This photograph, taken at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, takes place at the medal ceremony for the men’s 200-meter race. The gold and bronze medalists, Tommie Smith and John Carlos respectively, stand with their fists raised and heads bowed during the American national anthem. The two athletes wear black gloves over their clenched fists and badges for the Olympic Project on Human Rights. They protested defiantly against racism and black poverty in America, with their raised fists a symbol of black power. The third athlete pictured, Peter Norman, was a runner from Australia, who participated in the protest by also wearing a badge for the Olympic Project on Human Rights.
The use of ethos is evident in this photograph because as Olympic runners, Smith and Carlos were well-respected, which gives them the credibility that focus audiences to take their protest seriously. Pathos is utilized because of the emotional connotation behind medal ceremonies. Earning a medal is often the zenith of a competitor’s athletic career, so this photograph contrasts our expectation of joy with the feeling of despair they are protesting and the feeling of power they are trying to evoke. Logos is also evident through the group of officials surrounding the …show more content…
The Olympics are broadcasted worldwide, ensuring that the entire globe would be aware of the racial issues Americans were experiencing. The act targeted Americans, especially American officials, who the athletes believed could do more to help curtail racism and discrimination in the US. Looking at this photograph today is significant because of the apparent similarities between the protest of these athletes and that of Colin Kaepernick and other black Americans today. Although nearly fifty years have passed since this protest at the Olympics, this photograph makes clear that we still struggle with racial tensions and discrimination
The use of ethos is evident in this photograph because as Olympic runners, Smith and Carlos were well-respected, which gives them the credibility that focus audiences to take their protest seriously. Pathos is utilized because of the emotional connotation behind medal ceremonies. Earning a medal is often the zenith of a competitor’s athletic career, so this photograph contrasts our expectation of joy with the feeling of despair they are protesting and the feeling of power they are trying to evoke. Logos is also evident through the group of officials surrounding the …show more content…
The Olympics are broadcasted worldwide, ensuring that the entire globe would be aware of the racial issues Americans were experiencing. The act targeted Americans, especially American officials, who the athletes believed could do more to help curtail racism and discrimination in the US. Looking at this photograph today is significant because of the apparent similarities between the protest of these athletes and that of Colin Kaepernick and other black Americans today. Although nearly fifty years have passed since this protest at the Olympics, this photograph makes clear that we still struggle with racial tensions and discrimination