From presidential candidates to popstars: the most influential female figures of the 21st century

Throughout the course of time, women have been exploited, berated and have had door after door slammed in their faces by authoritative figures.

There was a point in history where this behavior was socially acceptable, but with every generation women have been brave enough to stand up for the rights of others.

According to Pentagist.com, Hillary Clinton is one of the most influential women of this century.

Her time in politics has included being Secretary of State and the first ever female presidential candidate.

While she was running, many people had their doubts about Clinton, she ran for presidency anyway. She got further in the race than the majority of the men.

Clinton opened up a new door to an oncoming generation of women. Even though she did not succeed the first time, it hasn’t stopped her from considering joining the race again in 2016.

Never before has a woman run for president. She didn’t just open up a door, she busted it down and tore it open to pave way for future ambitious women.

Clinton broke down the unspoken barrier that said a woman was not fit to run this country.

Yet another perpetual sphere of influence voiced by Pentagist is Oprah Winfrey.

Yes, she may be a multi–billionaire, but she isn’t just a public figure, she is also a well–known humanitarian.

Out of all the billions of dollars she has, she takes time every year to give money to the less fortunate.

Many famous people wouldn’t even consider this without wanting some sort of payment in return.

Yet, she provides support for organizations like “The Giving Back Fund” and has started her own “Oprah’s Angel Network,” which is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.

“Oprah spends much of her time giving to charity,” English teacher Jeanne Gates said.  “She has always been open to helping the less fortunate,  especially young children.”

Winfrey is an icon in the eyes of the world. In fact, Winfrey’s book club list has inspired many young girls to pick up reading as a hobby.

“People from all generations know Oprah because she has always been an iconic part of television,” Gates said.

One last influential figure must be mentioned, and she is one of the most iconic popstars of our generation.

Yes, that’s right little monsters, this refers to Mother Monster herself: Lady Gaga.

“I think celebrities like her are the most influential because she’s very popular among today’s teens,” Gates said.

In these past few years, Gaga has paraded for the rights of today’s homosexual youth.

Back in 2011, Gaga launched her “Born this Way Foundation,” which focuses intensely on improving a young adult’s confidence in themselves, their self worth and anti–bullying.

The Mother Monster has experienced haters in her time, being one of the world’s most popular and unique artists, so she knows the pressures that bullying can put on a young adult.

Thousands of teens all around us consider her an inspiration.

“People our age look up to her,” sophomore Sarah Kamin said. “We look to celebrities these days in times of inspiration, and Gaga, being as popular as she is, is a great advocate for this century.

In these years, the singer has made social justice one of her top priorities, and she continues to fight. Most recently, Lady Gaga has fought alongside our nations leader at the Human Rights Campaign dinner.

Sophomore Tetyana Krutzik says she thinks a large part of everyone’s draw to Gaga is her uniqueness.

“That’s why she’s such a great endorsement for gay and transgender rights,” Krutzik said. “She is unique in her own way, and I feel like that’s the main reason why everyone trusts her to handle things the way she has.”

These women are well–known by many, but a great number of their amazing achievements are either unknown to the public or just plain ignored.

This month, do not only remember those obvious women that have changed our world, but remember our silent heroes as well.