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So I'm writing a paper for history class on an iconic photograph and I chose the picture of Cassius Clay knocking out Sonny Liston. I have to write about how Ali impacted society. I can read all the newspaper articles I want, but stories from anyone who remembers his heyday would be an awesome contribution. So how much impact did Muhammad Ali really have on everyday American society?
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His impact was just as negative as it was positive. Be sure to tell both sides of the story. Too many jaded views on this man, praising him like he was some diety. Fact of the matter was he was a racist, turned Black people against each other, turned his back on Malcolm X, and quite frankly annoyed and humiliated the **** out of his opponents without any regard to decency or professionalism. The man wasn't very well liked until he was washed up. Take Floyd Mayweather's bad press and multiply it by 10, and you have Muhammad Ali. Watch Floyd get loved after he's washed up too... -
Thank you for that perspective and yes, I fully intend to tell both sides of the story. I'm glad that this isn't just a bunch of nostalgic fans sucking his ****, to be honest. But I'd like some good stories too.Originally posted by Obama View PostComment
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Would you be willing to give your opinion on the positives?Originally posted by Obama View PostLast edited by Spartacus Sully; 05-28-2010, 09:22 AM.Comment
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He was the most famous man in the world in 1974. He went to Africa in the 60's after he won his title he was congratulated by thousands of people, he went there in the 70's and got a much much bigger following. He was a sportsman who TRANSCENDED sports, he could speak very well, he was funny, witty he was the complete opposite to how blacks were seen at that time. Before Ali they were all like Joe Louis, they had to be humble, quiet and just talk very little.Originally posted by Mr. Shen View Post
Ali came and he showed the world, black is beautiful, black people can be smart black people can do this and that. He brought huge purses to boxing because the entire world knew him and his appeal. He was hated by many in the 60's but by the time the 70's came he was respected by all. He met Presidents from all over the world, he saved hostages in Iraq, he saved a guy who was going to kill himself by jumping off a building, he showed black people that they were just as much a citizen as the white man, black people had to be extra patriotic to be on the level of white people at that time.Comment
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Good post, I completely agreeOriginally posted by Obama View Post
Ive never been too sure what to make of Ali, he crossed the line way too many times for my liking. to the TS you should read The Ghosts of Manila: or you can watch the HBO documenatery The Thrilla in Manila and When we were kings they should give you a good idea of what he was about
edit:Both docs are on the internetComment
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Ali was a Johnson wannabe. True story.
As for the positive contributions he made, they all are rather controversial. They say him dodging the draft was positive, probably his most famous positive contribution. But honestly, would draft dodgers even today get praised? The answer is no. Despite the Iraq war being the most ******ed of them all, there was always a strong "support the troops" voice from anyone in power who wanted to keep it. And yes I know we didn't have a draft for the Iraq war, we just paid professionals to do the job for us...(Blackwater among others). Then of course Ali's excuse for dodging the draft can't be ignored, he said he had no intentions of killing other colored people. Like they were ever going to put him in that position. He knew damn well what Joe Louis did in WWII, not a damn thing but shake hands, smile, and do exhibitions for troop morale. Ali would have done the exact same thing.Comment
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To the best of my knowledge he was banned from going by Elijah MuhammadOriginally posted by Obama View PostComment
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