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Before the Eyes of the World
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Before the Eyes of the World Hardback - 2008 - 1st Edition

by Kevin Witherspoon

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From the publisher

Mexican leaders eagerly anticipated the attention that hosting the world's most visible sporting event would bring, yet they could not have predicted the array of conflicts that would play out before the eyes of the world during the notorious 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Following twenty years of economic growth and political stability--known as the "Mexican miracle"--Mexican policy makers escaped their prior image of being economically underdeveloped to successfully craft an image of a nation that was both modern and cosmopolitan but also steeped in culture and tradition. Buoyed by this new image, they set their sights on the Olympic bid, and they not only won but also prepared impressive facilities.

Prior to the opening ceremonies, several controversies emerged, the most glaring of which was a student protest movement that culminated in a public massacre, leaving several hundred students dead. Less dramatic were concerns that athletes would suffer harm in the high elevation and thin air, debates over the nature of amateurism, threats by nations opposing apartheid to boycott if South Africa was allowed to compete, and the introduction of drug and gender testing. Additionally the Olympics provided a forum for the United States and the Soviet Union to carry their Cold War rivalry to the playing field--a way to achieve victory without world destruction at stake.

During the Games, one of the most significant controversies occurred when two African American athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, raised their fists in the Black Power salute while on the medal stand. This gesture brought worldwide attention to racism within the United States and remains a lasting image of both the Mexico City Olympics and the Civil Rights movement. Although the Olympics are intended to bring athletes of the world together for harmonious competition, the 1968 Games will long be remembered as fraught with discord. This ambitious and comprehensive study will appeal to those interested in US history, Latin American history, sports history, and Olympic history.

Details

  • Title Before the Eyes of the World
  • Author Kevin Witherspoon
  • Binding Hardback
  • Edition number 1st
  • Edition 1
  • Pages 224
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Northern Illinois University Press, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
  • Publication date 2008-07-01
  • Features Bibliography, Index
  • ISBN 9780875803883 / 0875803881
  • Weight 1.12 lbs (0.51 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.15 x 6.33 x 0.94 in (23.24 x 16.08 x 2.39 cm)
  • Themes
    • Aspects (Academic): Sociological
    • Chronological Period: 1960's
    • Chronological Period: 20th Century
    • Cultural Region: Latin America
    • Cultural Region: Mexican
  • Category Sports & Recreation
  • Library of Congress subjects Olympics - Political aspects, Olympics - Social aspects
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 2008012902
  • Dewey Decimal Code 796.48

Media reviews

Citations

  • Choice, 01/01/2009, Page 0
  • Chronicle of Higher Education, 07/25/2008, Page 16

About the author

Kevin B. Witherspoon is Assistant Professor of History at Lander University in South Carolina.

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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games
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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games

by Witherspoon, Kevin

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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games
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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games

by Witherspoon, Kevin

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Northern Illinois University Press. Used - Good. Ships from UK in 48 hours or less (usually same day). Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. 100% money back guarantee. We are a world class secondhand bookstore based in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom and specialize in high quality textbooks across an enormous variety of subjects. We aim to provide a vast range of textbooks, rare and collectible books at a great price. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. We provide a 100% money back guarantee and are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest standards of service in the bookselling industry.
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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games
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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games

by Witherspoon, Kevin B.

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Northern Illinois University, 2008. Hard Cover. Fine/Fine. Book is in excellent condition. Binding is solid and square, covers have sharp corners, exterior shows no blemishes, text/interior is clean and free of marking of any kind. Dust jacket shows the slightest signs of shelf wear only, no tears. 212 pages wtih b&w photos.
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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games

Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games

by Kevin B. Witherspoon

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Hardback. New. Highlights the intersection of sports with the historical, political, and social climate of 1968. This study is suitable for those interested in US history, Latin American history, sports history, and Olympic history.
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Before the Eyes Of the World
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Before the Eyes Of the World

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Before the Eyes Of the World
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Before the Eyes Of the World

by Witherspoon, Kevin B,

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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games
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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games

by Witherspoon, Kevin

  • New
  • Hardback
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Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780875803883 / 0875803881
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Northern Illinois University Press, 2008-07-01. 1. hardcover. New. 6.00x0.88x9.00. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games
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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games

by Witherspoon, Kevin

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  • Hardback
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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780875803883 / 0875803881
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hardcover. Good. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. May be an ex-library book.
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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games
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Before the Eyes of the World: Mexico and the 1968 Olympic Games

by Witherspoon, Kevin

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  • Hardback
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Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780875803883 / 0875803881
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Northern Illinois University Press, 2008-07-01. Hardcover. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title!
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