The image of a protester standing up against a bunch of policemen in Baton Rouge has all the ingredients to become an epic and enter history books. The woman, who was a part of the 'Black Live Matter' protest, is seen standing her ground alone, even as she is confronted with a bunch of security personnel, waiting to disperse the protesters.
Very few images have the ability to move us in a way that forces us to revisit our notions. It breaks the barriers of language, race, creed and time. Some go on to become a symbol — of standing up to power or of our fascinating power to draw inspiration during extreme crises. What makes us stand up for our beliefs? What moves us to stoically defend our rights even in the face of imminent danger? We'll let you do the answering after this.
Here are a few images that have, over the years, managed to resonate with the majority and have gone on to become symbols of human courage.
Beijing, 1989: A total of 10,000 troops and tanks were used to take on pro-democracy protesters in the early hours of June 4, 1989. The Army opened fire on students who had protested for political reform in Tiananmen Square, killing hundreds and cementing authoritarian rule in the world's most populous country. All calls for an investigation have been rejected so much so that even discussion of the events is prohibited. But this image still continues to haunt the imagination of many.
Saigon, 1963: Quang Duc, a Buddhist monk, immolates himself on a street, protesting alleged persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government.
Mexico City, 1968: During the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, two black Americans — Tommie Smith and John Carlos — during their victory ceremony wore black gloves and raised their hands, a the 'black power salute' that symbolised defiance and resistance. After the incident, Carlos was quoted as saying, "The beginning don't matter. The end don't matter. All that matters is what you do in between – whether you're prepared to do what it takes to make change. There has to be physical and material sacrifice. When all the dust settles and we're getting ready to play down for the ninth inning, the greatest reward is to know that you did your job when you were here on the planet."
Jakarta, 1998: An Indonesian student puts a flower in a riot policeman's gun as the police attempt to halt the students' march. 'Flower power' originated in California in the 1960s, as a symbol of protest against the Vietnam War.
Manipur, 2004: Women protesting at the Historic Kangla Fort, demanding the removal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts (AFSPA) from Manipur.
