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Ernest Calderon Rios 2/25/14 Compare and contrast two readings Brent Staples proceeds the subject of rhetorical

space from the angle of a black male in Just Walk On By. Nedra Reynolds has a feminist stance in her writing, but incorporates other viewpoints in addition. The primary difference when analyzing these two passages is Reynolds reliance on outside sources, particularly Henri LeFebvre. LeFebvres science of space theories revolved around a certain trilectic - a way of analyzing space as perceived, conceived and lived space.This really helped boost Reynolds points, having LeFebvres ideas clearly outlined and explained. By the time she delved into her feminist rhetorical connections, I was on board with the effectiveness of her argument. I found myself enjoying her writing more so than Staples. As she made connections to theories about time and space perception, I became increasingly interested and engaged. Again citing another source, David Harvey, Reynolds mentions the idea of time-space compression. This refers to the infinite shrinking of the perceived distances between humans, due to our evolving technology. It actually gives us the illusion of a shrinking world. Although Staples does not cite any source, his essay does provide some very effect personal accounts. His analysis of space from the point of view of black man is mainly rooted in his own experiences. Staples describes his ability to alter space in ugly ways. He is constantly profiled and has always created feelings of angst and uneasiness to people in his vicinity. Car doors locked, women clutched their purses tighter, and passerby tried to distance themselves as much as possible. He later goes on to describe what measures he has taken to avoid difficult situations or even being stopped by the police. He is clearly being impacted in the sense that has to be conscious of not seeming suspicious and acting proper. Staples writing is strong because he backs everything up with first-hand knowledge and experience, making up for his lack of outside sources.

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