Essay On Raise Fist

The Black Power Fist has been around for a very long time. Not many people know that the actual name of this symbol is infact “Raised Fist”. Or that this symbol dates back to the Assyrian goddess Ishtar. I also want to inform the people who think that this symbol originally means peace, or black power. Actually it can mean anything to anyone but its true meaning is defined by the person and their specific cause for unity. I chose this symbol because It helped unite african american communities to create a better living environment, for them and the other minorities within their community and others.

The Raised Fist has been used by many different organizations and groups. Like the Black Panther Party, and The Industrial Workers of the Word. By far the most notable and memorable group to use this icon was the Black Panther Party. The Raised Fist has been used to represent groups that perceive themselves as oppressed. The most notable way to use this is in a form of salute. The salute is used to represent or express unity, strength, defiance or resistance. This symbol contributed to teaching groups to be nonviolent, and be peaceful protestors. Instead of fighting and disturbing peace. Groups used the salute as a show of defiance to the racism and violence that was shown towards blacks and their communities.

The Raised Fist was opposed by many people, especially during the civil right movement.

At the 1968 Olympics, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos were banned from competing after raising their hands in salute after receiving their medals. This symbol was used mainly during the Civil Rights movement and affected The U.S because it helped unite a group of people to better affect their community. Had this group not have united who knows how unaffected the african american community would be. There might not have been a drive for civil rights movements. Or people willing to be peaceful and be nonviolent

protestors.

Since the Raised Fist helped unite a group, it also helped get rid of laws and rules that were contributing to the unequal treatment of African-americans. Had the Black panther party not had civil rights movements, there would most likely still be inequality for african americans. Which means there might still be segregated schooling and even more outrageous laws and codes to follow by. These rules that would oppress african americans.

In conclusion the Raised Fist is used in many different ways to represent unity in oppressed people, or groups who all stand for a certain belief or common goal. My selected symbol helped people unite communities to create a change that would not only benefit the community but the country they live in. These communities and people now have descendants who are educated and given a fair chance at success. There is now equality between minorities and whites. Because of civil rights movements fueled by the help of the Black Panther Party, Who used one symbol to unite themselves. Thank you for reading my essay