calling him an offensive name

Who was Staples' first victim?

• his supervisor

• a white woman

• a man in his apartment complex

• his college roommate

What career did Brent pursue after college?

• journalist

• lawyer

• police officer

• jewelry store owner

Which of the following statements best describes the conclusion Staples makes in Paragraph 3?

In that first year, my first away from my hometown, I was to become thoroughly familiar with the language of fear. At dark, shadowy intersections, I could cross in front of a car stopped at a traffic light and elicit the thunk, thunk, thunk of the driver--black, white, male, or female-- hammering down the door locks. On less traveled streets after dark, I grew accustomed to but never comfortable with people crossing to the other side of the street rather than pass me. Then there were the standard unpleasantries with policemen, doormen, bouncers, cabdrivers, and others whose business it is to screen out troublesome individuals before there is any nastiness.

• Cabdrivers are rude.

• It is hard to cross the street at night.

• It is not safe to walk shadowy streets alone.

• Darkness strikes fear in people.

Which two examples represent the changes that Staples made to adjust to his prejudice experiences? (choose two)

• He makes sure nobody feels like they are being followed by him

• He puts distance between himself and nervous people when on the subway

• He makes it a point to smile at people as they pass him

• He tries to dress professionally at all times

Which term involves an unfair emotion or opinion of someone without reason?

• bias

• stereotype

• prejudice

Which term is based on someone's behavior or actions towards a person?

• stereotype

• discrimination

• prejudice

An idea or assumption about a group of people is...

• racism

• stereotype

• bias

A person's race is determined by their...

• physical features

• language

• religion