Muhammad Ali’s fight against racism started when he met Malcolm X and espoused his comparable views. The religion was the Nation of Islam and its views included pacifist ideas united with a spiritual embrace of all people. Ali insisted on setting a good example for the black youth of America. Even after winning the Olympic gold medal for the United States, he was still discriminated against. Muhammad contributed a lot to charities including the Our Children’s Foundation in Manhattan. His new acceptance of this religion changed his entire outlook on life.
Ali refused to serve in the military and fight in the Vietnam War. This decision decreased his popularity significantly. People called him unpatriotic and were disgusted. Not surprisingly, this adversity only made Ali stronger, prouder, and more determined than ever to live his life with dignity and by his own conviction. Muhammad was even willing to serve time in jail for violating the Selective Service Act. He lost his boxing title because of this decision. One of his few supporters was Howard Cosell, a World War II veteran and a former lawyer. The time during his repudiation to fight was the lowest point of his popularity and of his entire career.
Certain events in Ali’s life made him develop into the person he was. One of these events was when Muhammad met Malcolm X. This altered his outlook on life and made him a better person by accepting the beliefs and the faith of Islam. Another significant event takes place after he wins the Olympic gold medal. After the Olympics, Ali went into a restaurant to eat. He was refused service because of the color of his skin. Ali was so outraged, that he went to a nearby river and threw away his gold medal. He felt that if he and his fellow African Americans were not treated equally, then the medal symbolized nothing. Another significant even occurred after Ali objected to the war. Howard Cosell, an ABC announcer, stayed behind Ali throughout his entire career, especially during the wartime. These events helped to shape Ali’s thoughts and actions throughout his life.
Muhammad Ali was known to most people as just a boxer, but in his mind, his career was not nearly as important to him as his religious beliefs, the Nation of Islam. He helped to defeat the war against racism. He also stood by his beliefs, even when it meant jail-time or losing his supporters. Ali was at one point the most popular boxer in the world, but after his boxing license was taken away because of his objection, he became legendary for a different reason. Though some ostracized him because of his unpatriotic position, all people should respect him for standing up for what he believes in and for not backing down. His grace under fire, his confidence, the spirit of his convictions, and his self pride make Muhammad Ali not only the greatest boxer who ever lived, but one of the greatest human beings to ever grace the Earth. Ali was truly a champion of the people, a hero in the truest sense of the word, and a testament to humanity.
