But I'll get off that as this is neither the time or place to get into that kind of discussion.
Actually, I think it
is the time and place for such a discussion. It's an interesting thread, but it could easily become a boring one with people posting a list of names and nothing more. SC left it open to interpretation as to how and why we vote - I assume it was to encourage a variety of reasons and open a window for debate.
I haven't voted yet, but of the nominees, I'd pick Ali first and unquestionably in that category. Why? Because I'd be voting people on the basis of international embodiments of American iconography (forgive the iffy term). In short, "cultural significance" - and the US happens to be the most culturally significant country on the planet.
Or, put it this way; you yourself said of Elvis:
Elvis Presley-Never liked his music, probably never will but there is no denying the impact he left.
I think Ali as a person(a) exists as much outside of the boxing world as he did inside it. Wayne Gretzky, meanwhile, gets a comical reference in
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and had a videogame out not so long ago. But what makes NHL records inherently great? (I'm not saying they're not.)
So, in response, why
wouldn't you vote for Ali?
