What Was The Role Of Sports In The 1960's

During the 1960’s, America was dealing with a lot of different issues. The U.S.A. was in the midst of a world war and the civil rights movement was gaining momentum within the nation. A majority of the movement was being led by civil rights activists like Martin Luther King, later to be joined by influential figures in the world of sports. Americans had varying opinions on the role of athletes during the 1960’s, but most agreed on the fact that they should be patriotic and represent the unity of America. The civil rights movement continued to remain a conflict of interest in the U.S.A, which coupled with the rise of black assertiveness sparked leaders to hold athletes accountable and ensure that they were representing America in a respectful
While most Americans did not approve of Ali joining the NOI, refusing to join the military was very offensive to Americans during this time of war. “It must be understood that in the 1960’s, most men had served in the military and thought it was something that everyone should be willing to do” (Early, 271). Americans were appalled that Ali refused to serve because it was the norm for every American man. By refusing to join the military, Ali portrayed himself as someone who was not willing to fight for America. Many were also worried about how this would affect other young black kids who were followers of Ali. If they saw their hero refusing to serve, it is likely that these kids would elect not to participate in the war as well. America decided to act because they knew that Ali’s denial to serve would affect a number of other black kids who were needed in order to protect the country. To punish Mohammad Ali for his refusal to serve in the military, the federal court stripped him of his boxing license and Ali was prohibited from boxing for the next 3 years. Having to go 3 years without being able to compete eventually led to the end of Ali’s boxing career. Mohammad Ali’s license was reinstated in Georgia in 1970, but he was not the same boxer as before. He took more physical
Tommie Smith and John Carlos were members of the U.S.A. Olympic track and field team. While many people may not recall which events they ran at the 1968 Olympics, few have forgotten the stance they made atop the podium with the rest of the world watching. After taking the gold and the silver medals in the 200-meter dash, these two men received their medals and took their respective spots on the podium for the playing of the National Anthem as a symbol of honor and praise for these American athletes. However, instead of choosing to respect the ceremony, these men made a protest by raising their fists in the air instead of placing their hand over their heart. While Smith and Carlos believed that the fists stood for black power and unity, many Americans saw this as a salute to the Black Panther Party. Most Americans were afraid of the Black Panthers because of their threats to use violence and any means possible to end the racial separation in America. The Black Panthers believed in a much more aggressive form of protesting than Martin Luther King and many of the other civil rights leaders were promoting. Seeing Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists in the air at the medal ceremony instilled fear in Americans as many began to question what was to come of the civil rights