Black power [1968]

ftw!!!

The best part of this story is that each of them originally had their own pair of black gloves. One of them forgot their pair in the hotel room, so they were going to call it off. But then the white guy who got second place, who was very supportive of their cause, suggested that they each wear a glove on one hand, instead of them both wearing two gloves as originally planned. Kinda funny how that worked out.

Ok, when dozens of white people raise their hands and do the fascist salute theres nothing unpatriotic, but when two l\black men raise their hands to spread unity and peace, its unpatriotic!!
MAN KIND IS THE WORST!

Uhh Brian, what on Earth are you talking about? Do you hang around a bunch of people that consider a fascist salute to be patriotic?

um. actually i would say the black panther/black power movement is somewhat more sympathized with than neo-fascism, which is as it should be. For instance, Malcolm X = generally socially acceptable to have a picture of him on your wall.. Mussolini= not so much.

It’s an iconic photograph, but these types of inappropriate gestures at events like this, like a sour taste in some mouths.

They had just won a bronze, and gold medal in their race. If that’s not black power, I don’t know what is.

im so proud to be black!!!!.feels soooooo good.

great job guys.!
say no to racism!

This photo is proof of one of the coolest non violent demonstration for black rights. They took first place, they beat whites, and the idea that black was equal, and maybe even better than white was something communicated by these athletes raising their hand. I think it is beautiful. I have the up most respect for these athletes, they lost their medals, but they made a historical land mark against the ideology of black inferiority.

this picture is beautiful and moving
it shows the strength of all men and their desire to have freedom
no matter their color, they are amazing

oh…. and im white

mike says:

The best part of this story is that each of them originally had their own pair of black gloves. One of them forgot their pair in the hotel room, so they were going to call it off. But then the white guy who got second place, who was very supportive of their cause, suggested that they each wear a glove on one hand, instead of them both wearing two gloves as originally planned. Kinda funny how that worked out.

-Is that fact? Because the blurb states that their decision to wear the gloves on opposing hands was a conscious one and it was meant to denote power and unity…?
If what you say is true, then it makes it seem like a pretty ad hoc idea and diminishes the gestures’ gravity somewhat for mine.

That gesture is just as racist as a Nazi salute. The fact that it’s being applauded is just another example of the double standard that exists in today’s society. (i.e. a black man can do just about anything he wants, and it is justified, but God forbid a white guy do something like that)

im a white irish man and i would fully support these two guys if they did the same thing in todays world.

Sickening says:

That gesture is just as racist as a Nazi salute. The fact that it’s being applauded is just another example of the double standard that exists in today’s society. (i.e. a black man can do just about anything he wants, and it is justified, but God forbid a white guy do something like that)

That’s an ignorant stance. Blacks have been historically disrespected and downtrodden by people who have taken the stance that they are a superior race. “White power” is offensive because it is reminiscent of a time when abuse, stupidity, and arrogance were used as tools to keep blacks “underneath” white Americans.

It is indeed true that Australian Peter Norman, the Silver medalist, suggested that Tommie Smith and John Carlos wear the gloves on separate hands, as Carlos had forgotten his gloves. All three men also wore a badge for the Olympic Project for Human Rights; like Smith and Carlos, Norman was ostrasized by the Australian media for his support of the incident. Peter Norman died in October, 2006, and Tommie Smith and John Carlos were pallbearers at his funeral.