Week 4 Day 5: Undiluted Truth / Monologue – ALI

[Sherry Miller]

Muhammad Ali mustered up courage and resolve to win many fights. And he was true to self, gave it his best. He was no different out of the ring when it came to justice in real life. He supported social causes, spoke out against racism, and especially opposed the Vietnam war. “Ali” gave movie-goers a good portrayal job by Will Smith, btw. This scene is explosive, full of energy, and conviction. Breaking Point: Stripped of his title by the Boxing Commission, Ali is given an ultimatum: offer an apology or no more boxing matches. Ali does not. He’s not being defiant or scared to die. It’s just that if he’s gonna die, he wants it to be for something he believes in – not killing people. The quality of the Monologue is A+. It showcases his inner virtue, his beliefs, his convictions, even his sensitivity for other people in compromised conditions such as war. “I ain’t draft-dodgin'”, he spouts. “I ain’t burnin’ no flag, and I ain’t runnin’ to Canada.” Right away, we know who he is: someone determined, who won’t die fighting a useless war. And won’t die for something he doesn’t believe in. His past wounds: Once, after winning a fight that made him a national champion, he enters an “all white” restaurant. He’s turned down because he’s black. All he wanted was a steak to celebrate. This deep wound bleeds out when he bashes rascism in his monologue. “You are my opposer when I want freedom, You want me to fight for you? You won’t even stand up for me. In America.” Wow. Powerful. “You want to send me to jail? I’ve been in jail for 400 years!” He goes on to say that he’s not goin’ 70,000 miles to help murder people he doesn’t know. Poor people. We now know he’s a steadfast peace activist. This level of emotion shows us Ali’s truth. He makes the tough decision. Boxing, which is his life, or no boxing. He gives it up to stand in his truth – He is a “conscientious objector.” A pacifist. He will not go to war because it’s morally wrong. Drama this scene is built around? Right after the world of boxing let’s him go, he walks out into a crowd of reporters and cameramen. He walks so fast, he practically jogs. Cameras are flashing. He’s also talking fast and loud. His speech is animated, in your face, as his head turns side to side shouting into microphones shoved at his mouth. His future becomes clear. His traits: humility despite success, outspoken, spirituality, charisma, genuine, honesty. They will prevail. He converts to Islam and spends a life in peace and prayer.