The end of the year is fast approaching; meaning list upon list of ‘2015’s most (insert adjective here) People’ is being released. The most anticipated being the ‘Time 100 most influential People’. First published in 1999, the ‘TIME 100’, as it has come to be known, began with a debate at a symposium in Washington DC, with panel participants. The first list, however, offered a wider scope, noting the most influential 100 of the 20th century, rather than the past year. Based on the popularity, in 2004, the list featured in the magazine again, individuals placed into one of five categories; Titans, Pioneers, Artists, Leaders and Icons. So, here are five individuals, each representative of a different category.
Titans
Susan Wojcicki, an American technology executive, is one of the 18 Titans of 2015. Although her name may not be familiar, her company certainly is- unless you haven’t heard of YouTube, one of the most visited websites in the world. And if that isn’t enough, the company ‘Google’ was created inside her garage. She rose within the ranks pretty quickly, being recognised as ‘the most influential person in advertising’. Although that may not be recognisable, the fact that Wojcicki owns the most significant website in the live of many should be enough to convince millions of her importance.
Pioneers
Bryan Stevenson, who may be another unknown name, is certainly a man who deserves greater renown. A lawyer, professor, and social justice activist, Stevenson’s claim to the list is his position as founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. The goal of this organisation is to free as many wrongly convicted individuals as possible, having saved 115 individuals from the death penalty to date. This inspiring and positive work for helping those who truly need it, Stevenson is truly deserving of his place on this list.
Artists
John Oliver is a slightly more recognisable name than our previous two, which may say something about Western culture. A late night talk-show host, Oliver’s brutal honesty and willingness to tackle relevant, difficult issues with class and humour are something to be commended. Although humour is often looked down upon, it is a constant vehicle to deliver positive messages of social change, which is exactly what Oliver does. A hilarious and insightful comedian (though perhaps only one for the more mature), Oliver is, without a doubt, a highly influential artist.
Leaders
Elizabeth warren, though perhaps not recognisable to those outside America, is definitely famed within her political circle. A democratic senator, and dubbed an ‘American Progressive’, Warren is a fierce defender of families who, due to unfortunate events, can no longer pay their bills. Furthermore, she acts as a vicious watchdog to large companies who think tax laws don’t apply to them. Her position as a politician, and as a progressive not only make her an influential leader, but a positive one.
Icons
I know that I have mentioned Malala Yousafzai in previous ‘influential people’ articles, but she is, for lack of a better word, an icon. A significant player in advocacy of equal education rights, Yousafzi, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a hero to many. Surviving a terrorist attack following her and her father’s campaign for equal education for girls, Yousafzai has campaigned all over the world, determined to make it a better, safer, and more fair place for all.
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