Not that intimidating right? Mike Tyson, a very interesting person indeed. When I look at this man and recall all the popular news about him, i seem to forget that there is a completely different side of him. Before reading an article of Newsweek "A Fighter Disarmed," I always viewed Tyson just as a tough heavyweight champion boxer, only known for his aggressive behavior inside and outside the ring. Because of his aggressive attitude, when I heard about him going to jail after being convicted of raping Desiree Washington, I was not even surprised. But after I read the newsweek article, I have a better understanding and respect for this man.
I never considered the fact that Tyson faces many criticisms and negative comments from many people. I never considered what Tyson actually thinks when he has to confront these criticisms, and how he could keep his composure. I know I couldnt keep a solid composure if I was faced with grueling comments about me, despite my success in a specific area. According to the article, when he was making a speech, he heard voices saying that the people he was making the speech too were clapping, but they still didnt like him. He must experience or have that thought many times a week, and it must be hard. Its hard for him, but we dont realize it. I think we must come to realize that people who are troubled and act completely different from the norm I have feelings also, no matter how tough or mean they may be sometimes.
"Whenever stuff goes well for me, I just wait on the bad stuff to come." -Mike
Tyson
When a man realizes that people around him are his enemies, you know that his life was very tough and he had faced a lot of struggles. Besides the fact that he has to confront all the criticisms towards him, Tyson also has gone through drugs, being convicted of rape, and his past wasnt so dandy either. He lived his young life not knowing whether the man living in his house was really his father. He was fat and was beaten up constantly. He was forced to rob people to survive. I could imagine that he took up boxing to get rid of all his insecurities and fix the problems that have tormented his childhood. But those difficulties in his past have made him the man he is today, and still no one respects him. Tyson admits that he never expected to be idolized or respected, but is that how he really feels?
"Ive never been anybody to idolize, and i know that." -Mike Tyson
This man has clearly changed ever since his retirement and his rehabs. Less threatening to people, I think we can get a better understanding of Tyson besides his past of boxing success and scandals. Looking back at his life, Tyson realizes that all the appalling actions he did were not right, and to me, this is a great step in his life to admit this.
"I didnt like that Mike Tyson, so i gave all that stuff away. He wasnt a good
guy. He was just somebody I created to give people something to talk about."
-Mike Tyson
I believe that a person's past does influence the person's character, and with Tyson's history it's surprising that he isn't as violent as I thought he would be today. His struggling youth probably gave him the endurance to handle the judgements made about him. I also agree that his willingness to admit to his past mistakes is a good sign towards changing one's attitude toward life.
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