Final answer:
The term 'to invite the start of a fight, contest, or competition' is tied to both literal and metaphorical confrontations, taking on significant sociocultural weight in contexts such as the historical prize fighting scene of the 1970s. Coin tossing represents a fair method to start contests, reflecting the 50% chance of either outcome. This concept also relates to the innate human response of fight or flight in competitive or confrontational situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'to invite the start of a fight, contest or competition' refers to provoking or initiating a physical or metaphorical battle in a variety of contexts. In the historical context of boxing, particularly in the 1970s, prize fighting was influenced by social, political, and racial dynamics, transcending the mere physical contest to become a symbolic battleground for cultural and racial struggles, as seen in the matches involving Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, and George Foreman.
The tossing of a coin before a competition, such as in some sports and games, is a way to ensure a fair and unbiased start to the event. The chance of winning a coin toss is 50%, representing an equitable chance for both parties to begin.
Whether in the arena of combat sports or in debates and confrontations in other areas of life, the choice between engaging in conflict (fight) or avoiding it (flight) is an intrinsic part of human behavior. The history of prize fighting, such as the significant period of the 1970s in locations like Las Vegas or international venues, also parallels sociopolitical movements and the changing face of global entertainment.