Reflections on Muhammad Ali

By Steve Feinstein

In the interests of historical completeness and balance, it has to be remembered that Ali denounced his given name of Cassius Clay as his “slave name,” frequently referred to American culture as being run by “white devils,” and proclaimed his hatred of “white America” on many occasions. He was gratuitously cruel to Joe Frazier -- a man who helped him personally and financially—for no apparent reason at all, other than just to be mean. He was only too eager to enjoy the fruits of success that this country afforded him, yet he was unwilling to give back even a little when called on. Muhammad Ali was indeed a fascinating and charismatic figure, and perhaps the “Greatest” boxer of all time, as he was only too quick to point out. But he was a multi-dimensional figure, not all of it good by any means. Unthinking admirers -- especially media analysts -- would do well to not take the easy way out, and instead make the effort to look at the full picture....... Read more