Muhammad Ali Documentary Essay
Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami
The documentary, “Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami”, directed by Gaspar González and Alan Tomlinson, chronologically explores the life of Cassius Clay, better known as Muhammad Ali. The documentary begins by briefly providing background information about his upbringing, explaining how he grew up in an unstable home with an alcoholic father, and was also was exposed daily to the harsh realities of racial injustice in America in the 1960s, specifically the idea that he was a “second class citizen” (Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami). Cassius Clay’s pre-professional years likely left him with unresolved frustration toward society, which he used in a constructive manner as he developed the desire to fight for his person. The documentary incorporates many interviews from individuals who knew Clay personally, who provide unique recollections and anecdotes about Mr. Clay and his time in Miami, a place considered to be ahead of it’s time in regards to the Civil Rights movement. Miami was lively and promising- a perfect location for Cassius Clay to train and grow into the almighty and iconic Muhammad Ali that he will be remembered as interminably. The documentary touches on the idea that without Miami as the backdrop to his life, there would be no Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay’s career coincided with the Civil Rights movement in America, making his trials and accomplishments exceptionally symbolic,. Going beyond just proving himself as an athlete, he also became an athlete who broke down cultural barriers to become a prominent political figure. Transcending the pure world of sports with politics is viewed negatively; throughout history, politics have been regarded as adversative to sports. However, Cassius Clay never remained silent on cultural issues about which he felt strongly. He understood an idea that the majority of athletes today still have yet to learn: that successful careers give athletes a platform by which they can speak out and make a
The documentary, “Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami”, directed by Gaspar González and Alan Tomlinson, chronologically explores the life of Cassius Clay, better known as Muhammad Ali. The documentary begins by briefly providing background information about his upbringing, explaining how he grew up in an unstable home with an alcoholic father, and was also was exposed daily to the harsh realities of racial injustice in America in the 1960s, specifically the idea that he was a “second class citizen” (Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami). Cassius Clay’s pre-professional years likely left him with unresolved frustration toward society, which he used in a constructive manner as he developed the desire to fight for his person. The documentary incorporates many interviews from individuals who knew Clay personally, who provide unique recollections and anecdotes about Mr. Clay and his time in Miami, a place considered to be ahead of it’s time in regards to the Civil Rights movement. Miami was lively and promising- a perfect location for Cassius Clay to train and grow into the almighty and iconic Muhammad Ali that he will be remembered as interminably. The documentary touches on the idea that without Miami as the backdrop to his life, there would be no Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay’s career coincided with the Civil Rights movement in America, making his trials and accomplishments exceptionally symbolic,. Going beyond just proving himself as an athlete, he also became an athlete who broke down cultural barriers to become a prominent political figure. Transcending the pure world of sports with politics is viewed negatively; throughout history, politics have been regarded as adversative to sports. However, Cassius Clay never remained silent on cultural issues about which he felt strongly. He understood an idea that the majority of athletes today still have yet to learn: that successful careers give athletes a platform by which they can speak out and make a