Old Video Of Muhammad Ali Talking About Racism Resurfaces, Reminds People Of His Greatness
He might have conquered the boxing ring like no other, but his greatest of triumphs came off it. Perhaps the most recognizable and beloved figure on the planet, Ali shattered the racial barrier and was a prominent figure during the Civil Rights' Movement in the United States.
If you only talk about athletic feats that made Muhammad Ali great, you will be doing a great disservice to a global icon. No athlete has been great in so many different ways.
He might have conquered the boxing ring like no other, but his greatest of triumphs came off it. Perhaps the most recognisable and beloved figure on the planet, Ali shattered the racial barrier and was a prominent figure during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
Also read: These Photos Show Why Muhammad Ali Was A Champion Both In And Out Of The Ring
YouTube
Expressing himself with force and directness ¡ª not to mention his charm and charisma ¡ª Ali became a magnetic symbol of dignity and self-determination to several generations of African-Americans, which led to him being called ¡°the People¡¯s Champ.¡±
Now, an old video is going viral where Ali calls out racism while explaining what prompted him to become a Muslim.
He explains in the video that he was a curious child who noted the plethora of white objects and people, including in literature, media and even household products and wondered why black people weren't represented in the same way.
During the interview, he makes a stinging attack at people who claim that "not all white people" are racists.
"So now I¡¯m going to forget the 400 years of lynching and killing and raping and depriving my people of freedom and justice and equality¡ and I¡¯m gonna look at two or three white people who are trying to do right and ignore the million trying to kill me? I¡¯m not that big of a fool," he says in the video.
Ali¡¯s words were a stark statement on what it was to be black in America, and how the ¡°not all white people¡± defence only served to downplay the discrimination experienced by African Americans in all aspects of their lives.
CNN
The video has prompted a lot on reactions online with people pointing out why Ali is the greatest of all times. The current athletes could learn a thing or two from him - the impact that he had off the field is what makes Ali so loved and respected.
While the world continues to fight racial injustice, casteism, and sexism, the world is missing a figure like Muhammad Ali. That is what is more disheartening. But as was the impact of Ali, we might never see anyone like him.
Also read: Meet The 5 Men Who Were Able To Get The Better Of Muhammad Ali Inside The Ring
