I disagree. He was indeed misunderstood. He might have been a great boxer but he is given too much credit on his character. He refusal to fight in Vietnam was just plain cowardice and lacking in character. As one who was aggressive and enjoyed fighting in the ring and beating his opponents, how could he claim he did not like violence? Again, as many, he used religion to hide behind his fears.
Ali's decisions to become a Muslim and to resist the draft are overrated. War protesters were getting beaten and even dying all over the country in the 60's.. Draft resisters viewed Ali as a welcome symbol. But his views on the war were expressed in sound bites. Ali's conversion to Islam was not well understood by most and didn't change his persona much. His views on race were barely known, and he sure didn't talk like a Black Panther. Ali was first and foremost the heavyweight champion of the world. And, in the 60's that meant he was at the pinnacle of sports. Ali was a once in a lifetime champion. He was the greatest. Boxing today is not PC. That was not an issue in the 60's. And boxing had a long tradition of social significance. Jack Johnson started riots because he was the first black heavyweight champion. Joe Louis fought for a nation when he fought Max Schmeling. Ali was in this tradition. He was a symbol like others before him. It is a mistake to remember him more for what he symbolized than who he was. And who he was was an incomparable boxer with a personality as big as the arenas he fought in.
2
Shh.
Let the white people have their moment of black worship. So the guy got knocked about in the head until mental illness set in... He was their black hero, so what?
Let the white people have their moment of black worship. So the guy got knocked about in the head until mental illness set in... He was their black hero, so what?
1
The death of Muhammad Ali closes a chapter of American history which, like Ali’s life, was bittersweet.
In the summer of 1968, I and a few friends had the unexpected pleasure of spending a half hour talking to Muhammad Ali in Columbus, Ohio. We were new law school graduates, taking a bar review course at a downtown Columbus hotel. During a break, Ali suddenly appeared in the outer lobby on the floor where the course was being taught.
The year before, Ali had been stripped of his title and was appealing. He was in Columbus to speak that evening, and it may have been at a convention of the Congress of Racial Equality.
Ali walked directly to where we were sitting – four or five white guys his age -- and sat down in an empty chair next to us. He was alone, and we all said, “Hey, Champ!”
Ali explained his presence by saying, “You fellas know I got a bunch of legal troubles right now, and I figured I need all the advice I can get.”
One of us said, “Sorry, Champ, none of us are licensed.” Ali replied, not missing a beat, “Neither am I.”
Muhammad Ali was a unique, positive figure in America.
In the summer of 1968, I and a few friends had the unexpected pleasure of spending a half hour talking to Muhammad Ali in Columbus, Ohio. We were new law school graduates, taking a bar review course at a downtown Columbus hotel. During a break, Ali suddenly appeared in the outer lobby on the floor where the course was being taught.
The year before, Ali had been stripped of his title and was appealing. He was in Columbus to speak that evening, and it may have been at a convention of the Congress of Racial Equality.
Ali walked directly to where we were sitting – four or five white guys his age -- and sat down in an empty chair next to us. He was alone, and we all said, “Hey, Champ!”
Ali explained his presence by saying, “You fellas know I got a bunch of legal troubles right now, and I figured I need all the advice I can get.”
One of us said, “Sorry, Champ, none of us are licensed.” Ali replied, not missing a beat, “Neither am I.”
Muhammad Ali was a unique, positive figure in America.
21
First and foremost, Ali was the heavyweight boxing champion of the world, and he was like none before or after him. Joe Louis and Rocky Marciano were the archetypes of great heavyweight boxers. They were bullish men who threw punches of such force that they simply overpowered their opponents. Ali danced in the ring. He did the rope a dope. And you winced if his opponent hit him hard. Marciano and Louis were the most macho men of their time, and that's what the heavyweight champion was supposed to be. Ali's tactics were stylish and wiley, not uncommon for a middleweight, but unheard of for the heavyweight champion of the world. You identified with Ali when he was in the ring. That was unusual. Ali was a brilliant boxer, no heavyweight comes close. Too many people argue that he shouldn't have boxed or should have quit years sooner. They forget that Ali was magic in the ring, that when he fought the world stopped, that when he said he was the greatest, he wasn't talking about Ali the person. He was talking about Ali the boxer. Those with 20-20 hindsight tell us he spent too long in the ring. Ali's Parkinson's disease was horrible. It was not inevitable, though. Other boxers suffered lessor not at all. He was indeed the greatest. I suspect he left this world fulfilled.
3
Dr. Ferdie Pacheco warned Ali in 1977 that "he had no shot at a normal life if he kept fighting." Ali was aware of the risk, but chose to ignore Dr. Pacheco's advice. In response, Dr. Pacheco quit Muhammed Ali's camp. In 2002, Ali told
Dr Pacheco that he (Ali) should have quit boxing in 1977.
Dr Pacheco that he (Ali) should have quit boxing in 1977.
3
I love both Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis. Both of them are great Americans but more people talk about Ali and not many people talk about Joe Louis anymore. Which one is more important to American people and society? Joe Louis served in the US army during WWII and fought on behalf of American people. I respect Joe Louis and will always remember him.
6
I have a major problem today. When everyone is saying Ali was the greatest sportsman and civil rights leader of all time, I see something different. I see a man devoted to the Nation of Islam, which basically says LGBT people should be burned at the stake for Allah. I see a man who was obsessed with winning, so much so that he defined himself to himself as the Greatest. I see a man who was fine with dodging the draft for nonviolence and the fight against racism, but who still believed boxing was the best sport on earth even though the Rumble in the Jungle was the greatest example of 1970s blacksploitation ever, and boxing is the quintessential reduction of violence.
What I see is a man who fought against racism for black men, but couldn't care less for women's rights or the rights of other opressed. Maybe he cared about Black women, but that was because they were black, not because they were women.
I don't see such a great hero. A great boxer sure, but not a great hero or idol. I'm sad that in death he has to be the Greatest as well.
What I see is a man who fought against racism for black men, but couldn't care less for women's rights or the rights of other opressed. Maybe he cared about Black women, but that was because they were black, not because they were women.
I don't see such a great hero. A great boxer sure, but not a great hero or idol. I'm sad that in death he has to be the Greatest as well.
4
I have love and honoured memories of Muhammad Ali. As a child I watched him break through; a poet, a rapper, a pugilist, a gentleman, a beautiful spirit, a sincere champion of the people, world over. The Vietnam war was rotten to the core. America was in it for all the wrong reasons. Ali knew it was wrong, he put his life on the line, he didn't think twice. He stood legions taller than the political hyenas who attempted to discredit and destroy his essence through their endless racist attacks, in and out of the press, in and out of the DOJ - Federal court system. These cowards robbed Ali of his best years, likely cursing him to get Parkinson's disease.
Ali was generous to a fault, truthful to the joy of all young men and women, all races, creeds and cultures. He was a giant who's truthful engagement of life casts a dark and foreboding shadow on our nation that is consumed with endless war, greed, and racism. Thank you for all you did for all of us, for mankind, Muhammad Ali. RIP.
Ali was generous to a fault, truthful to the joy of all young men and women, all races, creeds and cultures. He was a giant who's truthful engagement of life casts a dark and foreboding shadow on our nation that is consumed with endless war, greed, and racism. Thank you for all you did for all of us, for mankind, Muhammad Ali. RIP.
4
I pray that Muhammad Ali can now float like a butterfly and can rest peacefully without stinging like a bee. Thank you Ali for being such a great part of our lives.
6
Ali was right about Viet Nam. It was nothing but murdering dark people because we could. You can find testimonies from vets who were actually there about how they were pressured into atrocities in the book, "Kill Anything That Moves" and from the documentary "Winter Soldier". Kennedy, Nixon and Johnson were war criminals invading those people who were protecting their homeland. He was also right about being expected to die for your country when you were being treated like chattel. Look back at the black and white footage of hoses, dogs and billy clubbing by police and screaming at that little black girl who was trying to get into a school. He was right and wasn't going to be brainwashed into dying for no good reason.
6
Muhammad Ali was certainly entertaining with his "I'm-the-greatest" shtick and his spontaneous rhymes, and he was courageous in standing up for his beliefs about Vietnam and coming back from adversity. But what I really remember him for is his boxing. One may debate whether he was the greatest heavyweight to ever grace the ring, but there is no doubt that he was the most unique heavyweight. Most heavyweights tend to be rather flat-footed and static. Before his forced three-year hiatus from the ring --- a tragedy which robbed him of some of his best years --- Ali danced and moved with the speed of a middleweight or lightweight. In many cases he actually dodged his opponents' blows by simply bending back from the waist before the other guy could touch him. Poetry in motion: float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. It is sad that after the layoff he was hit more easily, which led to the health problems which plagued him in his latter years. In his prime he really was the greatest. There's no way to know for sure, but I suspect that if Joe Louis or Mike Tyson or any other boxer in their prime could be magically transported to take on the 1960's Ali he would have defeated any of them.
1
Saw an old 'Dick Cavett Show' recently on which Muhammed Ali had been a guest, along with Woody Allen and Cloris Leachman (and someone else I can't remember.) It was SO interesting. Ms. Leachman came on first, and was very chatty and it all ran a little long. Woody Allen came on next, and was entertaining, and certainly doing his 'bit.' Chuckle chuckle. Then comes Ali. Sits down next to Woody. Once Ali starts to interact with Dick Cavett, the room is utterly silent, rapt. He is bright, smart, funny, serious, incredibly handsome and also oh-so 'pretty' -- he is electric.
Cavett's show is a give-and-take group format, and it was interesting that Woody Allen, after a few feeble attempts at humor, says absolutely nothing for bulk of Ali's time. And he seems very uneasy and actively tries to become invisible. He practically was at that point anyway, but by end of Ali's segment, Woody is still sitting there, but he is rendered mute and invisible. Ms. Leachman engages with Ali, and they both try to talk to and with each other. Cavett MC's the whole deal pretty masterfully, but truly, all on that stage are utterly dwarfed by Ali's presence, depth and his command of the substantive topics he wanted to use the air time for. When his segment ends, and he is off stage ... there's really no reason to keep watching. And he dominated this stage, and captivated the audience -- then and now -- in such a soft-spoken voice ... he was totally mesmerizing.
He will be sorely missed.
Cavett's show is a give-and-take group format, and it was interesting that Woody Allen, after a few feeble attempts at humor, says absolutely nothing for bulk of Ali's time. And he seems very uneasy and actively tries to become invisible. He practically was at that point anyway, but by end of Ali's segment, Woody is still sitting there, but he is rendered mute and invisible. Ms. Leachman engages with Ali, and they both try to talk to and with each other. Cavett MC's the whole deal pretty masterfully, but truly, all on that stage are utterly dwarfed by Ali's presence, depth and his command of the substantive topics he wanted to use the air time for. When his segment ends, and he is off stage ... there's really no reason to keep watching. And he dominated this stage, and captivated the audience -- then and now -- in such a soft-spoken voice ... he was totally mesmerizing.
He will be sorely missed.
7
Thank you for fleshing out the portrait of Ali. He was a tremendous influence in my life as an urban youth growing up in the 1970s. Ali was a business as well as a political and cultural force. In the end, despite all the shortcomings of the boxing industry, the racism and miscommunication of his time, and the progressive decline in health post-boxing, I doubt Ali would have changed his journey. He lived the moment.
Ali's greatest attribute that he put his livelihood on the line for what he believed in, while still in the prime of his career, when he avoided Vietnam war inscriptions -- a war that many questioned and now recgonize as being unjust -- on moral grounds.
In doing so, he didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk.
To draw a contrast: could you name an athlete or entertainers today who would have the fortitude to do similar? Would LeBron? Tom Brady? Sydney Crosby? Messi?
None of them would because they are all "handled" by agents.
Nobody "handled" Ali. He was his own agent. His own man.
Rest in peace, Ali.
In doing so, he didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk.
To draw a contrast: could you name an athlete or entertainers today who would have the fortitude to do similar? Would LeBron? Tom Brady? Sydney Crosby? Messi?
None of them would because they are all "handled" by agents.
Nobody "handled" Ali. He was his own agent. His own man.
Rest in peace, Ali.
1
Ali popularized murderous mayhem.
Why do we still consider boxing a "sport?"
Boxers expect to be hit hard by other professionals who are expert in hurting their opponents.
Champion boxer Rocky Marciano said it all about boxing:
"I get paid for beating up people."
People magazine quoted Welterweight boxing champion, Sugar Ray Leonard who said at a benefit.
“We're all given some sort of skill in life. Mine happens to be beating up people.”
Granted other sports have bloody mayhem but that is simply a bonus for the crowd not the main event.
How can you shower praise on Joe Frazier or any person whose goal is to mash in the face and destroy the body of his opponent like in this so-called “sport.”
Champion boxer Mike Tyson bit off the ear of his opponent Evander Holyfield. Where is the "sport" in this? These are not the actions of so called "warriors" but those of berserk "Roman gladiators."
Joe Frazier's trainer, “the legendary Eddie Futch, [who] had seen four men die in the squared circle…”
At least we may have a little better morals than watching Roman gladiators entertaining us; we don’t demand their deaths.
His becoming a Muslim tirned him into an anti-Semite.
1
I love the guy but as you say, he was just human. His relationship with Malcolm X, the way he treated Joe Frazier, who had been so good to him, his hypocrisies--all flaws (that he later admitted to) in a still great human being. In the end he chose to do what he wanted to do and however others (press,public,Nation of Islam) chose to portray him, he lived his life as he chose and like all of us is ultimately responsible for his choices. Regarding his health--Ali was so good at moving away from punches and faking that he was hurt when he really was, that many people don't realise the punishment he took. Even in the 60's he took a lot more punishment than most who are only familiar with his Liston fight and post Frazier fights know. For example--watch his fight against George Chuvallo. Ali was brilliant, but, partly due to the brashness of his youth, encouraged Chuvallo to slam his kidneys all he wanted. His corner gave him a hard time for this, and the next time they fought Ali wasn't so generous. That was only the first time Ali peed blood. He surely did after Norton, Frazier, Foreman fights, if not others. And the head shots? Go back and look at highlights or complete fights through the years. Who knows how much longer he would have been lucid or healthy had he quit after Foreman, or Spinks, or whenever. It was his choice, given his love of celebrity. For many of us that love boxing it's surely brutal but a matter of choice from free thinking people.
1
All the media hoopla. When are we going to address the issue of why he died. And how we enable advertising to preoccupy us?
3
The passing of Muhammed Ali is sobering for us now old baby boomers whose youth has slipped away with our lives not far behind. I felt the same way when Yogi passed as well as Mickey before him. In our youth, we rooted for and loved these men while easily overlooking their flaws.
2
Even to those of us who are not sports fans, Ali was an interesting citizen.
He showed a great spirit and enthusiasm that was contagious and good.
JGAIA-
He showed a great spirit and enthusiasm that was contagious and good.
JGAIA-
George W. Bush, who I despise, got one thing right.
When he awarded Ali the Congressional Medal of Freedom honor, he said something to the effect that Ali's name alone was synonymous with the phrase 'The Greatest'.
All one has to say is 'the greatest', and the only name that immediately comes to mind, in persons of a certain generation who lived through Ali's fights is "Ali'.
Muhammad Ali definitely earned that title, through a life well lived, on his own terms, with a commitment to high ideals both in relation to elevating pride in African-Americans, and in his courageous stand against induction to fight in a totally senseless war.
When he awarded Ali the Congressional Medal of Freedom honor, he said something to the effect that Ali's name alone was synonymous with the phrase 'The Greatest'.
All one has to say is 'the greatest', and the only name that immediately comes to mind, in persons of a certain generation who lived through Ali's fights is "Ali'.
Muhammad Ali definitely earned that title, through a life well lived, on his own terms, with a commitment to high ideals both in relation to elevating pride in African-Americans, and in his courageous stand against induction to fight in a totally senseless war.
1
I was 19 and about to be drafted when Ali said he had nothing against them Vietcong. Neither did I but I kept quiet. I seriously doubt that people never in his position can appreciate the guts he had. In 1966, a black man on his way up looks bellicose America square in the face and says nope. Against my principles. Lock me up if you gotta. My hero ever since.
15
His fame and fortune was made beating people up..then refusing to fight for his country after becoming a black Muslim yet I love the guy. Emotions are irrational and unexplainable.
Ali is right up there with Martin Luther King and Jackie Robinson -three great men who did more to change the social and moral conscious of this country than anyone in the 20th Century. He is a true American hero, symbolic of the highest of American ideals. We are all immeasurably better off for having shared this short time on our planet with his presence.
3
I can't get over this outpouring of grief for Muhammid Ali. When we were children Ali was known as Cassius Clay, he is best remembered for fighting in the ring but not wanting to fight for his country.
Ali was a loud mouth know it all type. People remember his interactions with Howard Cosell, Cosell was also a rather loud know it all whom Ali would threaten with the removal of Cosell's toupee. Together they had a showman's synergy.
I clearly remember Ali from TV in the last several years, he was a walking advertisement to not be a boxer. I admired Ali's toughness and spirit, but he was no hero.
Ali was a loud mouth know it all type. People remember his interactions with Howard Cosell, Cosell was also a rather loud know it all whom Ali would threaten with the removal of Cosell's toupee. Together they had a showman's synergy.
I clearly remember Ali from TV in the last several years, he was a walking advertisement to not be a boxer. I admired Ali's toughness and spirit, but he was no hero.
I was too young to see Ali's fight live...but later on watched all of his fights on video along with my Dad. Wow... what a charismatic figure .the only true Global Athlete (might be along with Pele) and this happened even without Internet and Social Media. More than his boxing achievements his impact on the social front was profoundly felt across all continents. Two key points to make:
People might have differing views about his stance on Vietnam, Religion, Race etc. But one thing you have to tip your hat to. Ali stood for his moral convictions. People don't talk about this widely, but Ali lost hundreds of millions of dollars (in today's term) of sponsorships and endorsements due to political and social stance. Can we even imagine an athlete or a celebrity in today's word staying true to their identify ?
A few weeks before the Holmes fight, a brain scan revealed that Ali had neurological disorder. But the boxing commissions, the doctors and Ali himself refused to stop the fight. One more instance of Sports authorities in the very end caring only about money and not about the welfare of their athletes.
The world has truly lost a legend !!!
People might have differing views about his stance on Vietnam, Religion, Race etc. But one thing you have to tip your hat to. Ali stood for his moral convictions. People don't talk about this widely, but Ali lost hundreds of millions of dollars (in today's term) of sponsorships and endorsements due to political and social stance. Can we even imagine an athlete or a celebrity in today's word staying true to their identify ?
A few weeks before the Holmes fight, a brain scan revealed that Ali had neurological disorder. But the boxing commissions, the doctors and Ali himself refused to stop the fight. One more instance of Sports authorities in the very end caring only about money and not about the welfare of their athletes.
The world has truly lost a legend !!!
The Shaolin Golden Dragon was in the Calgary Stampede Parade with Muhammad Ali in 1985. He signed his name on the back of my uniform because I did not have any paper! The man, even as ill as he was, was kind, authentic and unforgettable! RIP Ali and God speed into his arms. https://www.facebook.com/HonanShaolin
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
The brief time I spent with Muhammad Ali started at sunrise on a Thursday morning. He was running past KOMO News just as I got off the intern graveyard shift. My recognition of this icon was immediate. What black Vietnam Veteran would not imprint the image of the man who defied the demigods of the Jim Crow draft board?
He welcomed my companionship with a pat on the shoulder that pushed me backwards and a handshake that made me hide my grimace. He asked that I keep pace with his running speed in order to maintain he his morning ritual. Him celebrating the dawn with a zest for life invigorated me to initially keep pace with his long strides. After a nearly a mile of running, he must of heard my lungs collapsing and kindly slowed down. I wheezed out lines of admirati0n, appreciation and reverence between my grasps of smokers cough.
He surprisingly told me that he expected a veteran to be in better shape. I said I did not expect the Army to addict me to nicotine with cheap cigarettes either. And I was glad he had escaped such Manchurian candidate programing.
The brief time I spent with Muhammad Ali started at sunrise on a Thursday morning. He was running past KOMO News just as I got off the intern graveyard shift. My recognition of this icon was immediate. What black Vietnam Veteran would not imprint the image of the man who defied the demigods of the Jim Crow draft board?
He welcomed my companionship with a pat on the shoulder that pushed me backwards and a handshake that made me hide my grimace. He asked that I keep pace with his running speed in order to maintain he his morning ritual. Him celebrating the dawn with a zest for life invigorated me to initially keep pace with his long strides. After a nearly a mile of running, he must of heard my lungs collapsing and kindly slowed down. I wheezed out lines of admirati0n, appreciation and reverence between my grasps of smokers cough.
He surprisingly told me that he expected a veteran to be in better shape. I said I did not expect the Army to addict me to nicotine with cheap cigarettes either. And I was glad he had escaped such Manchurian candidate programing.
2
Thank you Ishmael Reed for this realistic assessment. Whatever else anyone can say or not say, catastrophic brain damage and a long course of deterioration (some accounts had it that he was unable, near the end, to converse at all) are not pretty, and cast a long long shadow over his sport.
Here's hoping boxing goes all the way away, followed shortly by NFL football. However "glorious" these achievements may seem, nothing can whitewash this horrible damage. Whatever the rewards, how can anything be worth it?
Here's hoping boxing goes all the way away, followed shortly by NFL football. However "glorious" these achievements may seem, nothing can whitewash this horrible damage. Whatever the rewards, how can anything be worth it?
3
Joe Louis in my opinion was the greatest.
Thank you Ishmael Reed,
thank you for that fine elegy
of a man whose mortality means
ours must surely be right
around the corner.
thank you for that fine elegy
of a man whose mortality means
ours must surely be right
around the corner.
1
Ali, the first rapper ,but it was fun, not socialist. Should mention Howard Cosell in all articles cause Cosell was the go between with white society .
Not the way I saw Ali.
"He was following the nonviolence policy of Islam..." Except, he was a boxer...
I was in NYC in 1974 staying at the Hinton in Manhattan. As my dad & were having dinner, I looked across the restaurant and saw the unmistakable back of Ali's head. It was slightly above all the others & easily seen. As we were leaving, Ali was leaving right behind us.
We were all - Ali, his companion, my dad & me - walking down a long hallway, so I spoke to him. He was gracious & held out his huge hand for me to shake. As he reached to shake my dad's hand, he looked at his jacket & said, 'Looking sharp, there!' I'm sure my dad never forgot that brief compliment from the Greatest.
I know he is particularly special to African Americans, but as a young white guy from NC, I loved him for his athletic ability, his wit & his courage to defy the power structure in America trying to send him to a war he could not support. There will never be another like him. He was the right champion at the right time.
We were all - Ali, his companion, my dad & me - walking down a long hallway, so I spoke to him. He was gracious & held out his huge hand for me to shake. As he reached to shake my dad's hand, he looked at his jacket & said, 'Looking sharp, there!' I'm sure my dad never forgot that brief compliment from the Greatest.
I know he is particularly special to African Americans, but as a young white guy from NC, I loved him for his athletic ability, his wit & his courage to defy the power structure in America trying to send him to a war he could not support. There will never be another like him. He was the right champion at the right time.
12
I never met him but admired many things about him, and disagreed with many things he believed in. But that was the most beautiful thing about Ali - he was complex, very human, full of strengths and weaknesses. He gave and he took. He was sensible and he was foolish. He was everyman in many different ways. But the world is a better place because he was here.
1
Ali was all these things, both positive and negative. He was a great prize fighter but his intellectual capabilities were often overestimated in my opinion. He switched his faith much to the disappointment of his father, and he snubbed the USA where his opportunities originated and came from. He had an attractive swagger and everything else was personal except his fighting skills.
That last paragraph has me weeping.
A man as complex and unsettling as the times and circumstances in which he lived. And, believe me, they were complex.
A mixed bag like all of us if we are honest with ourselves.
Let the one without sin be a judge.
Nobody meets that standard… perhaps you've noticed.
But, regardless of his good and bad, Muhammad Ali was a courageous, righteous man who influenced and inspired more people on this planet than perhaps any person you can think of.
Hoping Ali and the kid are together in eternal light today.
A man as complex and unsettling as the times and circumstances in which he lived. And, believe me, they were complex.
A mixed bag like all of us if we are honest with ourselves.
Let the one without sin be a judge.
Nobody meets that standard… perhaps you've noticed.
But, regardless of his good and bad, Muhammad Ali was a courageous, righteous man who influenced and inspired more people on this planet than perhaps any person you can think of.
Hoping Ali and the kid are together in eternal light today.
4
With all due respect to Ali, he followed nonviolence policy of the Nation of Islam, and was a boxer by profession ?
If boxing became a non-violent sport like it appeared to be during Ali's time, I might watch it.
If boxing became a non-violent sport like it appeared to be during Ali's time, I might watch it.
A nuanced essay. So too is Mark Kram's book, published fifteen or so years ago. It is is a powerful counterweight to the facile worshipping of a great boxer.
1
I viewed the first Sonny Liston fight on closed circuit TV at Boston's South Center in 1964 while a grad student at MIT. I was a fan of Ali after seeing him win the Olympic gold medal as a light heavyweight. He really was a beautiful phenomenon.
Although I had a career in the Air Force and served in Vietnam, I never held Ali's decision to avoid Vietnam against him. Anyone who steps inside a boxing ring is no coward, and his view of the Vietnam fiasco turned out to be correct. How could anyone hate this amazing man?
Although I had a career in the Air Force and served in Vietnam, I never held Ali's decision to avoid Vietnam against him. Anyone who steps inside a boxing ring is no coward, and his view of the Vietnam fiasco turned out to be correct. How could anyone hate this amazing man?
8
Would it be politicaly improper to ask why he converted to Islam , a religion that teaches most hateful doctrinal bigotry and violence against other religions and people who do not accept islam ?
1
Ali was the embodiment of ferocity. He was the John Henry who came out of the tunnel after the steam machine blew up, threw down his hammer, and told the railroad barons they could all go to hell.
1
Ali was the greatest of all time, but he also made one of the blunders of all-time, backing Elijah Muhammad when he should have stood behind Malcolm X, whose was subsequently murdered by Elijah Muhammad's hitmen. It never would have happened in Ali was standing with Malcolm X. Ali's unwillingness to accept the truth about Elijah Muhammad led directly to Malcolm X's murder.
Fiver star obit with exclusive insight, bravo.
1
I don't know how Don King could cheat so many out of so much and still show his face in public. For what he did to Ali, may he be held in contempt - or forgotten.
1
Very moving.
Thank you Ishmael Reed.
Thank you Ishmael Reed.
1
Howard Cosell, who once referred to a professional football player as a "little monkey" made a lucrative living feigning racial solidarity with the great Muhammad Ali.
2
Thank you for sharing a side of Muhammad Ali that we don't hear about. It's a shame to hear how he was exploited.
"the nonviolence policy of the Nation of Islam". Top bad it wasn't applied to Malcolm X.
I'm so glad you're writing so much about THE greatest fighter in history. he was my hero growing up during a time this country almost came apart mostly over the vietnam war. Ali taught me to say no to war, speak truth to power and distrust any politician anytime who says we need to invade fill-in-the-blank country absent being attacked first. he was a man of his convictions and one of the elite few who embodied the heart, the mind, the skill set and yes the killer instinct or mean streak that it takes to be a true champion.
I met him twice. once at a hotel on a sunday night in 1974 after a speaking engagement with maybe 25 other people around. he was gracious, charismatic and yes, he was pretty but in a self-effacing and funny way. the second time I met hiw was at midway airport in 1993. I turned around and there he stood. all I had was 2 picture postcards of the water tower and a pen. when I asked for his autograph, this was my first experience with the parkinsons victim Ali. he joked and clowned around with me but his wife had to explain to him about my request. he graciously signed the postcard. it hangs on my wall today and now is even more special. I gave the other to my brother telling him this is greatest gift I could ever give him. damn right it was. in 60 seconds he was surrounded by 150 people and I had to push my way out of the crown. thats the Ali I will remember and even though diminished, he was and will always be in my mind, the greatest.
I met him twice. once at a hotel on a sunday night in 1974 after a speaking engagement with maybe 25 other people around. he was gracious, charismatic and yes, he was pretty but in a self-effacing and funny way. the second time I met hiw was at midway airport in 1993. I turned around and there he stood. all I had was 2 picture postcards of the water tower and a pen. when I asked for his autograph, this was my first experience with the parkinsons victim Ali. he joked and clowned around with me but his wife had to explain to him about my request. he graciously signed the postcard. it hangs on my wall today and now is even more special. I gave the other to my brother telling him this is greatest gift I could ever give him. damn right it was. in 60 seconds he was surrounded by 150 people and I had to push my way out of the crown. thats the Ali I will remember and even though diminished, he was and will always be in my mind, the greatest.
1
Ali was a hero as an athlete, and especially with how he connected with people as the champion. He was also a man of moral courage and conscience in some important areas. I consider myself a fan, and mourn his loss.
I also appreciate the nuance that articles like this can bring into the discussion. People who have achieved greatly can still be boorish or naive in certain areas of their lives, and it is good to keep that sense of perspective on which parts of a person's life to emulate and which not to.
While I acknowledge the bravery in Ali's stand against the Vietnam War, and for the Civil Rights of blacks and minorities in the United States, he is still a man of contradictions in other areas. His conversion to Islam, like the conversions of many blacks in America, was largely a statement against their mistreatment at that time in the US. It is also a somewhat ironic joining with a cultural ideology that was a full partner in the slave trade for centuries, and which stands almost alone today in its current brutality and enslavement of black people (see South Sudan, Darfur, Mauritania, among many others). This doesn't touch on the discrimination Ali would have faced within his chosen faith if he were a woman.
While a man of conscience in many important areas, I see someone who didn't speak and fight for right in some areas where he wasn't as personally affected, and where his personal beliefs might even be implicated. We lost a great man, today, but not a perfect one.
I also appreciate the nuance that articles like this can bring into the discussion. People who have achieved greatly can still be boorish or naive in certain areas of their lives, and it is good to keep that sense of perspective on which parts of a person's life to emulate and which not to.
While I acknowledge the bravery in Ali's stand against the Vietnam War, and for the Civil Rights of blacks and minorities in the United States, he is still a man of contradictions in other areas. His conversion to Islam, like the conversions of many blacks in America, was largely a statement against their mistreatment at that time in the US. It is also a somewhat ironic joining with a cultural ideology that was a full partner in the slave trade for centuries, and which stands almost alone today in its current brutality and enslavement of black people (see South Sudan, Darfur, Mauritania, among many others). This doesn't touch on the discrimination Ali would have faced within his chosen faith if he were a woman.
While a man of conscience in many important areas, I see someone who didn't speak and fight for right in some areas where he wasn't as personally affected, and where his personal beliefs might even be implicated. We lost a great man, today, but not a perfect one.
2
Wow, a lot of articles here on Ali. Very enlightening to see different viewpoints on the man.
I respect that while he was a boxer fighting people paid to fight him, Ali made the right decision to refuse to fight people that had done nothing to him--the people of Vietnam.
I respect that while he was a boxer fighting people paid to fight him, Ali made the right decision to refuse to fight people that had done nothing to him--the people of Vietnam.
5
This column is a useful antidote to some of the over-the-top claims being made for Ali today in the Times.
His association with the Nation of Islam is something that could have been avoided without doing injury to the peace and civil rights causes he espoused. But he was young then and likely received much bad advice during that time, as many others of us did. I wish him peace far away from boxing.
His association with the Nation of Islam is something that could have been avoided without doing injury to the peace and civil rights causes he espoused. But he was young then and likely received much bad advice during that time, as many others of us did. I wish him peace far away from boxing.
2
Thank you, Mr. Reed, for this. It's so easy to forget that the man who died was not the 1964 man, nor the 1971 man.
Thank you. Your words bring Mr. Ali to life not only as a athlete and our cultural hero, but as a man. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay area in the 1960-70's. Everything about who he was and is...his talents and astonishing hard work, his kindness and diplomacy, his conversion to Islam and more, permeated my growth as an American and helped me understand the world in a new way.
In addition, Mr. Reed, I have followed your work for many years. Your writing and art has also given me new perspectives on racial and cultural issues in our times. A world of voices...my America.
In addition, Mr. Reed, I have followed your work for many years. Your writing and art has also given me new perspectives on racial and cultural issues in our times. A world of voices...my America.
2
I've enjoyed and respected a lot of Ishmael Reed's writing, but I feel critical of this piece - I'm afraid that the nature that makes people great boxers is exactly what makes it hard for them to know when to quit - if knowing when to quit were part of the sport (like in chess?) I wonder if it would be as popular - it would certainly be different - but this - and the generosity that so often goes with being a hero - are hardly unique to Ali. I would have said, he might have been one of the best understood boxers, because he was so brilliant with words - and, he was certainly exploited, but maybe not as badly as some - considering the sport he was in, he did extremely well - let's thank him for the light he brought to all of us -
Apparently: he was too trusting, which is a true enough cliché.
Parkinson's apparently readily developed, because he was making-up for years of "political persecution" by the suspension time lost.
Did he at least wear the protective head gear in training, or probably the ego wouldn't allow it (?).
"Punch drunk" is an ole fashion phrase akin to its nasty cousin, "shell-shocked."
I am crude, having said them about boxers and WW II vets.
Despite his own flawed ego, Howard Cosell wasn't lying when urging retirement.
Parkinson's apparently readily developed, because he was making-up for years of "political persecution" by the suspension time lost.
Did he at least wear the protective head gear in training, or probably the ego wouldn't allow it (?).
"Punch drunk" is an ole fashion phrase akin to its nasty cousin, "shell-shocked."
I am crude, having said them about boxers and WW II vets.
Despite his own flawed ego, Howard Cosell wasn't lying when urging retirement.
As a kid growing-up in Louisville, I remember the pride we all felt when Ali – then known as Cassius Clay – won boxing gold at the 1960 Olympic Games. It made no difference our race, we were all proud in the racially-mixed West End of Louisville!
When I went to the University of Kentucky in 1965, it may as well have been 1865, given the fact that there was a whites-only appearance in every aspect of campus life – you name it: dorms; classrooms; sports teams; frats & sororities; and student attitudes. At UK, at that time, the "Most Honorary" of members of all campus fraternities were Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis: their portraits hanging proudly at every frat house main entrance. I was totally incredulous.
I was equally surprised that the non-Louisville guys in my freshman dorm from Kentucky actively rooted against Ali during his fights against Floyd Patterson, George Chuvalo, and Henry Cooper. Of course, I rubbed it in when Ali won each fight rather handily. Outside of Louisville, it seemed to me, Kentucky was steeped in Southland racial prejudice.
Add to this racial hatred – in Kentucky and throughout the U.S. – the vilification Ali received because of his Muslim religious beliefs, his adamant opposition to the Vietnam War, and his touting of his formidable boxing skills, there were at least 100 detractors for every person who supported the him throughout his career.
Well truly, Ali flipped the script! In this life's play, Ali is indeed the Greatest!
When I went to the University of Kentucky in 1965, it may as well have been 1865, given the fact that there was a whites-only appearance in every aspect of campus life – you name it: dorms; classrooms; sports teams; frats & sororities; and student attitudes. At UK, at that time, the "Most Honorary" of members of all campus fraternities were Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis: their portraits hanging proudly at every frat house main entrance. I was totally incredulous.
I was equally surprised that the non-Louisville guys in my freshman dorm from Kentucky actively rooted against Ali during his fights against Floyd Patterson, George Chuvalo, and Henry Cooper. Of course, I rubbed it in when Ali won each fight rather handily. Outside of Louisville, it seemed to me, Kentucky was steeped in Southland racial prejudice.
Add to this racial hatred – in Kentucky and throughout the U.S. – the vilification Ali received because of his Muslim religious beliefs, his adamant opposition to the Vietnam War, and his touting of his formidable boxing skills, there were at least 100 detractors for every person who supported the him throughout his career.
Well truly, Ali flipped the script! In this life's play, Ali is indeed the Greatest!
2
he was very independent and you could tell that he was a good soul. no fake. the punishment that he took from all the rope a dope was incredible.
For all that will be written and said...
Muhammad Ali was simply the greatest at what he did and what he accomplished.
May his restless soul rest in peace.
Muhammad Ali was simply the greatest at what he did and what he accomplished.
May his restless soul rest in peace.
10
Great. Now our society can go through the inevitable glorification of a violent sport that causes brain disease, re-enforces our prevailing culture of violence and perpetuates the stereotype of the angry black man. Kids will emulate Ali and harbor dreams of becoming a great boxer like him, which will serve and support the continuation of our violent culture through at least another generation. When will we stop exalting the fight? the gun? the war?
26
Yes boxing is dangerous but fighters know what they are getting into. It's help disadvantaged young men, channel their energy into an art and learn discipline, oh and making some money to help them self and family. Yes, we embrace violence and it's unfortunate but that's the world we live in.
Don't look now but the US is involved in a million little Vietnams everyday now...
Ali's allegedly lasting legacy could not carry down to where the man had any real influence on our current president or his policy of drone warfare.
All the pretty words in the world today do not change that. Ali was too old and disabled to speak out -- why don't you?
Ali's allegedly lasting legacy could not carry down to where the man had any real influence on our current president or his policy of drone warfare.
All the pretty words in the world today do not change that. Ali was too old and disabled to speak out -- why don't you?
You whites will never know who Ali was. He is black treasure, he is OURS, and all you can do is stand by while we worship, whoop, and weep. That is all you could ever do - stand by. You whites were always outsiders. You never understood what 'pretty' meant...and you still don't, poor fellows. You whites never really appreciated the question "What's my name?" The question was not about the name. It was about "why did you enslave us, why do you lynch us, why do you hate us?" 'WHAT IS MY NAME?" It was a take on Ralph Ellison's 'Invisible Man' - not a conscious one admittedly - but a take nonetheless. Ali gave young black men like me - I was 14 for Ali-Frazier I - IDENTITY. He gave us substance, he gave us embodiment. You whites, hah, you whites never knew and will never know Ali. Now leave us alone to morn. Because of him, we no longer have to care if you know our name or not.
71
Wow! how offended would YOU be if anyone were to refer to the entire Afro-American culture with the blanket description "You Blacks"? This is offensive and inappropriate, especially in this context.
4
As a white person I will defer my mourning to you. I am not worthy. Your anger is justified.
I think Ali went beyond your exclusion of different colors of skin. I respect what you say, but you're sentiment is opposite of our fallen icon.
I think Ali went beyond your exclusion of different colors of skin. I respect what you say, but you're sentiment is opposite of our fallen icon.
White man here:
Understood.
White man again:
I hope things get better.
I really do.
And, your comment is helpful toward that end.
Understood.
White man again:
I hope things get better.
I really do.
And, your comment is helpful toward that end.
2
Ali was an international hero; a quintessential american product. Growing up on the other side of the World, we admired him for his in-the-face approach and refusal to participate in a concocted war. He symbolized a fresh anti-establishment approach that gave hope; too bad, concocted wars still go on.
25
I saw Cassius Clay in the AAU finals on tv when he was 16 I think he was and then at 17 in the Golden Gloves in NY. He was beautiful when he turned pro, the Doug Jones fight, what a boxing match! But when he came back, he took too many punches and boxing being what it was, you knew if it was close, he would get the decision, like Shavers fight or 3rd Norton. And I resented that the casual fan was only interested in heavyweights, being a huge boxing fan in those days. But he was bigger than life. Although Reed's take is spot on since I was part of that scene, hung around some of those people.
13
Tell us more please
Both of my parents were fighters, too. They were both exploited by our society that still considers blind people as mentally challenged. Both were put on display. "See what they can do. They can operate vending stands. They're successful...." Success isn't there in reality as so many need supplemetal assistance to survive. So too, Ali was "put on display". "See, he's a good fighter." Ali was much more than a circus "freak". We have a very long way to go with problems of racism in this country. We have a very long way to go with the way we treat those with disabilities as well.
16
Personal Anecdote - I was an intern at Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia during the Spring of 1973. Ali had had his jaw broken by Ken Norton on March 31 of that year. When he returned home he was put under the care of a surgeon at Temple Unversity, who also had staff privileges at Chestnut Hill . In late April, Ali was discreetly brought to Chestnut Hill’s emergency room for a follow-up visit. No press or entourage accompanied him. Ali arrived ten or fifteen minutes before the surgeon. At the time, his jaw was still wired shut and I asked if he would like to wait in private room for the surgeons arrival. He politely declined the offer of privacy and spent his time waiting visiting and talking very quietly the staff of the hospital and visitors to the hospital. No publicity, no grandstanding just making his public happy. A truly remarkable person.
82
This anecdote tells us all we need to know to understand why Ali was so loved.
1
A brilliant article, Mr. Reed, Deeply moving, as it should be, without a drop of phoniness, as the Greatest deserved.
33
I weep. What would this man have been in a more tolerant, less bigoted society? He was wicked smart, he was beautiful, and he had to batter other men to achieve enough status to matter. So many stand on his enormous shoulders. So many. Weep for Ali and cheer for Ali. He was himself and he was unique and he was indisputably great when all the odds were against him. Praise him. Divine Grace bless him. He did the best he could with what he was allowed to grasp. "Or what's a heaven for?"
50
I remember Ali for dazzling athletic talent. a great wit, and a big heart.
But reading these articles today is the first time I heard that he was originally rejected for military service due to scoring low on mental assessments.
Add in his involvement in what is most certainly an exploitative cult - giving him money maybe, but making how much more money by having him as a publicity tool?
Then the exploitative managers, not least of which was the notorious Don King.
And how is it, that avoiding being sent off to modern warfare is an act of courage? Isn't it more dangerous to go to war, than to sit in jail? Do we consider Trump, Bush, Cheney, Clinton and all our other would be alpha males who avoided military service as greater national heroes for dodging service while 'supporting' the war?
Its so easy to write onto the blank canvas of people who made a mark in history, for whatever reason, that which we most want to see in them. Another great example of this is Ronald Reagan. But truth?
Without boxing, what else could Ali do? Half illiterate, with a gift of patter.
As we whitewash his life and the troubled times he lived in, we whitewash our collective conscience in the bargain.
I hope Ali's brain is preserved and studied for signs of damage, just as the medical community is studying NFL and NHL players, and are coming to terms with a better understanding of the danger of repeated concussions.
A great entertainer? Yes, but at what price? A barbarous sport indeed.
But reading these articles today is the first time I heard that he was originally rejected for military service due to scoring low on mental assessments.
Add in his involvement in what is most certainly an exploitative cult - giving him money maybe, but making how much more money by having him as a publicity tool?
Then the exploitative managers, not least of which was the notorious Don King.
And how is it, that avoiding being sent off to modern warfare is an act of courage? Isn't it more dangerous to go to war, than to sit in jail? Do we consider Trump, Bush, Cheney, Clinton and all our other would be alpha males who avoided military service as greater national heroes for dodging service while 'supporting' the war?
Its so easy to write onto the blank canvas of people who made a mark in history, for whatever reason, that which we most want to see in them. Another great example of this is Ronald Reagan. But truth?
Without boxing, what else could Ali do? Half illiterate, with a gift of patter.
As we whitewash his life and the troubled times he lived in, we whitewash our collective conscience in the bargain.
I hope Ali's brain is preserved and studied for signs of damage, just as the medical community is studying NFL and NHL players, and are coming to terms with a better understanding of the danger of repeated concussions.
A great entertainer? Yes, but at what price? A barbarous sport indeed.
14
No, it doesn't take more courage to go off to war than to be a conscientious objector.
”He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would fully suffice. This disgrace to civilization should be done away with at once. Heroism at command, senseless brutality, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism, how violently I hate all this” -Albert Einstein
Ali’s choice was to sacrifice his career when he could have gotten an easy deferment, and done a few USO shows. I remember the time. It took monumental courage to speak out against the war, because he was already a target of the war machine.
The difference between Ali and the chicken-hawks you list was that he was not a hypocrite. That's all the difference in the world.
I don't know what's meant by 'A great wit', but 'half illiterate', Homer was illiterate. You might also ask what else Homer might have done, had he not written the Odyssey, but he did, and Ali was Ali. And that's good enough for me.
”He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would fully suffice. This disgrace to civilization should be done away with at once. Heroism at command, senseless brutality, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism, how violently I hate all this” -Albert Einstein
Ali’s choice was to sacrifice his career when he could have gotten an easy deferment, and done a few USO shows. I remember the time. It took monumental courage to speak out against the war, because he was already a target of the war machine.
The difference between Ali and the chicken-hawks you list was that he was not a hypocrite. That's all the difference in the world.
I don't know what's meant by 'A great wit', but 'half illiterate', Homer was illiterate. You might also ask what else Homer might have done, had he not written the Odyssey, but he did, and Ali was Ali. And that's good enough for me.
6
If you can't understand how Ali's stance on the draft was an act of courage, you have a great deal of remedial reading to do before you comment on his life.
2
I wish you had saved this for later. Not today, when we want to think of the many ways he inspired the world, and not the ways the world picked his pocket and his friends betrayed him. Not today. Perhaps later.
31
Today is when it is needed.
TO counteract the hero worship and myth making.
TO counteract the hero worship and myth making.
This essay is slander.
On matters great, Ali had JUDGMENT.
Compare him to McNamara regarding Vietnam. McNamara was an ultimate in learning and expertise. The NYTimes says Ali never even learned to read or write. Yet Ali, at overwhelming personal sacrifice, had judgment. On Vietnam, he called it right. McNamara, lacking judgment, called it wrong.
Sadly, reminds me of the current tragedy of the NYTimes terrible failure in covering this election. Backing Hillary, based on her “experience.” Ten-month blackout of Bernie, who has judgment.
Yesterday the NYTimes called foreign policy Hillary’s “comfort zone.” But for us, her foreign policy is a zone of DIScomfort. She is pure neocon, favoring every American aggression. Worse, she goes beyond most neocons in compulsion to push nukes-armed Putin back and back into a corner. It was her State Dept. that stirred anti-Russian insurrection right in Russia’s birthplace homeland, Kiev, Ukraine.
Hillary, like McNamara, is like a great powerful ship of armament in expertise but lacking a rudder of judgment. No sense of direction.
The public senses that: Rating Hillary way down with Trump in unfavorability, distrust, leanings on voting in November. She has unique capability to lose to Trump.
Despite endless NYTimes effort to smother democracy by telling us the nomination is fixed for Hillary, there’s no need for us to vote, or hope, we still hope the super-lemmings will come to their senses.
Nominate Bernie. As Ali would.
On matters great, Ali had JUDGMENT.
Compare him to McNamara regarding Vietnam. McNamara was an ultimate in learning and expertise. The NYTimes says Ali never even learned to read or write. Yet Ali, at overwhelming personal sacrifice, had judgment. On Vietnam, he called it right. McNamara, lacking judgment, called it wrong.
Sadly, reminds me of the current tragedy of the NYTimes terrible failure in covering this election. Backing Hillary, based on her “experience.” Ten-month blackout of Bernie, who has judgment.
Yesterday the NYTimes called foreign policy Hillary’s “comfort zone.” But for us, her foreign policy is a zone of DIScomfort. She is pure neocon, favoring every American aggression. Worse, she goes beyond most neocons in compulsion to push nukes-armed Putin back and back into a corner. It was her State Dept. that stirred anti-Russian insurrection right in Russia’s birthplace homeland, Kiev, Ukraine.
Hillary, like McNamara, is like a great powerful ship of armament in expertise but lacking a rudder of judgment. No sense of direction.
The public senses that: Rating Hillary way down with Trump in unfavorability, distrust, leanings on voting in November. She has unique capability to lose to Trump.
Despite endless NYTimes effort to smother democracy by telling us the nomination is fixed for Hillary, there’s no need for us to vote, or hope, we still hope the super-lemmings will come to their senses.
Nominate Bernie. As Ali would.
39
What a pathetic rant. Turning an essay on Ali into a "Bernie good," "Hillary bad" comment is more evidence of the delusion Bernie supporters need to overcome.
97
yeah, was pretty stupid non analogy
4
JoeM, the principal value in reviewing the past is learning and applying its lessons in dealing with our present and future.
Wonderful article. Thank you!
7
My hero..."Me. We." Says it all. RIP Great One.
5
In this moment of universal Encomiums to Muhammad Ali, it's important to remember the vilification and rejection Ali endured from White America. Ali's journey from pariah to icon was an arduous one. After his draft evasion conviction by an all white jury, and Court of Appeals defeat, the initial,1971 vote by the Supreme Court, which allowed Muhammad Ali to resume his boxing career, was 5 to 3 against Ali. If that vote hadn't changed there would have been no epic trilogy with Joe Frazier or existential clash in Zaire with George Forman. Diligent reexamination of Black Muslim doctrine by Justice Harlan,at the behest of a law clerk, eventually lead to the 8-0 reversal vote which freed him. Ali was a powerful symbol to Black America and the world, and was never fully embraced by white America until the tragic irony of his debilitating illness.
75
not true-- many white people adored him. and admired him for saying no thanks to vietnam.
40
KAREN, I used the word "fully" deliberately. I know many whites supported him, but not the majority. Check the contemporaneous polls.
Muhammad Ali has a profound place in my heart. I was 5 years old when he fought Joe Frazier and my father, like most white Americans were hoping Frazier would whip Ali for being a big mouth and draft dodger. What was so profound was not the fight, but seeing my depression era father turn around from hating the man, to ultimately respecting Ali for being proud and sacrificing his career for his beliefs. By the late 1970s my father told me he was wrong to condemn Ali - and eventually began to idolize him for his commitment and courage.
Although he had imperfections like all men, Muhammad Ali showed white america that black people need and deserve respect. His examples that ultimately changed my father have made a major difference in our country and the world.
Although he had imperfections like all men, Muhammad Ali showed white america that black people need and deserve respect. His examples that ultimately changed my father have made a major difference in our country and the world.
1
ali was a great american. even his flaws were outsized. tell god we all loved you, sir.
16
Many of us remember young Cassius and Muhammad the Greatest. We can see his likeness reflected in the eulogies and retrospectives. And some... read these pieces and don't have that touchstone. Do they understand?
5
I don't know how you define "Greatest". Perhaps Ali was. He certainly was the most important, most influential, and most iconic boxer of MY lifetime. He kept boxing alive when the sport was dying. And, before the banning, he was easily the best heavyweight the world had seen since Jack Johnson, and one of the best overall boxers, period.
But his standing up for his beliefs and his Constitutional rights against the entire United States Government made him a hero to me for life.
Ali used to describe himself as the most famous athlete in the world. In and amusing anecdote he was astonished to learn he was wrong: Edson Arantes do Nascimento, aka Pelé, was THE most famous athlete, even better known than Ali. Perhaps only Michael Jordan and David Beckham reach that level of fame.
But his standing up for his beliefs and his Constitutional rights against the entire United States Government made him a hero to me for life.
Ali used to describe himself as the most famous athlete in the world. In and amusing anecdote he was astonished to learn he was wrong: Edson Arantes do Nascimento, aka Pelé, was THE most famous athlete, even better known than Ali. Perhaps only Michael Jordan and David Beckham reach that level of fame.
11
"Deeply human, as full of frailty and foibles as anyone".
Enough said, so why all the negative He said, She said that followed ?
i can tell you that on the little island that I grew up in the 1960's ,
Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali was well respected.
Enough said, so why all the negative He said, She said that followed ?
i can tell you that on the little island that I grew up in the 1960's ,
Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali was well respected.
8
" MUHAMMAD ALI, who died Friday at the age of 74, was the greatest boxer of all time"
Silly statement. He was among the greatest. No one knows who would have won among Louis, Marciano, ..., all in their prime.
Silly statement. He was among the greatest. No one knows who would have won among Louis, Marciano, ..., all in their prime.
16
Rocky 49-0-0, 43 by KO
"He could not comprehend the concept of defeat."
"He could not comprehend the concept of defeat."
20 years ago while visiting Aswan in Egypt some kids were following me with some curiosity. "What country?" one of them managed in English. "USA" said I. After some consideration, he knew what to say: "Muhammad Ali."
28
@Burroughs: Yes. My impression from living in a number of tropical countries is that Muhammad Ali was, globally, the best known American of all time. (If you confine your view to Latin America, it might have been JFK.)
8
Ali was a man who lived life on his terms being Black and Muslim. In a time when moral cowardice was and continues to be rampant, he exhibited none of that - I think that is why he was so beloved.
59
Ali turned former doubters (and haters) to his world view through steadfastness, intelligence, and humor. Another remarkable trait of this extraordinary human being.
30
I expected nothing less from the NYT. A great man dies whose beliefs were at odds to the editorial board and we get a story suggesting he was duped.
The Nation of Islam is not made up of hate-mongers, but realists who bring to light what white America has done and is doing to Black culture. They are also not stupid, and their ground-breaking research into the heavy Jewish involvement in the slave trade in the 16th and 17th centuries has never been refuted and has left the Jewish intellectual elite stunned and speechless.
The Nation of Islam is not made up of hate-mongers, but realists who bring to light what white America has done and is doing to Black culture. They are also not stupid, and their ground-breaking research into the heavy Jewish involvement in the slave trade in the 16th and 17th centuries has never been refuted and has left the Jewish intellectual elite stunned and speechless.
10
No, it hasn't.
Jews, Slaves and the Slave Trade:Setting the Record Straight by Eli Farber
Jews, Slaves and the Slave Trade:Setting the Record Straight by Eli Farber
It's all about the Jews? This is what you took from this essay? smh
Wow, you are really delusional when you claim the Nation of Islam aren't haters. You have never listened to their screed.
There really is no point to this op-ed, esp so soon after the Greatest's death.
12
No point except in writing some Truths, in the days when the hero worship reigns anew.
My wife and I were in the Portland airport waiting for our flight when I saw Ali across the lobby. He nodded as he saw me notice him. I went over to him and as I approached, we maintained eye contact. He smiled as we shook hands and pulled me closer to him as I said, "Hi, Champ." He didn't speak but wrapped both arms around me and bear hugged. "I can't believe I'm this close to one of my heroes," I said. He smiled again and we parted. My wife was crying watching the exchange. Ali made it easy to let respect and love flow.
138
It's sad that anyone is cheated, But when it's a group who has an ugly history of being victimized by white people, to turn around and cheat each other, hits a new low. Don King seems to be soulless. Mike Tyson, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston...being taken advantage of by your own race seems to be commonplace. I have a very close friend who is black and has done very well for himself. I've never asked him for a thing, and never would, though he'd gladly give if I did ask. Yet, his family who never did a thing for him, calls him regularly, demanding, not asking, and not for a few dollars. They feel entitled to his money. When he had none, I didn't even know he had family. Now, thousands from him to them, on cars, a new TV, vacations. I say nothing, it's really none of my business, but wow, the thoughts going through my head.
10
"All my skinfolk ain't kinfolk." - Zora Neale Hurston
22
MCS - do you really think that only people of one race or culture victimize and exploit each other? You need to get out more.
6
Not sure why anyone would be surprised that human nature is human nature, no matter one's skin colour or culture.
4
Somehow Angelo Dundee, Ali's trainer, always slides past criticism of letting Ali fight on from the mid 1970s. Dundee says he wasn't going to tell a guy to stop fighting if he still wanted to fight. Bad advice. And Dundee continued making a decent living off the the fighter.
22
I am sure Muhammad Ali was very intrigued by the cancer boy's response. Ali went there with the usual nonsense about cheering up the boy so he could survive cancer, and the boy showed him how to face the reality of cancer. There were no cures for cancer then, there are no cures for cancer now, and there will never be any cures for cancer. All the treatments do is slightly delay the inevitable.
11
This is an ignorant comment about cancer and our human advances in defeating it. Plenty of cancer-free people exist today who would have been dead in years past. Progress comes, Mr. Hoffman and it is always better to prevent than to overcome. But overcome some do!
4
Great comments. More insightful readings of Ali's life turns and choices than the this Op Ed's author's. A man with full agency and humanity, rather than a passive naive human behind the show. And, the last story struck me not so much as a metaphor of childish iconization as a touching example of Ali's humanity and charity doing rounds in a children's hospital.
5
A man with full agency and humanity, rather than a passive naive human behind the show.
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Sadly, his disease robbed him of his moments of "full agency and humanity" and subbed in that passive human behind the show all too often.... THis is why his appearances were very very limited in recent years. Blows to the head, and Parkiunsons', does that. No lie.
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Sadly, his disease robbed him of his moments of "full agency and humanity" and subbed in that passive human behind the show all too often.... THis is why his appearances were very very limited in recent years. Blows to the head, and Parkiunsons', does that. No lie.
Born in '61. Ali floated like a butterfly around my childhood, but never touched me. Hung my childhood dreams on a lunar colony, and a person like Ali just seemed like a noisy empty vessel, for someone's hopes not mine. I hate that we in the US worship flamboyant but not too bright individuals; know anyone running for president like that? I feel for the poor engineer who tried but could not achieve the no-go decision on the Challenger. Of mixed lives, the quiet struggle, seldom known, tugs more at my heart. I have nothing against "The Greatest" but he is not the greatest to me.
10
I am sad today, and have been made the more so by this opinion. If nothing else, Ali understood self-determination. A choice to engage in a dangerous activity is not exploitation. It would take more than revisionist history to persuade me that Ali's will had been overborne or his talents squandered in the service of unsavory interests.
2
I hate to admit it but I was one of those who misunderstood Muhammad Ali. Long ago I concluded that he was nothing more than an egotistical blowhard full of hot air. With that limited inaccurate view my mind sadly shut down and became closed to anything positive about him. But In the years since having cultivated an open mind I now regret having failed to keep up with this unusual man and his many remarkable social contributions reflected in the comments here and throughout the nation and the world. A man who became a model and hero to so many.
35
Ali was exploited by most of those under his 'employ', Don king included, and pseudo-friends flocking to him as long as there was cash outgoing. Not a unique case, by any means, witness the College Coaches making millions on the backs of unpaid athlete-students (hypocritically called student-athletes, in spite of a poor education on account of their commitment to 'the sport'), of women under-payed in professional soccer; of american football administrators minimizing the 'traumatic head injuries' and premature disability and death, all for the mighty dollar and unethical enrichment at players' peril. Sports, wonderful at the amateur stage, have become a money-making machine for the owners and coaches, paid for by inflated prices at the office box, shaming an otherwise noble undertaking to enhance the human spirit. The question is, how do we get out of the ditch? Out of the 'wall street' mentality of greed, while our health is just an afterthought?
13
"But his three years away from the ring, from 1967 to 1970, were damaging"
Ali transcended this crime, three prime years stolen from him. That was his greatness.
Ali transcended this crime, three prime years stolen from him. That was his greatness.
40
NYT, please choose to highlight this comment. It says it all.
1
How is draft dodging "greatness"?
While Ali is certainly overall to be admired, I would think, and he was all too human. I wonder how many articles I will have to read in the days ahead to find mention of his horrific treatment toward one Joe Frazier. A poster child for black on black hate...
10
Larry Holmes says they were actually close friends.
1
Hopefully you won't read much about his treatment of Frazier in the next few days - which was way more problematic than "black on black" hate - let's honor the man for his greatness. It's over time that one hopes that the fullness of of Ali's life will be chronicled. But I wouldn't hold my breath - now the real mythologizing begins.
2
6
More impressive than being 'the greatest boxer of all time', Muhammad Ali is arguably the most beloved of all time.
That's an incredible accomplishment.
That's an incredible accomplishment.
127
Too bad, People should know when to quit.
3
Who are you to say? He did what he wanted to do.
7
Money troubles made him fight too long. That was the result of the parasitism discussed herein.
1
Excellent op-ed by Ishmael Reed. I learned a lot. Unfortunately I resist digesting every re-write of historically great people. I am certain Muhammad Ali was the greatest athlete of my era. But I cannot speak about Jack Johnson or Joe Louis for they exist only as re-writes for me. I wish his family well. My condolences.
18
First he's the greatest boxer of all time, now he's the greatest athlete? He was neither. Why the need for such hyperbole?
He said, she said, how lame.
7
Thank you for your piece on Ali, the human. He was so much more than just a boxer - entertainer, educator, protestor, poet, showman - a man of character who chose his own way. He was my childhood hero.
29
With all due respect, I think you underestimate the intelligence of the man. I think he knew very well the risks of his decisions, but accepted those risks for what he perceived were greater benefits. He probably knew that some around him were taking advantage of their access, but with few exceptions, I think he chose rather wisely with whom to associate. Was he manipulated on occasion? Probably. Did he manipulate? Absolutely. That's what I absolutely loved about the man. He lived life on his own terms. Good, bad, but never indifferent. What more can we hope to say about our own lives than having lived it on our terms? From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali to Ali. From the Olympics to Liston to Frazier to Foreman. From the State Fairgrounds at Louisville to Madison Square Garden to Wembley to the Astrodome to Tokyo to Dublin to Jakarta to Zaire to Kuala Lumpur to Manilla. From a Louisville kid to the single most recognizable figure on the planet. If Ali didn't live the most transcendent live during his years on this earth, then who? No, I'm sorry, no worshiped, misunderstood, or exploited. Not for me. A man who lived his life on his own terms.
141
You've stated my own sentiments perfectly! Thank you.
7
His wife summed it best: "“But he loved the adoration of crowds ... Even though he became vulnerable in ways he couldn’t control, he never lost his childlike innocence, his sunny, positive nature. Jokes and pranks and magic tricks. He wanted to entertain people, to make them happy.”
5
Well said. Frank Sinatra's "My Way" comes to mind as a good musical piece to position with your comment.
2
I'm guessing that, like any celebrity or sports figure, Ali meant and was different things to different people, depending on their relationship with him, whether close or from afar. The only person who had the right to decide who he was, was Ali himself.
As a proponent of nonviolence, I also wouldn't write off that his refusal to serve in Vietnam "was *simply* following the nonviolence policy of the Nation of Islam..."(emphasis mine). Many have had to struggle with conflicting beliefs in times of war and according to quotes, assuming they are true and accurately attributed, it was fundamentally about much more than that for him.
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/664976-why-should-they-ask-me-to-put-on-...
As a proponent of nonviolence, I also wouldn't write off that his refusal to serve in Vietnam "was *simply* following the nonviolence policy of the Nation of Islam..."(emphasis mine). Many have had to struggle with conflicting beliefs in times of war and according to quotes, assuming they are true and accurately attributed, it was fundamentally about much more than that for him.
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/664976-why-should-they-ask-me-to-put-on-...
44
Totally agree, Molly. Ali was his own man, not a blind follower of any faith. He said" I have no quarrel with the vietcong." How right he was. We the USA should have had no quarrel either. I admire his draft avoidance.
47
The only person who had the right to decide who he was, was Ali himself.
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And science and doctors of medicine who diagnosed what the sport did to him after the man himself could no longer speak to communicate...
It's not pretty what happened to Muhammed Ali, can we all agree on that?
I
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And science and doctors of medicine who diagnosed what the sport did to him after the man himself could no longer speak to communicate...
It's not pretty what happened to Muhammed Ali, can we all agree on that?
I
4
Karen
Where do you stand on the drone wars and foreign assassinations ordered up today?
Somehow in spite of today's worship of Ali, his message of nonviolence and Americans not killing our browner brothers and sisters has been lost. Pity, just the boxing triumphs remain it seems.
Where do you stand on the drone wars and foreign assassinations ordered up today?
Somehow in spite of today's worship of Ali, his message of nonviolence and Americans not killing our browner brothers and sisters has been lost. Pity, just the boxing triumphs remain it seems.
1
I do have a nice memory of him. It was an album of Sesame Street songs and I hope I remember this correctly but it was "who put the crack in the Liberty Bell?" Aaaalii. "Who really gave that bell a smack?"....Allliii.
He definitely made an impact with his talent, his stance on social issues and his words. I say to my daughter that she needs to flought like a butterfly and sting like a bee on the soccer field.
But on a serious note. What is our obsession with the ancient bread and circuses? Boxing is gross, MMA worse and football only benefits the owners and quarterbacks. I think dying at 74 isn't that bad but he had been incapacitated for so long. That's the tragedy.