Since 1927, Time Magazine’s editors have chosen their annual “Person of the Year.” The award is not a popularity contest, nor is it a person who is necessarily admirable or positive; past designees have included Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin — with Stalin named twice. The title is aptly given to one who has “most influenced the news this year for better or worse.”
The origin of the magazine’s moniker was different — at least in regard to motive — as the editorial epithet was first assigned in order to remedy a perceived editorial embarrassment. Aviator Charles Lindbergh was not featured on Time’s cover following his historic trans-Atlantic flight that year; hence, the designation of Lindbergh as the first then “Man of the Year” allowed Time to save some journalistic swagger.
Sometimes the person is a bit more ambiguous, such as “The American Fighting Man” in 1950, representing U.S. troops involved in the Korean War — or an entire people group such as 1960’s “U.S. Scientists.” In some of the periodical’s more creative attributions, 1982 cited “The Computer”, 1988 “The Endangered Earth,” and 2006 was actually “You.”
(… ok, “You” is still making this observer chuckle… must not have been many great choices that year…)
This year, with the continued evolution of social media, Time again invited the rest of us to join in, although the editors aver they will be doing the actual selecting. This year’s prime candidates, no less, include multiple, perennial national and world leaders — such as Germany’s Angela Merkel, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and both U.S. Senators from Kentucky. Several CEO’s made the list, as did celebrities Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, and Kanye West. Also included is NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, “Ebola doctors and nurses,” and Pete Frates and Pat Quinn — originators of the ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge.”
My sense is that the so-called winner will not be Pope Francis, as even though included in the consideration, the pivotal religious leader was the 2013 designee.
The title could be given to the included “Ferguson protestor.” Even though the societal figure was prominent only in August and December, the choice would contribute to the public narrative desired by some. Let’s face it; one of the aspects manifest via Ferguson is that sometimes the media influences the narrative more than reality itself. Sometimes the media seems to actually create news — especially when possessing a bias certain sources surreptitiously share.
As the Intramuralist considers potential worthy suitors, I immediately think of “awards” to the following :
To Pres. Obama — who still seemed to rally the masses this year, albeit arguably more in opposition than support…
To Attorney General Eric Holder — who questionably, oversaw the legality in multiple serious scenarios, from the IRS to Ferguson, Missouri…
To “A Trio of Athletes” in Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice, and Jameis Winston — each who for better or (yes) worse, brought domestic violence to the forefront of public conversation…
And to “The Social Media User” — who still creates or kills a story based on how much they Tweet, text, video, or Vine.
We will watch with curiosity for this week’s announcement, seeing who earns the subjective distinction — seeing still, how they will react to the title. Will they be humble? Will they be honored? Will there exist any bias in the presentation?
At least this year, the “victor” probably won’t be “You.”
Respectfully…
AR