There are many characteristics that make a person influential, but what is it that classifies an individual as influential? Might it be the way they speak or how they present themselves?
Countless people have been dubbed ‘inspirational' over the years; some of them include political figures, celebrities, artistes and so on. While there is no common quality among these motivating individuals, each targets a specific group of people.
But mostly, one finds an influential person as someone who is also a good role model, and in turn a good role model is one who gives back to society. If you look at the most recent poll of the 100 most influential people of 2012 on Time magazine's website, how many of the individuals who made it on the list would you consider a good role model?
Qualities such as courage and integrity seem to have lost meaning when it comes to being an influential person. Instead, it seems that being glamorous has become an essential quality one must possess in order to be recognised as an inspiring person.
The importance of fame and glamour is evident from the selected figures. When comparing the contributions of Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Pippa Middleton to society; one notices a bright contrast in comparison to the contributions of Barack Obama, Ron Paul and Hillary Clinton.
Receiving recognition via the internet, too, can be faulty. Talent is acknowledged based on web popularity rather than building an actual talent. An example would be Justin Bieber, the young musician who earned his fame by posting videos of himself on YouTube and eventually obtaining a record deal. Although adored by teenage girls across the globe, his fame does not reciprocate his talent.
Rebecca Black is another example of how fame does not rely on talent anymore. Infamous through her off-key tone, Black's reputation is based on her lack of talent. People have given her fame by loathing her, even though Black initially didn't intend to develop a negative reputation.
A true inspirational figure should gain fame from their talents or make a difference in the world through hardship. Nick Vujicic, an Australian man born with no limbs, made the most despite his genetic disorder and grew up to be a motivational speaker and is also happily married. It is men like Vujicic who have earned the right of being inspirational figures; not those who have gained their popularity simply from a glamorous image.
— The reader is a student of advertising living in Sharjah
