The 1960's started off with school segregation still widespread, separate restrooms and water fountains for "whites" and "coloreds" all across the deep south, and much struggling to come to put all of this to a stop.
Such a process would have to be painful, and indeed it was. Martin Luther King was advising peaceful resistance to racism, while Malcolm X advocated killing the white devils. Fortunately, King proved to be a more effective leader.
By 1968, things had improved. Segregated schools were much rarer, but the solution of busing students long distances to integrate was not a good idea, and it was causing much anger and strife.
The Summer Olympics at Mexico City would prove to be a platform to make a statement.
There was a movement among black athletes to boycott the Olympics altogether. Fortunately, that didn't happen. It's never a good idea to skip the games for political reasons. Every time it's been done, the only effect has been to diminish the Games themselves, as well as to cheat hard-working athletes out of what they have been striving for.
Sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos won the Gold and Bronze for the 200M. Friends and teammates at San Jose State, they agreed to make a very visible statement at the presentation of their medals.
Smith had a black glove on his right hand, Carlos wore one on his left. As the National Anthem played, they raised their gloved fists in the air. Silver medalist Peter Norman of Australia also wore a patch on his jacket supporting the organization that was seeking a black boycott of the games.
It seems pretty tame today, but it was shocking in that emotionally charged year. The gesture was met with outrage by many, admiration by others. The Olympic Committee was certainly not amused. The runners were banned from further competition and from the Olympic Village.
Smith and Carlos received death threats aimed at them and their families. Of course, so did nearly everyone else involved in the Civil Rights Movement. But history eventually judged their actions as admirable. They were honored in 1998, and there are plans to build a statue at their alma mater commemorating the incident.
Here's to standing up for what you believe, even if it makes you unpopular.
Comments (2)
Who was the athlete at the 32 Olympics in Germany who raised a fist at the podium in front of Hitler?
Posted by Rivers End | May 29, 2009 8:40 PM
Posted on May 29, 2009 20:40
This was a very confusing issue back then. I remember those around me object to what they interpreted as belligerence and disrespect for authority. Many Americans were very obedient to authority, perhaps a carryover from WWII, never questioning anything handed down to them. They had great trust in those who led them.
But looking back 40 years, and knowing both sides better, I do not agree. It was very difficult being a Black American. They were kept down and out. Every time they tried to better themselves or raise themselves up, someone would shoot down their leaders and keep them poor and ignorant and expect them not to get mad.
I maintain that life is not much better for them now than it was in the days of slavery. Living in ghettos is not fun and no freedom, as in not having choice and options. I don’t think many White Americans really understood this back then. Of course, many White Americans did not live with Blacks and had no idea what life was like for them.
But the summer of 68 was after MLK was killed. Those 2 athletes were hurting and angry and with good reason. Black Panthers would also be killed off and the Vice Lords would also be subverted. Both those groups tried to do the right thing and improve their people. Authorities often fear knowledge, unity, and power. They often respond by killing off the leadership, thereby stopping the cause in most cases.
I believe there was a similar incident in 1972 as well and similar reactions. Then there was that nasty terrorist incident at the Olympics as well.
I would say this to African Americans. Wait on God and you won’t have to wait much longer and God will fix all things. But certainly the struggles of many causes were a big part of the 60s, as many of these issues had been ignored for many years if not a century. Mindless obedience, extreme repressive conservatism, poverty, Racial discrimination, Women’s rights, etc. Much that could be said on these, but perhaps this is not the place for those in much detail.
But one could not do justice to the nostalgia of the 60s without giving this some attention. My heart goes out to these 2 athletes and all who they stand up for. I wish things had changed more in their behalf by this time but I would be a liar if I were to say they have.
But what I dearly love about the 60s is that we finally did begin to think and to question, and to have a mind of our own and not just take what was handed down to us for granted. On the other hand, maybe we also went too far in throwing out everything we were given, as if none of it was good. We had much that was of value and some that needed discarded. Any actions should be made with great care and thought. I praise the 60s for starting the process and condemn the 70s for not being more diligent and careful on adjusting our values and direction.
It was a great time to be alive to witness so many changes and watch some minds come to life. In the lifetimes of us boomers, we have seen nearly everything change, often more than once. I wouldn’t want to be in any other time.
Posted by Scott Irv | May 29, 2009 9:35 PM
Posted on May 29, 2009 21:35