ALI'S HUMOR, DEMEANOR BROKE RACIAL GROUND UNLIKE LATER RACE BAITERS

Mohammed Ali- Best Buddy Comic Billy Crystal delivers classic eulogy 6-16

ALI'S HUMOR, DEMEANOR BROKE NEW RACIAL GROUND UNLIKE LATER RACE BAITERS

MOHAMMED ALI scared many when he burst upon the scene in the early 1960s. He pronounced his new Muslim religion by changing his name from Cassius Clay.  He was one of the first 'black radicals,' as it were and white America had trouble dealing with it, at first.  But then, it turned out he wasn't really that radical, certainly by today's standards. We would find he didn't push his activism on others as he didn't take himself too seriously while his quick smile and playfulness disarmed any fears. His humor helped white America accept and deal with  the still valid messages of racism . These are qualities you don't see often today in others with political or religious agendas such as Sharpton, Jackson, Farakan of any number of politicians who tend to shove 'the race card' in our faces today, fifty years later (since Ali burst on the scene), after years of civil rights programs have been implemented, whether successful or not. .

ALI got his activist messages across in such a 'non-activist ' way it was easier to accept-when it really meant something .  The rhetoric that may have shocked some initially gave way to acceptance and even appreciation for Ali's unique rhyming /humor. Why don't more of today's activists follow in Ali's style with humor and lack of mean-spiritedness

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As noted by his inclusive style such as his desire for an 'inclusive' funeral Ali would only gain admirers through his life rather than lose them. Even when his voice betrayed him, he engaged people with a mere look,a smile or even a magic trick or two. His style and grace and one off ways will be missed.