Tianamen Square

This picture has become one of the most iconic and inspirational pictures of the 20^th century. It is of a man who is still anonymous and has been nicknamed the “Tank Man” and the “Unknown Rebel.” This event took place on June 5, 1989, the morning after the Chinese government massacring protesters in the square. The Chinese people were protesting their lack of representation within their government, and the army was ordered to commit one of the most heartless acts in recent memory. The anonymous rebel stood in front of the tanks in direct defiance of this oppressive regime.

            This picture reminds the world that the causes we fight for are upheld by individuals, and no cause is lost if there is even one individual who is willing to stand. After the atrocities committed in that square the day before were enough to drive away every other protester for fear of their own lives. But the unknown rebel stood defiant, waving his shopping bags at the column of Type 59 tanks, and showed what a single motivated individual can accomplish. The fate of this man is still unknown.