The History of Times Person of the Year: A Look Back at the Most Influential People
Times Person of the Year is an annual tradition where Time Magazine names a person, group, idea, or object that has had the biggest impact on the world, for better or for worse. This tradition dates back to 1927, when Charles Lindbergh was named the first Person of the Year for his solo flight across the Atlantic.
Since then, the title has been given to various individuals who have made a significant impact on the world. The selection process is based on the criteria of influence, notability, and newsworthiness. In this article, we will take a look back at the most influential people who have been named Times Person of the Year throughout history.
The Early Years
In the early years of the Times Person of the Year, the title was mainly given to individuals who had made pioneering achievements. Apart from Charles Lindbergh, individuals like Mahatma Gandhi and Franklin D. Roosevelt were also notable awardees.
In 1938, Adolf Hitler was named Person of the Year, not for his contribution to humanity but for his significant impact on world affairs. It is interesting to note that the title was not necessarily awarded to individuals who had made a positive impact on the world.
Modern Times
In the modern era, Times Person of the Year has been awarded to a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions in different fields. In 1966, the millions of young people who had changed the face of America were named as the recipients of the title.
In 2017, the #MeToo movement, which gave a voice to the victims of sexual harassment and assault, was named as the Person of the Year. This shows that Times Person of the Year is not limited to individuals and can be given to a group or idea that has made a significant impact on the world.
The Controversial Choices
Over the years, there have been controversial choices for Times Person of the Year. In 2006, for example, the title was awarded to “You,” representing the millions of individuals who contribute to user-generated content on the internet.
In 2019, the title in question was awarded to Greta Thunberg, the young climate activist who has inspired the world with her activism. The decision was met with mixed opinions, with some arguing that there were more deserving individuals for the title.
Conclusion
Times Person of the Year is an annual tradition that has been around for almost a century. It has recognized individuals, groups, ideas, and objects that have made a significant impact on the world.
From pioneers like Charles Lindbergh and Mahatma Gandhi to contemporary figures like Greta Thunberg, Times Person of the Year has celebrated the most influential people in history, even if some choices have been controversial.
As we look back at the history of Times Person of the Year, we can see that the awardees are a reflection of the times they lived in and the challenges they faced. Whatever the choice may be, the selection process has always been based on the recipient’s influence, newsworthiness, and notability.
