We are Kings
4/6/2003
Allen Theater
The Genuine Hero
Muhammad Ali, the heavy boxing champion in 1974, was the genuine hero to the black people in Africa. He fought for them and they supported him. His fighting inspired not only the people but also the country's economy.
It was very interesting how the two boxers, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, were differently recognized by people in Africa. On Ali's arrival, people welcomed him with a thunder of applause and shouting of Bumaje. On the other hand, people had not heard of Foreman. They even thought that he was white representing America. It is well seen that what mattered was not the color but the spirit and the deeds. People said that Ali was genuine and could have been even lighter.
On October 30, 1974, every Ali's supporter was in fear of losing him. Contrary to Ali who had a big pride in his ability and spoke a lot, Foreman was quiet and a physical guru. Everyone thought that Ali would be killed with his pride. What the pride brought them, however, was a victory. People were even more inspired.
This championship created an excitement. It also led the country's economy prosperous. Ali was aware of many problems in the country, examples being low education of black people, prostitution, and AIDS. Ali says, "I want the medal. When I get it, I can help out more people. I have money. I can feed kids with McDonald. I can show people Mississippi, and the films of places I have never been."
Ali was charismatic. He was the king. People loved him, and supported him. They wanted him in political position. He fought for the black. Foreman was also black, and yet he had to experience a bias. Color does not represent a person, nor determine who he/she is. It was Ali's deeds and spirit that made him a genuine hero to the black.
Mariko Furukawa