1968 Olympics: Rebellion, Racism, and Repercussions

The greatest transformations in American history have come from fearless citizens rebelling against unjust treatment. However, some of America’s greatest downfalls can also be a result of rebellion. When John Carlos and Tommie Smith stood on the podium at the 1968 summer games in Mexico City, they had the intent of raising a black gloved fist in the air during the National Anthem to bring awareness of continuing inequality between races. The men wanted to show U.S. pride by doing so, but instead displayed what many interpreted as a dishonor, ultimately making their rebellion ineffective. In 1968, racism and inequality was at its peak. When the Olympic Games came around, sociologist Harry Edwards constructed the Olympic Project for Human Rights. The OPHR urged all black American athletes in the games to boycott the games in hopes of making the statement that racism was still around (BBC ON THIS DAY). Although this boycott involving all African American athletes never happened, there were some athletes persistent to make a statement. One of these athletes was Tommie Smith. He claimed he felt that he needed to take a stand because, “On the track you are Tommie Smith, the fastest man in the world, but once you

However, they were ridiculed much more than praised for their bold act. Not only were the men booed off the podium, suspended for the U.S. team, and given death threats. The men also, “have never been forgiven by some who believed they embarrassed the United States” (An Apology That’s Needed). Ultimately, Smith and Carlos never once regretted their black pride gesture, even with all the hate and hardship that preceded it. The courageous act did give a voice to all the African American athletes in the 1968 Olympic games, however, it did not necessarily give them a good voice. They looked to be criticizing the country more than showing hope and