As people mourn the death of Muhammad Ali, i can’t help but feel amused. For some of these people, what exactly is being mourned? Which aspect(s) of his life truly ‘inspired’ them?
Was it the fact that he would not take racism lying down, and would always respond in no uncertain terms? Or was it the fact that he refused to be part of his country’s army, an act that would make him a disloyal citizen to many of these people? Or was it the fact that he was a proud, proud Muslim, and spoke about God whenever he was given a platform?
Some of these people who are ‘mourning’ are the same ones who are outright or latent racists. Some of them find a lot of comfort in making racist jokes (‘it’s just a joke guys, you should learn to lighten up’ – to which, a part of me always feels like responding ‘it’s just a slap man, doesn’t hurt that much’.) Some of them deny the existence of majority privilege. Some of them think members of other races are biologically inferior. And yet they are ‘admirers’ of Muhammad Ali?
Some of these people abide by the mantra ‘my country, right or wrong.’ Anything with regard to the military, cannot be questioned: otherwise, you’re being disloyal. Yet they praise Muhammad Ali for refusing to participate in his country’s?
Some of these people have absolutely zero regard for Muslims. They think Muslims are sub-humans, whose voices should not be heard too much (except when they advocating the ‘reformation of Islam’), and that Muslims ‘demand’ too much.
And these people are mourning Muhammad Ali?
But i understand. There is a need to portray one’s self as a ‘global citizen’, however twisted one’s beliefs actually are. When the world mourns for Muhammad Ali, you should mourn for him. When the world criticizes Donald Trump, you should tag along and express outrage.
Expressing ‘admiration’ for Muhammad Ali, or ‘disdain’ for Trump doesn’t make you an egalitarian, or a non-racist. Ultimately, your own actions and words do.
Source: Walid J. Abdullah
