Unveiling the Top 10 Contenders for TIME Person of the Year 2021
As the year comes to a close, TIME magazine has once again started the process of selecting its Person of the Year. For 99 years, the magazine has been recognizing the person or group of people who made the biggest impact on the world within the past year. This year’s contenders are a diverse mix of individuals and groups that have made significant contributions to society across a range of fields.
1. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris
One of the leading contenders for this year’s recognition is President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Both have made history with their election as the first female vice president and the oldest president in US history. Joe Biden has made significant strides in rebuilding the nation’s economy and has taken concrete steps to curb the pandemic.
2. Scientists and Healthcare Workers
Another group that could clinch the TIME Person of the Year 2021 title is scientists and healthcare workers. Frontline healthcare workers and researchers have risked their own lives to save others during the pandemic. They have been instrumental in developing vaccines to contain the virus and have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their work.
3. Ben Crump and the Fight for Racial Justice
Ben Crump, the high-profile civil rights lawyer, could also be named TIME’s Person of the Year. He is representing the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black Americans who have been killed by police officers. Crump’s fight for racial justice has resonated globally, and he has become a prominent force in the movement.
4. Greta Thunberg and Climate Change Activists
Greta Thunberg is another potential candidate for this year’s recognition. The young climate change activist has been an inspiration to many and has sparked a global movement to take urgent action on climate change. Greta continues to highlight the dire need to address the climate crisis, and her efforts have inspired countless young people to take action.
5. Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, could also make his way to the top ten contenders for the Person of the Year 2021. Bezos’ Blue Origin space program successfully launched crew members to space, marking a major milestone in commercial space travel. His endeavor could have significant implications for the future of space exploration.
6. Simone Biles and Mental Health Advocacy
Simone Biles, the world-renowned gymnast, withdrew from several events at the Tokyo Olympics citing her mental health. Her actions sparked a global conversation around the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health concerns. Biles’ advocacy for mental health could land her a spot in TIME’s top ten contenders for the Person of the Year.
7. Tigrayans and the Ethiopian Conflict
The current conflict in Ethiopia has displaced millions of people, and the Tigrayans who have been at the center of the conflict could also make it to TIME’s top ten list. The Tigrayans’ fight for autonomy has been met with brutal violence from the Ethiopian government, and recognizing their efforts could bring attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.
8. Vladimir Putin and Global Politics
Vladimir Putin’s influence in global politics continues to make headlines, and his leadership during the pandemic and his ongoing feud with the West could place him among the contenders for the Person of the Year 2021. Putin continues to wield significant power and influence in Russia and on the world stage.
9. Osama Rabi and the Fight for Civil Rights in Israel
Osama Rabi, an attorney in Israel, has been fighting for the civil rights of Palestinian citizens in the country. He has led the charge against the controversial Nation-State Law that discriminates against non-Jewish citizens. Osama’s fight for equal rights in a country plagued by conflict and polarization makes him a strong candidate for TIME’s Person of the Year 2021.
10. Simone Biles and Mental Health Advocacy
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the lives of millions of people worldwide, and recognizing the essential workers who have kept society running during the crisis could be a fitting tribute. Healthcare workers, grocery store clerks, delivery drivers, and others have all played a critical role during the pandemic, and they could be recognized for their selflessness and dedication.
In conclusion, the contenders for TIME’s Person of the Year 2021 represent a diverse mix of individuals and groups that have made significant contributions to society this year. From political leaders to activists to scientists and healthcare workers, each candidate has made their mark in their respective fields. Regardless of who takes the top spot, all of the contenders deserve recognition for their extraordinary achievements in a challenging year.
