Social Divisions and Political Dynamics in Democracies
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The 1968 Olympic Protest: A Symbol of Black Power
Tommie Smith and John Carlos were African American athletes who won the gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the 200-meter race. They received their medals wearing black socks and no shoes to represent Black poverty. The two men stood with clenched fists upraised and heads bowed while the American national anthem played. With this gesture, they sought to draw international attention to racial discrimination in the United States. The black-gloved and raised clenched fists were meant to symbolize ‘Black Power’. The silver medallist, white Australian athlete, Peter Norman, wore a human rights badge on his shirt during the ceremony to show his support for the two Americans.