As we enter into the last few months of 2013, it is time to look back and reflect on who has changed the course of this year. They may have done wonderful or terrible things, or did something so obnoxious that the world took notice in utter confusion. Regardless of reason, these five people have been immortalized in the history books.
1. Miley Cyrus
Miley had the entire world talking after her performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. It caused the us to take pause and evaluate exactly who we put on pedestals in the media. While Miley received a wave of negative criticism, she caught our attention, and no matter whether it was positive or negative attention. Because of her, people began to question why she got the brunt of criticism while her performance partner, Robin Thicke, seemed to get by without much criticism at all. Miley’s performance also made the world reflect on how we are bringing up the new generation of adults and used as an example for many parents talking to their children.
2. The Royal Baby
Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, while he is still only an infant, the birth of Prince George was a reminder to us all that even in the midst of disaster and economic turmoil, millions of people still cared about the birth of the future King of England. If anything, it was moving to watch Kate and William become parents and with their humble parenting style and outlook on life, giving the world hope that perhaps things will be better in the future.
3. Nina Davuluri
She was just recently crowned as the first Indian-American Miss America, Miss Davuluri caught the attention of millions of Americans and sparked reactions of racial slurs as well as support. Her crowning has marked progression of what exactly makes someone American. What is even more remarkable is her reaction to the racial slurs and being called a “terrorist” and her crowning “being an insult to the memory of 9/11. While she could have reacted negatively, Davuluri has brushed it off and not letting it affect her reign and her mission to bring positive change to the organization.
4. Malala Yousafzai
At the young age of 15, Malala has survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban, spoken at the United Nations, and has become an activist for education and women’s rights in Pakistan. When she was shot in the head and neck by the Taliban in October of 2012. She remained in critical condition and eventually recovered, thus proving that even under the most oppressive and dire circumstances, good will prevail through the darkness. Malala continued to catch the world’s attention after she spoke for the first time since her attack at the United Nations on her birthday, July 12th, 2013 (which has been now declared “Malala Day”). Despite backlash and resistance, this young woman has become a hero to millions around the world of all ages.
5. Joaquim Barbosa
Elected as the newest president of Brazil’s supreme court in a country that imported the largest number of slaves of the America’s, Joaquim Benedito Barbosa Gomes is the symbol of a new Brazil. Rising from poverty, Barbosa has risen through the ranks thanks to hard work, education, blood, sweat, and tears. Barbosa’s face is now the most famous Carnival mask this year, which is a sign of honor and respect in Brazil. Barbosa represents a new Brazil that will embrace different races and embrace racial equality.
This article was written by William Reeves. He is currently a postgraduate student of Personality and Behavioral Science. He loves blogging in his spare time and recommends that you visit Buzz Kenya where he makes his contributions.
Filed under: Celebrities, Featured Press, Politics
