Ep 5. Ali: The Mission
- TV-G
- January 17, 2013
- 13 min
-
7.0 (63)
Ali: The Mission is an episode of the first season of the ESPN show 30 for 30 Shorts. This episode is a compelling look into Muhammad Ali's decision to refuse induction into the US Army in 1967, citing religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War.
The episode starts by providing contextual background to Ali's life leading up to his decision. It covers his religious journey and how he came to adopt the Nation of Islam, as well as his fame and success as a boxer. The episode then delves into the Vietnam War and its impact on the United States, with interviews from veterans and historians providing their takes on the conflict.
The episode then explores Ali's decision and the subsequent fallout. Viewers are given insight into Ali's thought process and the intense pressure he faced from both the government and the public. We see how the media portrayed him as a traitor and a coward, despite his reasoning being rooted in religious and ethical convictions. Interviews with Ali's family members and friends provide a personal touch, allowing for a more intimate understanding of Ali's struggles during this time.
The episode then transitions to the legal battle that ensued after Ali's decision, including his suspension from boxing and his eventual conviction for draft evasion. It highlights the magnitude of his decision and the impact that it had on his life and career. We get to see archival footage of Ali's speeches and protests during this time, as well as how he was received by the African American community.
The episode concludes with Ali's redemption, as his case was overturned by the Supreme Court in a landmark decision that invalidated selective service policies that discriminated on the basis of race, religion, or national origin. Viewers also get a glimpse of Ali's legacy and how his actions had an impact beyond just his own personal struggles. Ali: The Mission serves not only as a historical account of one of Ali's most significant battles with the US government but also as a reminder of the power of conviction and standing up for one's beliefs.