The Boogeyman Lives in the Dark

Darkness brings uncertainty and fear. The ominous clouds that hang over barren streets serve to remind those that remain outside late at night that there is danger. Darkness, shadows, in short the unknown, incites a primal sense of imminent peril. It muddles the rationality of those in its presence. This terror leads to jump conclusions and, yes, unfortunately profiling. As Staples reveals through ample anecdotes, many of those he passed on the narrow alleys of Chicago assumed he was either, "a mugger, a rapist, or worse." However, whether the woman who was supposedly, "[his] first victim"was guilty for her assumption or not, is not an easy question to address. I personally, am quite always paranoid, especially if I am alone and someone, anyone-black or white- is close by. Since I am a woman, I am susceptible to violence by my male counterparts, and have to react accordingly. Although I can empathize with Staple's situation of extreme embarrassment,  I can't help but focus on the turmoil of anxiety and apprehension any woman is forced to feel in such an instance. It is more than disconcerting that woman are forced to cower in public space for fear of their own well being. How unfair it is that women must run and profile men like Staples because they must anticipate something as horrid as rape. Even though Staples was harmless, with his classical humming and refined education, it could have not been so. Just as Staples lives in fear because of racial profiling, women must live in fear of attack because of a society that lets the boogeyman roam in the dark.