Who is a social, political, or economical activist that you admire the most?

Question

It can be someone as well know as MLK Jr. of Mother Teresa or as little know as someone like Amartya Sen or Audre Lorde

Why do you admire this person? Do you try to immulate their admirable qualities?
Are there any activists you are critical of? Why?

Additional Details

BratRich: yeah I get what you're saying I just meant little known to the mainstream public. When activism is brought up people automatically think of MLK Jr., Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, etc.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Colin Powell. I admire him because we have similar backgrounds..without the whole military thing.

We're also annoyed when called "African Americans" instead of "Americans" lol....I'm serious.

But yeah....Colin Powell is my biggest inspiration. Plus he's a relative of mine down the line..somewhere. It's on my mother's side.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks for the input Bry!

Answer 2

Henry Rollins, he single-handedly cured my TV addiction. Now I get so much more done on my free time. :-)

Answer 3

I like Blue Starry Eyes. She was studying in Jordan last time she was around here. She actually tries to help women in other countries, not Jordan, but less fortunate ones. As far as I see it, she is a true human rights advocate.

I don't emulate her. I just admire that she followed her dream.

Answer 4

Well Amartya sen is a Nobel laureate, not little known. But I get your point.

I will go for M.K. Gandhi.
He seems to be a more evolved human being. A true egalitarian and proponent of common sense, decency and truth. He taught the world that there is always a right way.
I try to follow the path of truth, even though it has hurt me sometimes.

Ummm, I am critical of fundamentalist activists - islam, christian or any religion. Personally religion is no longer necessary. But society still needs it. If they go on driving moderate and rational people out of discussion, we will have a polarized discussion only.

Answer 5

I wanna blend Alan Greenspan, Mother Teresa, and Andrea Botticelli!!!

Answer 6

Anonymous

Answer 7

Mother Theresa because she gave so much and wanted no recognition. She is a true saint and I am sure quite close to God.

Answer 8

Paul Craig Roberts. He writes the truth about America's economic decline and the reasons for it

Answer 9

Theodore Roosevelt. The man ended the Guilded Age. He put an end unregulated business. We could use a president like Teddy today.

Answer 10

For me it's Hillary Clinton. Her compassion to the poor, her long-suffering patience in her marriage, her superior intelligence, stamina and public service I find inspiring. There are others but she's the one I most admire.

Answer 11

For dedication, Guevara, Malcolm X or probably the unnamed Spanish anarchists of 1936.

It's hard not to be clichéd. There are so many unknowns.

edit - Surprised to see T. Roosevelt on here, the man was an elitist racist, a warmonger, an imperialist, a strike breaker and an all-round bigot. His regulations were genuine, but a reaction to the obsession with national greatness rather than a mission to better lives.

Answer 12

Sargent Shriver
http://www.sargentshriver.com/

He founded numerous social programs and organizations, including Head Start, VISTA, Job Corps, Community Action, Upward Bound, Foster Grandparents, Special Olympics, the National Center on Poverty Law, Legal Services, Indian and Migrant Opportunities and Neighborhood Health Services, and directed the Peace Corps. Shriver also ran the War on Poverty during Johnson's tenure as president. Also the man that persuaded JFK to reach out to MLK and have him released from jail.

http://www.americanidealistmovie.org/
Excellent Documentary

Answer 13

Francis Bacon
coming up with the idea that science should be used to improve human life

Charles Darwin
he did really poorly in school and majored in theology, but still managed to come up with evolution and make history

John Stuart Mill
worked very hard on the theory of utilitarianism and many people are still working on his idea to this day

Answer 14

ralph nader worked to ensure public safety as a consumer advocate his entire life. he's the reason our cars don't have solid steel dashboards anymore, and they are sold with seatbelts. he took on big business on our behalf and won.

i always stick to my convictions. yeah, i think he's inspiring.

Answer 15

I actually have great admiration for Jimmy Carter. I don't agree with him on everything, but think he honestly serves God and humanity to the best of his ability and strives to be a peacemaker. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty and I think he's a genuine good man.