The book Jesse Owens: An American Life encompasses the true meaning of persevering and prevailing in the face of adversity, oppression, and misfortune. The story of Jesse Owens and his climb to becoming arguably one of the greatest athletes and Olympians of all time invokes feelings of disgust caused by how humans can treat another, yet feelings of triumph caused by the incredible nature of the human spirit and the will to overcome circumstances. William Baker captures the rich history behind Jesse Owens’ upbringing, his rise to fame in the midst of a culture filled with racism and discrimination aimed towards African Americans, and his life beyond track and field. The book does a great job accurately depicting Jesse’s upbringing and the condition
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In one of the greatest Olympic performances of all time, Owens won gold in four events; the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, 4 x 100 meter relay, and long jump. This defining moment in history shattered the Nazi idea of “Aryan superiority.” Enraged by this, Adolf Hitler refused to hand out the medals. Baker does a great job making it a point that amidst the rising tension in the Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens was not there to create a scene promoting human rights but rather just to race and enjoy himself. He was not trying to make a statement; he simply wanted to be an athlete and take the games for what they …show more content…
Most heroes are.” So many times in life, prominent figures are viewed as “on another level” than most common folk. However, as Baker points out, these people are in most ways just the same as everyone else. They have struggles in life. Jesse Owens ended up in bankruptcy after a failed business venture and was prosecuted for tax evasion. They have hopes, dreams, and passions. Jesse Owens enjoyed running and aspired to be the greatest he could be. They have families who they love and care about. Jesse Owens loved his wife Minnie Ruth and their three daughters, Gloria, Marlene, and Beverly. In short, they put their pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else. Baker does the reader a favor by illuminating the viewpoint that these tall-tale-like people are, at the core, just ordinary people. This builds a better connection between the reader and Jesse Owens, allowing them to relate and empathize on a more personal
In one of the greatest Olympic performances of all time, Owens won gold in four events; the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, 4 x 100 meter relay, and long jump. This defining moment in history shattered the Nazi idea of “Aryan superiority.” Enraged by this, Adolf Hitler refused to hand out the medals. Baker does a great job making it a point that amidst the rising tension in the Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens was not there to create a scene promoting human rights but rather just to race and enjoy himself. He was not trying to make a statement; he simply wanted to be an athlete and take the games for what they …show more content…
Most heroes are.” So many times in life, prominent figures are viewed as “on another level” than most common folk. However, as Baker points out, these people are in most ways just the same as everyone else. They have struggles in life. Jesse Owens ended up in bankruptcy after a failed business venture and was prosecuted for tax evasion. They have hopes, dreams, and passions. Jesse Owens enjoyed running and aspired to be the greatest he could be. They have families who they love and care about. Jesse Owens loved his wife Minnie Ruth and their three daughters, Gloria, Marlene, and Beverly. In short, they put their pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else. Baker does the reader a favor by illuminating the viewpoint that these tall-tale-like people are, at the core, just ordinary people. This builds a better connection between the reader and Jesse Owens, allowing them to relate and empathize on a more personal