His name change is interesting. It was a family name which was taken from an abolitionist who had freed his own slaves. His father had the same name. Then Cassius changed it to the name of a man who was a slave owner and slave trader when he took the name Muhammed. That was the work of a fool.
Ali debased our culture and made it popular to be an arrogant Clymer. He made Islam more acceptable in certain quarters. He did a lot of damage to the black community with these acts. And he was a coward. He would fight for his own self-interest, but not for the freedom of others. Every single punch he threw and every victory he had in the ring was as nothing compared to the deeds of those who went and fought in his place.
It is a sign of a sick culture that he is so lionized. And he played a major role in making that culture sick.
Yeah yeah. Didn’t read the article, did you.
Excellent post.
I disagree with you on so many levels, but I respect your opinion.
He was firm in his devotion to Islam, but did not push it in your face. He was kind to his enemies outside the ring, and ferocious inside the ring. I never saw him to be an awful man, rather a funny, and caring father, a devoted friend, and a caring mentor to aspiring boxers.
He was audacious when it furthered his career, but a devoted friend to all.
A true ambassador. I often wished that this Affliction had not befell him, but he carried it with grace. Perhaps in defeat he showed how truly great he was.
Oh, don’t be so hard on the Champ. After the Israelis won the Six Day War in 1967, Cassius Clay briefly changed his name from Muhammad Ali to Morris Steinberg.
(heard that joke at the time, btw)
;^)