ABSTRACT
In 1999 Time magazine compiled a list of the twentieth-century’s most influential people from around the world. Certainly any list should be met with scepticism and this one is no exception given its inclusion of only two individuals from the Western Hemisphere south of the US border. Nevertheless, few would argue with two of the individuals the publication did include: Brazil’s gift to world soccer, Pele´, and one of the world’s most known revolutionaries of the twentieth century, Che Guevara. Interestingly, Ernesto ‘Che’1 Guevara was not selected for inclusion in the ‘Leaders and Revolutionaries’ category. Rather, Time listed him in the ‘Heroes and Icons’ list alongside the likes of Anne Frank, Marilyn Monroe, Mother Teresa and Princess Diana. At first glance this decision may seem peculiar, yet after reflecting on the magazine’s categorical description it appears to be appropriate.2 Guevara embodied most of the character traits ascribed to the Heroes and Icons personalities but much like Ariel Dorfman’s biographical entry in the publication, the development of these traits is often overlooked.3
