A Conversation Starter; Not Official List

Time magazine recently released its annual "100 Most Influential People of the World" list, which included the likes of comedian Stephen Colbert and GOP hopeful Mitt Romney.

While I have not yet gotten my hands on the special issue of the magazine, and the publication's website has proven to be nothing but confusing text boxes, it appears that the so-called top 100 was divided into five categories.

Oscar contender for her emotional role in The Help, Viola Davis was included under the heading "Breakout," as was the religious football player—now a New Yorker—Tim Tebow.  (Tebow was the only NFL player to be included in the list boasted an exicted Twitter feed.)

"[Tebow] is unashamed of his convictions and faith, and he lives a life that consistently reflects his values, day in and day out," Jeremy Lin, the short-lived basketball star and a name also included in the list, said.  "Through his foundation, he constantly reaches out to people and communities in need of hope."

Ann Patchett, author of the critically-acclaimed Bel Canto and writer of the recently-published New York Times editorial, "And the Winner Isn't," was included under the "Pioneers" heading.  The rest of the list consisted of fairly unknowns with varied backgrounds, from advocates to inventors.

Giant moviemaker Harvey Weinstein was noted in the "Moguls" list for his recent successes with The Artist, The King's Speech—and before that The English Patient.

Juan Manuel Santos, president of Colombia, was included under the "Leaders" header.  His little bio—might I add—was written by Shakira.  Remember her?

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York was also included in the list.  

"In leading the opposition to a proposed Obama Administration rule that would have required Catholic organizations like hospitals to pay for contraceptive services for female employees," Jon Meacham, executive editor of book publisher Random House, wrote about the Cardinal. "Dolan successfully argued that such a policy violated the nation's principles of religious liberty"

The final grouping was "Icons."  The list included people whose biographies most of you, I'm sure, already know by heart—whether you'd like to admit it or not.  Hillary Clinton, Tilda Swinton, Adele and Matt Lauer were all included in the list.

And while this issue of Time will, I'm sure, have one of the highest circulation rates of the year, it's important to keep the list in tight perspective. Because it really is just that, a list.

The blurbs and photo essays are interesting bedside reads, and it's important to know who's doing well in the world, according to the opinions of powerful, well-read citizens, but we must check the pages' significance before getting attached.

The list, while readers are able to contribute online votes, is ultimately slected by a small—perhaps elite—group of Time editors. It's an issue meant to attract a high circulation and start dinner-table conversations, not act as an official reference point.  Let's keep that straight.

Pick up this week's Time.  It's a great magazine, this week's issue is historically one of the year's best and if nothing else, it will be marked in years as a collector's item.

But let's sprinkle some salt as we read.