English III: Calendar of Learning

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Jesse Owens: America's Golden Boy During the 1936 Summer Olympics (DUE 12/2)


DIRECTIONS: Watch the following video and respond in the comment box. Address the following questions (one paragraph each):
  • What was the social importance of the '36 Olympics?
  • What do you think Jesse Owens said to Adolf Hitler in taking home the gold medal?
  • Do you think Jesse Owens received the same kind of treatment that an athlete today would receive upon returning home to America with a gold medal?
Watch Jesse Owens at EncycloMedia.com

33 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. By going against Hitler's ideally of the perfect race and their abilities was the social importance. What America did happen to prove him wrong, because African American Olympic winner Jesse Owens happen to go home that night with four medals? I think Owens probably told Hitler how he felt as not only a American but as a diverse man to have come to Germany and take home medals but also show how any race shouldn't underestimated. I think Jesse receive a lot of treatments from the blacks but not a lot from other races until the future. Especially now that many schools are teaching about what he's done and are celebrating his success.

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  3. The social importance of the 1936 olympics was different people beating the "superior" race. An African-American beat the Germans multiple times so that was a big blow to Hitler's ideals. It was a major shocker to other Germans that someone inferior to them could best them.

    If Jesse Owens had the chance to talk to Hitler after winning the gold medal I think he would have said "Look at what anyman can do given the oppurtunity". Hitler beileved that any non-Aryan who won was a cheater and therefore the above statement would have been another blow to Hitler's ideals.

    Jesse Owens would not have been given the same welcome today as he would have been given years ago. Today he would be treated like royalty andbe a household name for lots ofdays. In yesteryear he would have been treated like dirt. This was pre-civil rights movement so blacks were not treated well at all

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  4. What was the social importance of the '36 Olympics?

    It tested all types of social and race towards the perfect dream of the human race. It did not matter what race or ethnicity you were to prove that you were the best at something. In this case, it was the Jesse himself, that when it all came down it was you as an individual.

    What do you think Jesse Owens said to Adolf Hitler in taking home the gold medal?

    He proved him wrong because there really is no perfect race. That Jesse was indeed the soul winner of the many gold medals. It was him as an individual. Hitler as well might have been more anger at the fact Jesse proved him wrong.

    Do you think Jesse Owens received the same kind of treatment that an athlete today would

    Yes, I do believe he would have the same treatments as all of the medalists that came home with a medal especially gold. It is a huge deal that someone who represents their country and showed the world that he is one of the best. We show as Americans, the great honor to have thus individual in our country.

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  5. Back in 1936 the Olympics where held in Germany. This was of social importance because he not only was an African American, but also was said to be Jewish. Hitler thought that the Aryan race, or perfect race was one with blond hair blue eyes, but when the 1936 Olympics where held, was shocked to see them loosing.

    Jesse Owens took home 4 gold medals in the 1936 Olympics. In doing this i feel he probly said to Hitler that his choice of the perfect race was wrong and there was not a perfect race.

    In returning to the US after winning 4 1936 Olympic gold metals Jesse Owens probly was not treated like we treat the winners today. If he had done this now he would be treated as a king, But times where different back then .

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  6. The importance of the 1936 Olumpics in social terms was a great deal. At the time, African Americans were looked down upon in socity, Expecially Adolf Hitler looked down on the race. For his belifs and for an African American; someone that was the total opposite of his belifs, to come down and beat his is called supior race was just a kick in the face for him. Jesse Owens showed that there is no supiror race, and showed that Hitlers belifs were rubish.

    Jesse Owens probably would have not flipped out on him. He would have calmly said he was sorry for his false belifs that blond hair and blue eyes were the supiror race. That he was showing that this wasn't true at all. That he just proved to the world that an African American was better in four different gold metals than whites.

    Bassed on no reasearch, i can not tell if he would have recived the same treatment as a white athlete. It could go either way. If so, he would have been treated like a king for winner four metals against a comunise government. If not, then his fellow African Americans would have treated him like a king, but the white people at the time would still look down on him for stealing the metals from an American white that could have won them.

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  7. The 1936 olympics was hosted by Nazi Germany. Hitler meant to use the games as a showcase for Germany's prowess, at a time when tension was mounting between Germany, USA and England.

    The social importance was that it was difference races running for the medal, and not just one particular race.

    Fortunately, the USA's Jesse Owens won 4 medals. This was quite outrageous to Hitler- not only because Owens was an American winning on his turf, but also because Owens was an African American. Jesse Owen probably said something to him like " In your face. You doubted me and i won 4 medals! Don't you feel some type of way. What do you got to say for yourslef?"
    In my opinion, I think Jesse did receive the same treatment that an athlete would get. She proved every wrong. Everyone who doubted her problaly asked her for forgiveness.

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  8. The social importance of the '36 olympics was for Hitler to show off his nation to the world. He wanted the world to see how powerful his nation was. Also, for the world to see that his atheletes were superior to all in the olympics...
    Jesse Owens most likely wanted to gloat and show off but, he's a professional so he most likey recieved his medals with honor and dignity. He proved that America was superior... We come. We get gold medals. We leave.
    I dont think Jesse Owens recieved the appropriate welcoming back. He should of been showered with love. Instead he was kind of shunned because of his race... It was like he was used for his talent then dropped.

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  9. The importance of the '36 Olympics was that Worl War 2 was begining in that time erra. I think it gave everyone hope and helped people (just for a few moments) forget all the death and horror going on around them.

    Hitler expected the Germans to win however when Jesse won for America, Hitler shook all the metalist's hands. except his. Hitler was later told to congradualte everyone or no one. He showed up to no more medal presentations. I'm assuming this was because Jesse was Aryan. Hitler later met up with Jesse privately. " Each of the German victories, and there were a supprising number of these, made him happy, but he was highly annoyed by the series of triumphs by the marvelous colored American runner Jesse Owens. People whoes attendants came from the jungle were primitive, Hitler said with a shrug; their physique were strong then those of civilized whitesand hence should be excluded from future games," said Alber Speer, Hitler's architect and later war armaments minister.

    Yes. I think that Jesse Owens recievd a very warm welcoming back home to America after the games because He helped America in so many ways. Not only did he help us in the Olympics, but he also showed Hitler that we can conquer them if we try; and not just in silly little games.

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  10. What was the social importance of the '36 Olympics?
    Adolf Hitler was the host of the 36 Olympics. Soon after he took over, no Jews were allowed to play in this sports. The black athletes were concerned and most African American newspapers opposed a boycott of the 1936 Olympics.
    What do you think Jesse Owens said to Adolf Hitler in taking home the gold medal?
    Jesse Owens unlike everyone else, was just focused on the game and winning. He wasn’t worried about the political background. After Owens took home for medals, Hitler didn’t come down from the stands to shake his hands. Jesse didn’t care and he thought that the media was blowing everything out of proportion. He sad even though he didn’t shake my hand, he still waved at me during the event.

    Do you think Jesse Owens received the same kind of treatment that an athlete today would receive upon returning home to America with a gold medal?
    Yes I think Jesse Owens received the same kind of treatment that an athlete today would receive upon returning home to America with a gold medal. He didn’t care about the fact that Hitler didn’t shake his hand and I honestly don’t think anybody would care. If you’re in the Olympics im pretty sure that only thing you’re going to be worrying about is winning.

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  11. I think that what Jesse Owens said was that there was no such thing as a "master race". nobody could be better at everything than anybody else. that there was no ethnicity that was better than the others.
    I don't think that Jesse recivied the same treatment as an athlete today would.

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  12. The social importance of the '36 olypics was that it showed that anyone could prosper. It also showed that not just hitler's perfect race of blonde hair and blue eyes could win. I believe that hitler became even more enraged when the german's didn't take home every medal. which in turn pushed him over the edge to begin his conquest of the world.

    When Jesse Owens took home four gold medals he was saying to Hitler that anyone could win, even the grandchild of a slave. he was also saying that nothing could hold him down even racial opression.

    I believe that Jesse Owens didnt recieve the same warm welcome as a american athlete would recieve today. Back then racism was still a very big deal and it was a big step for him to even get to the olypics. When Jesse owens won those medals most people were in disbelief, they thought that only germans were good enough to win. When Owens returned home he has only a small portion of the fans that an american athlete would recieve today.

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  13. The social importance of the '36 Olympics was that it showed that Hitler's "perfect" aryan race wasn't perfect. It showed that there is no one race that is superior to all others. This probably made Hitler angry that Germany didn't take home every medal and, on top of not winning every madal, they lost to a black man, which probably made him even angrier.

    Jesse Owens taking home the gold was like a big middle finger to Hitler. It was basically him telling Hitler that the aryan race wasn't better than him.

    I don't think that Jesse Owens received the same kind of treatment that an athlete today would receive upon returning home to America with a gold medal. I think this because during that time, America was still pretty racially segregated so he wouldn't have been welcomed by the whole nation like an athlete would today.

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  14. What was the social importance of the '36 Olympics?

    The social importance of the Olympics is to show the superior nature of his Hitler's race. This was to prove to all nations in attendance.

    What do you think Jesse Owens said to Adolf Hitler in taking home the gold medal?

    I believe he said that I proved you wrong so how do you feel about your race being dominant now. I told you that you were going to eat your words now how do they taste.

    Do you think Jesse Owens received the same kind of treatment that an athlete today would receive upon returning home to America with a gold medal?

    Yes, because I believe that it may infuence others which could make them a role model toward others.

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  15. the social importance of the '36 Olympics was that Jesse Owens was an african-american athelete that won agaisnt German atheletes. I say the society was either impressed by Jesse's big accomplishment or discusted by the fact that a black man defiated and beat their raise at the Olimpics. Even if they weren't rasist they would still have rasis thoughts because Hitler was their leader. What ever Hitler's point of view was he would make it everyone's point of view. He wanted everyone to see things the way he did. He could always do that because he had power on his words because he had a manipulative mind.

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  16. The social importance of the '36 Olympics was extremely high. This gave each ethnicity a chance to prove themselves capable. During the '36 Olympics, the "perfect race" was shown to be imperfect. Hitler was surprised to see his "perfect race" lose.

    When Jesse Owens took home the gold medal, I believe that he would have said some very strong -polite- words to Hitler. He would want to say something that he could - and just did- prove. Jesse Owens would have said something like, "Everyone is capable of anything."

    I think that the '36 Olymics was a huge deal. I believe that it made many realize that we are all people. Therefore, I believed that he would have been treated with much respect upon returning home.

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  18. The summer olympics of 36 in Berlin was so important because Jesse Owens, an African American athlete won. Hitler was suprized to see that his perfect race lost that summer.
    I think that Jesse Owens would have calmly told Hitler that anyone is capable of follwing their dreams no matter what race, color, ethnicity, or culture you are.
    The '36 Olymics was a big deal because I believe that it showed the world that even though life might not be fair and someone is putting you down, that you can follow your dreams and inspirations if you put your mind to it

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  20. The '36 Olympics’ social importance was that it was before the second world war and people were on edge. Hitler was a big figure at that time he was “leader of the Nazi Party” and a very popular face in Germany.

    I don’t know what he said to him because “on reports that Hitler had deliberately avoided acknowledging his victories and had refused to shake his hand” Owens did say that "When I passed the Chancellor he arose, waved his hand at me, and I waved back at him.” but they never touched hands although all the other Germans who won something did. When Owens won he was ironically out the building.

    I think people around him, his family and friends were very proud so should a lot of other people all over the country. He was a black man who went across the world and beat everyone. So at the very least he was treated as the first and the best.

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  21. What was the social importance of the '36 Olympics? it was important because a lot of people was races back then. Hitler didnt like that jessie Owens won the olympics.

    What do you think Jesse Owens said to Adolf Hitler in taking home the gold medal? that he already won 4 other medals and that it dont matter on what type of color wonthe race.

    I think that it was more important that Jessie ownes won the race today then back in the day,because they was moree race and didnt appreciate his running how they do today. He was more famous now then back then.

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  22. - The Olympics were hosted by the Nazi Party. The bad thing about it was that the Olympics were at a time of a lot of tension due to the upcoming WW2. This was important because an African American man beat the Germans multiple times. Even though they were said to be the “superior” race.
    - I don’t think he said anything to Hitler. I think he took home his medals proudly, because to me his winning 4 medals are way more than he could have said in words.
    - I don’t think he received the same treatment. Athletes today usually have a wide circle of congrats while Jesse had none. All though I think it made Hitler realize that his “superior” race isn’t really “superior” at all, and this made him angry. Jesse should have been showered with love and gifts, and I doubt he received anything of this sort.

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  23. *The social importance of the ’36 Olympics was for Hitler to show off how great his country was. So that the world could see how great his athletes were.
    *I don’t know what Jesse said to Hitler because he never had any real contact with him. Hitler refused to have any contact with him. Jesse took home four gold medals that was words enough. It told Hitler that anyone could be a winner, no matter color, nor race.

    *No, athletes today get some kind of congrats, but Jesse got none. People who win the Olympics now they go on the news and talk to reporters. Somebody important will congratulate them but nobody did that for Jesse

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  24. GRADING FOR THIS POST IS COMPLETE.

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  25. LATE IS NEVER GREAT BUT IT'S BETTER THAN NOTHING AT ALL!

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  26. I believe the social importance for what had happened that day was to prove the Aryan race wasn't the most superior. Jesse Owens, being African-American, had proved that no matter skin color, not one race is dominate over another race.
    When Jesse won, it gave a special message to Hitler. Not spoekn in words, but it said "Hitler, no race is more superior than another one. Never think that or you will be proven wrong." Jesse taking the medals home was words enough.
    And in today, it wouldn't have mean't the same. Back then, African-Americans were looked down on, and said to have no skills at all. But that day Jesse had proven that blacks were more than slaves, they were equal to everyone. In today's world, people would just say oh he won, and be done with it.

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  27. •What was the social importance of the '36 Olympics?

    The social important of the ’36 Olympics was the fact that someone of a different ethnicity won against a race that was considered superior at the time. Hitler believed that Germans were better so an African-American winning, made him upset.

    •What do you think Jesse Owens said to Adolf Hitler in taking home the gold medal?

    I think Jesse Owens would have said “Given equal opportunity, I was clearly superior.”

    •Do you think Jesse Owens received the same kind of treatment that an athlete today would receive upon returning home to America with a gold medal?

    No, I do not think so. Now, for the most part, people are considered equal. Back then, he wasn’t treated as a gold medalist should be because of his ethnicity.

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  28. What was the social importance of the ’36 Olympics?

    The ’36 Olympics was so socially important because it was the gathering of the entire world, for a common interest. Many people were very interested in what nation would win and receive the gold for each of the events.

    What do you think Jesse Owens said to Adolf Hitler in taking home the gold medal?

    I don’t think he said anything to him, mainly because I don’t think Hitler would have actually presented the medals. However if he did, I think Owens would say thank you only because it was the proper thing to do.

    Do you think Jesse Owens received the same kind of treatment that an athlete today would receive upon returning home to America with a gold medal?

    I don’t think so, only because back then there still weren’t equal rights for African Americans in America. They would be happy that he won, but I don’t think they would celebrate him like we do today.

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  29. I believe that the '36 Olympics was socially important because it was a blend or combination of the world as a whole. The Olmypics has always been a specticle to see, and this was no different.

    If Jesse Owens said anything to Adolf Hitler, I believed it would be a proper "thank you". Adolf Hitler [robably disliked him the first time he saw him, and I'm sure that he was even more angry when the American won the race, In a sense, it showed thatthe German race he envisioned wasn't perfect at all.

    I'm sure he has from America, but probably not from other countries. Adolf Hitler believed that blonde hair, blue eyes were perfect, but to see an African win would probably fill him and the rest of Nazi Germany up with more hatred of other races.

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  30. • What was the social importance of the '36 Olympics?
    The social importance of the ’36 Olympics was because it was important event throughout the whole world and it was event that was enjoyed by many.
    • What do you think Jesse Owens said to Adolf Hitler in taking home the gold medal?

    I don’t think Jesse Owens said anything to Hitler. But he was mostly likely thinking, “I came here to do what I do best, regardless of my color or where I came from.”

    • Do you think Jesse Owens received the same kind of treatment that an athlete today would receive upon returning home to America with a gold medal?

    If the same situation happened today, he would have most likely received more praise than he did in 1936. It was a big deal back in the day but it would seem like more of a big deal today.

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  31. If you are going to submit something late, then you better submit something of greater quality!

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  32. The '36 Olympics; this great event sent a strong message towards Hitler and all his beliefs reguarding the "perfect" race.
    Jesse Owens, an African-American, won multiple races and showed Hitler that his so called, "perfect" race was clearly proven to be inferior.
    How do you think Jesse Owens was treated on his return home to America?
    I mean, it was 1936 and those weren't the best times for African-Americans, but I do believe he was treated better because he was represented America and why would they want to destroy one of their prize athlete? Today the athletes are treated much better, almost like royalty compared to how athletes were treated in the 1930's.

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  33. Wes,

    REPHRASE THIS
    "The '36 Olympics; this great event sent a strong message towards Hitler and all his beliefs reguarding the "perfect" race."

    TO THIS
    "The 1936 Olympics sent a strong message to Adolf Hitler and made him question his beliefs regarding the idea of a "perfect race."

    TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SEMI-COLON.

    GOOD RESPONSE, WES!

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