Carlos’ Fists of Freedom Social Sciences Essay Paper (Essay Sample)

Carlos’ Fists of Freedom
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Carlos’ Fists of Freedom
It was in the 1968 Olympics for 200-meter dash held at Mexico City, Mexico that the name John Carlos, and the “fists for freedom” was not just recognized but also made a history,1 both in sports and protest.2,5 Growing up in Harlem,4 New York, young John Carlos’ love for athletic started with a usual game of chase played with the neighborhood kids.2 The potential has been observed by a local police officer and encouraged him to take it to a real track and field.1 With this in mind,3 and the help of community minded mentors, he managed to keep his focus while earning scholastic credits.1,2 These, then, had become a foundation for his achievement and success.
He first earned his gold medal during the 1967 Pan American Games before winning not just a bronze medal from the succeeding year’s Olympic event but, as well, successfully able to “dramatize the injustices and inequities which permeate the society,” as the U.S. Olympic crew team put it to words.5 Together with him in taking a stand was Tommie Smith. Their iconic photo attached to every headlines on the succeeding days, along with an Australian silver medalist,3 shook the entire country. The rest of their lives have become a battle. They have to pay the price. Nevertheless, they were very much willing.