Who is the most influential person in the world?

Bill Gates? I don't think so. If you ask any poor kid from Asia about Bill Gates, do they know who he is or have any idea who he is or what he did? Oprah Winfrey? Not everyone in developing countries has television or access to cable TV to know who she is. President of the United States? Many know him but do homeless kids sleeping in the streets aged 6-8 year old from third world countries know him? I don't think so. Jackie Chan? Ghandi? What did these people do that even poor homeless kids in developing countries will remember them? BUT ASK ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON, these poor kids less than 10 years of age know Michael Jackson's music, his performances and iconic dance moves. Even Michael Jackson's look is so unique that his face is the most globally recognizable face in the world (especially with his sunglasses on). Dead or alive, MICHAEL JACKSON IS SINGLY THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN THE WORLD. Not everyone knows Jesus, especially in the middle east and East Asia where a majority of people have no idea what Christianity is.

I myself am a witness how crazy famous Michael Jackson is. I go around the city asking random street kids about Elvis Presley and The Beatles. I even show a picture of Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Michael Jackson to them (I printed on bond paper). These street kids age 6-7 years old (they look like 5 years old due to malnutrition) only recognized Michael Jackson's picture. They don't know who Elvis Presley or The Beatles are. It's hard to believe but absolutely ALL of them know who Michael Jackson is. They do not have a shelter, television and internet to begin with but they know Michael Jackson's Beat It and Thriller very well. In fact, they know how to sing Beat It and know the lyrics very well when they should only be familiar with local music in our country. When I asked them when they knew about MJ, most answers were: "I've known him since I was a little kid". Michael Jackson's appeal was so universal. If Michael Jackson could grasp the minds and hearts of these kids who haven't even been to school or reached adolescence, we know that Michael is a very powerful person. No other person/celebrity could ever achieve such fame in this present age. Michael Jackson, whether you actually like him or not, is the most influential person ever. He is also the most famous man in the world (excluding religious figures). Michael Jackson broke down many barriers such as religion, race, ethnicity, culture etc. He is famous in all four corners of Earth!

Who do you think is the most influential person ever?