It is safe to say that athletes and celebrities have just as much impact on society, as the politicians that run the country. Professional athletes share the same social status as celebrities, they are seen as role models, and leave a mark on history with what they are able to accomplish in their careers. Throughout history, there have been instances where athletes use their higher platform to bring awareness to injustices in their society, just recently the NFL has been gaining a lot of backlash as more players start to kneel during the national anthem in protest of the mistreatment of people of color by law enforcement. However, this is hasn’t been the only time athletes have come together to protest against injustice. Almost 48 years ago, the Vietnam War Draft lottery came into play, calling into service any male born in between 1944 and 1950. Of course, this drew public outrage, as it randomly decided who would be drafted, and any male that has at least graduated high school is required by law to serve if they have been drafted. The question I pose for you today is; What impact do athletes have over social issues within our country? I believe that Clay v. United States, NBA uniforms, and the NFL protests are all examples of athletes using their higher social status to bring awareness to social injustices. Formerly known as Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali was arguably the most revered and idolized boxer to ever step in the ring. However, throughout his boxing career, he was
Muhammad Ali was a great boxer he was born January 17, 1942. He won the heavy weight champion he also went to jail because he did not want to service for his country so he was put in jail for five years. The reason why Muhammad Ali started to fight was because some stole his bike and Ali went to the police and the police told him that he needs to know how to fight so he started to train Ali and at 12 he knew that he had to fight. Muhammad won his first fight in 1954. In 1956 Ali to go win the golden gloves. Ali fought for the heavy weight a British champion. In 1963 Ali knocked out Sonny Liston and in 1964 became the heavy weight champion.
Muhammad Ali was a role model for a lot of people, he even was looked up to after he retired in 1978 (Owens 128). He was a great leader in this decade, he helped people by providing someone to look up to and someone to try to be like. Ali’s actions on and off the ring were noticed, people would change their ways because of him. Like most athletes today Ali inspired people by the littlest things, He would do something good and helpful and people in the community would do the same. Ali also has inspired athletes today with his fighting styles and inspirational messages. Muhammad Ali has ruled on and out of the ring in many ways, he will always be remembered in boxing history for forever.
Muhammad Ali was a boxer because of his prominent role as a Civil Rights Activist. He stood up for what he believed
Muhammad Ali was a man made to box. He had a great career before him since he made his first professional fight under President Eisenhower presidency. His Professional Career was really
Athletes have been protesting in ways which are frowned upon by the government. Athletes should use their fame to promote a political agenda because everybody has an opinion.In the article, “The athlete as agent of change,” by Lonnie Bunch and David Skorton, athletes use their fame to promote a political agenda. In this article, Bunch and Skorton list the ways that athletes silently protest in sports. Ways that listed include athletes turning their back on the flag, kneeling during the national anthem, and refusing to salute the flag. These actions show that the athlete may be opposing America and by doing this, their opinion is shown. Athletes’ opinions are very powerful because athletes are often mentors or inspirations to their fans which
Without a doubt, we look at athletes today and from the past as if they are larger than life individuals. They show their personality through talent no matter what they play; some are better than others, for example some can kick or throw. However, at the end of the day they all have a different voice and a different story. People expect them to turn a blind eye to everyday events because of their status. People think of athletes as celebrities, they say they do not go through the same struggles as everyday people. That statement is far from the truth when it pertains to the issue of racism. Racism has been an unresolved problem for years whether it is in sports or athletes speaking for what they believe. Racism has had a big impact on sports such as Germany hosting the olympics and cheating, N.B.A. owners thinking they rule over their players, and the hidden discrimination that happens in locker rooms. Many times athletes have stood up for what they believed just to be shot down. Nowhere in their contracts does it state that because they are professionals that they must compromise their freedom of speech. Whether it be refusing to meet with the president, speaking out on racial injustices, or not standing for the national anthem, athletes have a strong voice in the fight against discrimination and other traumatic events. The fight for equality in sports and throughout America is a process that includes multiple organizations, the reaction of authority figures, and
There are some reasons as to why professional athletes shouldn’t be protesting because they’re popular. For example, the protests have been causing controversy among people. “While some have voiced their support of Kaepernick, the general public may have a different view.” This shows that not everyone is going to have the same opinion over a topic because the way someone will view things will be based on experiences in their life. In addition, there are other ways to make a difference that are not as harmful. Apparently, “both Kaepernick and the 49ers recently announced they will be donating to charities focusing on racial issues.” This shows that making a difference doesn’t always have to have people outraged because doing other helpful things like volunteering and going on mission trips manage to make a difference without angering people. Furthermore, sports are meant to be entertainment, and they’re taking that entertainment away. “Americans of all economic classes and
Clay’s fighting technique was far different than that of the other heavyweights at the time, he moved quickly and refused to set in a position. At the time this was seen as almost cowardly – he couldn’t handle a punch and his hits were soft blows. This philosophy all changed after Clay decided to fight the World Champion at the time, Sonny Liston. Cassius Clay somehow pulled off one of the greatest upsets in boxing history by defeating Liston in the seventh round. Afterword’s his name was changed to Muhammad Ali. Muhammad means “worthy of all praise” while Ali means “most high”. Muhammad Ali’s name wasn’t the only aspect that people used to deify him. Boxer’s became fascinated with his legendary footwork and tried to imitate Ali’s boxing style. Boxer’s across the world today still center their training techniques on Muhammad
Muhammad Ali was named the one of the greatest heavyweight champion in boxing history by Ring Magazine in 1987. Besides being an amazing boxer, he was a people person and outspoken figure who took championships and won.
Reigning NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors, refused to attend the customary tradition of visiting the White House after their championship victory. To make a statement, the team took young kids to an African American history museum; this decision made in hope to inspire the public that sports and athletes can impact change. Recurring issues involving racial profiling, discrimination, and police brutality, have fueled a historical timeline with professional athletes protesting social oppression. The position of fame held by an athlete intensifies the athlete’s performance, words, or actions, drawing a wide range of the world’s attention. The athlete’s voice, when amplified onto a public platform, is imperative in shedding a light on social
Throughout history there have been many influential people who have lived in this country. Some were politicians, some were actors, and some were even athletes. One such man was a gifted boxer named Muhammad Ali. He made his mark as an amateur, then as a professional. "The Greatest" was the self-proclaimed nickname of Ali, but so many people agreed that it stuck. He went through trials and tribulations in his life, which make him a historic icon. Muhammad Ali is known for being "The Greatest" boxer of all time, but unlike other athletes he is remembered for his out of the ring actions as well as his athletic accomplishments.
Professional athletes making political statements and sharing thoughts on their viewed social issues has been around since games were first being broadcasted and gave these athletes a stage to make a stand. Along with those actions entered debate for sports fans who are stuck between whether athletes should or should not share their views on things “bigger than sports”.This has been missing from professional sports in recent decades but is now slowly once again becoming relevant. The presidency of Donald Trump along with Colin Kaepernick’s taking a knee to protest the national anthem are the two main reasons for the
Muhammad Ali had an outstanding record of 56 wins, 5 loses, and had 37 knockouts even to some opponents treat people thought he would never beat like the big bear AKA Sunny Liston.
Should professional athletes use their status to protest the events taking place today? People have argued that professional athletes should not make a public stand, and mix politics and sports. Professional athletes should use their status to protest current events.
How wonderful for a person to be highly respected within a community discriminating people for their colour and religion! Mohamed Ali Clay is a black Muslim American Olympic and world Champion boxer. He was born in January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky and he passed away in June 2016. His born name was Cassius Marcellus Clay, however, he changed it to be Mohamed Ali in 1970s after he joined the black Muslim Nation of Islam. Although Mohamed Ali was accused with draft evasion in June 20, 1967, which caused him to be judged with five years of prison, mulct $10,000, and deprived of boxing for three years, he became a special, successful person. He won six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles, in addition to two national Golden Gloves titles. Moreover,