The media's great attention to Mohammad Ali's life after his passing highlights the significant impact that he had outside of the boxing ring. He was accepted by many Whites in the United States for his boxing abilities, yet his fame did not prevent him from facing racism as other Blacks encountered especially throughout the South such as in Miami where he could not go into stores such as Burdines Downtown (now Macy's) to buy shirts. Although Ali indicated that he was not smart, he certainly was intelligent enough to realize the racial hypocrisy that existed in the United States as it related to drafting African-American men to fight in the Vietnam war for a country that showed them no respect as human beings. He maintained his integrity when it meant that he would have to give up his love for boxing and go to jail. No professional athletes of color today and in recent eras can be compared to Ali and others during his time whose principles made them outspoken and stand up for what they believed was right. Athletes today and in recent eras would not dare jeopardize their flamboyant lifestyles to be outspoken as individuals or take on causes of the masses who they once identified with prior to fame and fortune. They seem content only with doing their yearly self-named public relations charity work so that the community will not have to wonder why they are not giving back. Nevertheless, their efforts are more commendable than the professional athletes you do not stand up for a cause or contribute to uplifting a community. Ali's selfless contribution to humanity is not an expected trait that have materialized in professional athletes since his era or is envisioned in the future.
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