From Meme to Idol, People Love Keanu Reeves
Fans of Keanu Reeves have started a petition for him to become Time Magazine’s Man of the Year. The popularity of Reeves has exploded over the past few years. This sudden reemergence of the actor’s fame could be accredited to his starring role in the hit action series John Wick. Reeves will also be playing a prominent role in the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077. His character in the game, Johnny Silverhand was unveiled in the game’s trailer at this years E3 conference. After the trailer ended, Reeves appeared on stage to the joy of hundreds of adoring fans.
On a social petition site called change.org, a user with the name “John Doe” is trying to garner support to make Reeves Time Magazine’s Man of the Year. John Doe’s reasoning behind the petition was that “Keanu Reeves is the most wholesome person alive.”
The petition was created a week ago and has gained the support of more than 10,000 people so far. Most of the signatures were added with 24 hours of the petition being made. Other supporters of the petition say he deserves the award because of his hard work ethic.
Can He Win?
If the unthinkable does happen, then Keanu Reaves would dethrone Jamal Khashoggi and other journalists who were the persons of the year for 2018. Khashoggi, for those unaware, was the Saudi journalist who was brutally killed for speaking out against the Saudi regime. The other journalists who were given recognition had also suffered similar fates as Khashoggi. Ranging from murder, intimidation, or imprisonment.
Time Magazine is notorious for disregarding the opinions of fans and critics alike. They do hold an online poll but, the winner of the polling does not win automatically. The decision is ultimately up to the editors of Time Magazine.
However, Time Magazine does follow pop culture. For instance, the famous Twitch streamer Ninja was recognized as one of the most influential people of last year. So while becoming Man of the Year is unlikely, it does not mean he won’t be considered for other awards or accolades. But who knows? Anything could happen.