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Why We Can’t Quit Muhammad Ali

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Summary

This article considers the legacy of Muhammad Ali and why he has become a near-saint-like figure for many Americans. It examines the hagiographic approach that is often used when talking about Ali, and how his life and legacy have been examined in-depth and repurposed many times. It also looks at three particular questions surrounding Ali, including whether or not his second fight against Sonny Liston was fixed, why he called his nemesis Joe Frazier racist names, and to what extent he was a puppet for Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam. It concludes that Aliology is ultimately a visual medium, and that Ali's face and voice have become a collective coping mechanism for the shame of Jim Crow and the Vietnam War.

Q&As

What is George Orwell's rule about saints in his essay "Reflections on Gandhi"?
George Orwell's rule about saints in his essay "Reflections on Gandhi" is that they should always be judged guilty until they are proved innocent.

What is the consensus opinion of Muhammad Ali in Ken Burns' documentary?
The consensus opinion of Muhammad Ali in Ken Burns' documentary is that he is a saint.

To what extent was Ali a puppet for Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam?
The film suggests that Ali was a puppet for the Nation of Islam during his younger years, but also suggests that he evolved throughout his life.

Was Ali's second fight against Sonny Liston fixed?
Burns and his cast of talking heads give viewers a wink and a nod on this one; it is implied that the fight was fixed.

What is the strongest argument against Ali's sainthood?
The strongest argument against Ali's sainthood is his treatment of Joe Frazier, which included calling him racist names and mocking his intelligence.

AI Comments

👍 This article offers an insightful and thorough analysis of Muhammad Ali's life, legacy and impact on American culture. Jay Caspian Kang does an excellent job of examining Ali's life and the impact it had on society.

👎 This article fails to provide any new or original insights into Muhammad Ali's life and legacy. The author simply regurgitates the same hagiographic narrative that has been used for generations, without any real critical or analytical depth.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about why we can't quit Muhammad Ali. It talks about how he's become a symbol of righteous defiance and his status as an American saint. It also looks at some of the criticisms of Ali and why he's been so widely venerated.

Friend: Interesting. What implications do you think this article has?

Me: I think it's a reminder of how powerful symbols of defiance and justice can be in our society. It's also a reminder that even those who are venerated for their work and beliefs can be seen as human and flawed. It's important to look at both sides of the story, and this article does a good job of that. Finally, I think it's a reminder of how important it is to remember and celebrate those who have stood up for justice, even if they have done so imperfectly.

Action items

Research the life and work of Gandhi and compare it to Ali's life and work.
Watch Ken Burns' documentary on Muhammad Ali and other Ali documentaries to gain a better understanding of Ali's life and legacy.
Read Mark Kram's book "Ghosts of Manila" to gain a deeper understanding of Ali's relationship with Joe Frazier.

Technical terms

Hagiography: A biography of a saint or other religious figure.
Encyclopaedia Britannica: A comprehensive reference work, or encyclopedia, containing articles on a range of topics.
Consensus: A general agreement among a group of people.
Archival footage: Recorded material that has been preserved for historical or other purposes.
Symbiotic: A relationship between two organisms in which both benefit.
Parasitic: A relationship between two organisms in which one benefits and the other is harmed.
Canon: A set of accepted works or beliefs.
Rumble in the Jungle: A famous boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974.
Thrilla in Manila: A famous boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975.
Uncle Tom: A derogatory term for a Black person who is seen as overly subservient to white people.
Prefight banter: Lighthearted conversation between two opponents before a fight.