All it takes is one voice to change the course of history. Despite our determination to disbelieve this, the fact remains true. One voice can be incredibly powerful in changing the world.
Some of these powerful individual voices came along with eyes that saw more clearly through frames and corrective lenses. While they have not always chosen the best eyeglasses or the most stylish, the glasses are as much apart of them as their historic speeches and insights.
The following amazing individuals brought about change and inspired millions of people in their home countries and around the world. All of these incredible human beings continue to be icons and inspirations to people today. Here they are in no particular order…
1. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) was the leader of the nationalist movement in India from 1915. Inspired by the life of Jesus Christ and his focus on humility and forgiveness alongside Indian Hindu scriptures, Gandhi’s non-violent, peaceful protests were difficult to counter. His resolve to promote equality, justice and peace across religions and cultural divisions went a long way to counter centuries old practices. His insights influenced countries beyond his own and helped pave the way to future change for generations.
2. Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) is well known for his fortitude and resilience in the fight against Hitler during World War II, in which he inspired and encouraged the British people to stand firm and not give in to the tyrant. Churchill’s spirited speeches and unyielding strength and willpower helped see Britain through the darkest times of the war against Hitler and helped Britain to overcome the Nazi regime. To this day Churchill is considered one of Britain’s greatest political heroes.
3. Rosa Parks (1913 –2005) has been called the “Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement” in the United States. Her determination to change the system of segregation and unequal rights helped to dramatically shift the course of the civil rights movement. It began with a moment in 1955 when she was unwilling to give up her seat to a white passenger. Her subsequent arrest and trial resulted in the forming of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, organised in part by Martin Luther King Jr. and helped King rise to the political and civil rights stance he is known for today.
4. Desmond Tutu (1931 – ) has been a vocal opponent to Apartheid for many years. In 1976 he began to use his voice as a member of the clergy to speak out against segregation and inequality in South Africa, comparing apartheid to a fascist regime. His criticism of the system at the time landed him in jail twice, where he met Nelson Mandela. His position in the church and the government’s unwillingness to let him become a “martyr” for the cause brought about his release. He continues to speak against segregation, inequality and divisions between people. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. His continuing resolve to fight for justice and equality for all inspires many worldwide.
5. Steve Jobs (1955-2011) was an innovator, designer, and visionary who started Apple Computers and helped see the company have a global impact on the mobile communications and technology industry by creating new markets for items such as tablets (the iPad) and the iPhone. He also helped pioneer a new way of selling computers by introducing the Apple store and letting customers get their hands on the products and test them out before buying. Jobs helped invoke a new era of technology and created a sense of community and identity around Apple products. His inspiring speeches and peaceful spirit have greatly impacted the world and his legacy will likely continue for decades if not forever.
And as a little bonus…
6. Marilyn Monroe (1926 -1962) did not fight for civil rights, nor even women’s rights. She was very intelligent but didn’t flaunt it. She had a hard life and struggled with drugs as many Hollywood celebrities have before and since. She still maintains status as one of the greatest sex symbols and is one of Hollywood’s most well known actresses. However, it was her feminist charm and her desire to be seen as a serious actor in a time when women were still considered mainly just for their looks and her outspokenness and resolve that have helped her remain dear to many in Hollywood and beyond. Her combined innocence, strong, confident beauty and sexuality has stunned and inspired women for decades. Her death, allegedly suicide, remains somewhat a mystery giving her an iconic status in Hollywood and around the world. She also helped influence the feminist movement in the US.
This post was written by a guest contributor. About the Author:
This is a guest post by K Newey, a glasses wearer who would also like to change the world some day. Sge recommends getting your own pair of fun, stylish designer glasses to help you see more clearly and make a positive impact wherever you go.
Comments on this entry are closed.