To Be or Not to Be?

Michelle Douglas
Professor Carr
English 1A
24 April 2010
To Be or Not to Be?
Society has an interesting affect on how people act and portray   themselves. Certain individuals feel the pressure of society and change who they are to fit it, possibly losing who they really are in the process. Others understand that even though society is constantly judging, it is important to remain true to one selves, only shape shifting when absolutely necessary. Two individuals, apart of the same race, can change themselves completely or barely to be accepted by society. While “Mr. Z, ” written by M. Carl Holman and “ Black Men and Public Space,” written by Brent Staples have certain characteristics in common; it is their differences that standout. The reader discovers that being a black man can mean many things; from losing individualism, to accepting who one is and working with society. The character of Mr. Z, in Holman’s poem, and Staples can relate because both want to be viewed by others in a positive light.
The main character in Holman’s poem has traded in his identity to fit in with society. Not only has he become a different person, but he was “Taught early that his mother’s skin was a sign of error,” (Holman 1). By being only half black, the speaker in “Mr. Z” was able to be accepted by (a largely white) society. The speaker became an “expert in vintage wines, sauces, and salads,” (Holman 11) disregarding stereotypes that African Americans eat only soul food. By changing the speakers knowledge of food and beverages, the main character in “Mr. Z” is acceptable and not deemed an outsider. Staples does change himself for society, but not as drastically as the main character in “Mr. Z”. While taking late evening strolls along less busy streets, Staples decides to whistle classical music to keep others (specifically white women) at ease, “...melodies from Beethoven and Vivaldi and more popular classical composers,” (Staples 14). He comes to the conclusion that society, as...