Druglord Joaquin Guzman Is Among Latinos On Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential List

So, when you think of Latinos who have acted as influential forces on your own life, on pop culture, or politics, or the media, or who have made advances in science or health or the arts, who do think of? Penelope Cruz, right? And Mexican druglord Joaquin Guzman, obviously. Well, these are just two of the countless (five) Latinos (Well. Five Latinos and two Spaniards.) who have made it onto Time’s prestigious “100 Most Influential” list. Along with Zac Efron and Sarah Palin.

Let’s take a look at who is, albeit unwittingly, representing Latinos on this list:

Joaquín Guzmán

Mexican druglord Joaquín Guzmán, 52, is the new Pablo Escobar, a kingpin testing the ability of a nascent democracy to control organized crime. In 2001, Guzmán, a.k.a. Chapo, or Shorty, escaped from a prison near Guadalajara in a laundry van and sparked a ghastly drug war responsible for the murders of almost 15,000 traffickers, cops, soldiers and civilians — violence that respects no border.

Shorty, who appears on the list under the category “Leaders and Revolutionaries,” also sparked controversy when he made it onto Forbes’ “rich list.” Shipping is so lucrative.

Carlos Slim

If you’ve been following Guanabee for any length of time, you are probably already familiar with Carlos Slim and with the fact that he can easily buy you, your extended family (and your little dog, too) several times over. But lest you reduce this man to rumors of corruption and underhanded business dealings, please remember that he gives back, too. And can buy you:

What also became apparent is that for Carlos, insight and understanding are catalysts for action and accomplishment. This speaks to why Carlos has funded extensive public-health education programs and why he’s helped thousands of students throughout Latin America get their own laptops and learn more about digital technology.

…And become part of his ROBOT ARMY. 

Penelope Cruz

Cruz’s segment on this list is written by Sir Ben Kingsley, who is himself influential as he once played Gandhi. Were you aware that Penelope Cruz is pretty much a feminist icon?

Always the character first, her ego second. We see the pure character take life before our eyes — never a copy of a copy but startlingly authentic and original, and forever drawing upon her profound grasp of female mythology. She has become a champion of her gender because of this quality, admired equally by both men and women.

Truly, any women who enters into a relationship with Tom Cruise is a woman in touch with her own autonomy. We’re not sure Penelope has influenced us to do anything lately other than with Mango’s American stores carried our size so that we could wear her line.

Gustavo Dudamel

Gustavo Dudamel is a Venezuelan conductor who actually seems to be fairly influential - not only in the realm of music, but also in philanthropy:

With what appears to be unlimited talent and charisma, Gustavo has invigorated the sometimes staid world of classical music. His performances are ecstatic affairs, with musicians and audiences unable to resist his infectious joy. His concerts often end with his hugging each member of the orchestra.

Gustavo’s musical zeal was nurtured in his native Venezuela, where he participated in the country’s classical-music program for children from impoverished areas. He’s using that model for a program in the U.S.

What is this feeling? Pride? Flatulence? We’re not sure we’ve felt this in a very long time.

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is not other Spaniards, writes fellow tennis champ Serena Williams, because he’s actually pretty good. What?

What is so unusual about Rafa (which is what he likes to be called) is that unlike many of his fellow Spaniards, he can dominate on all surfaces. He has never lost a match on the French Open’s clay, but he also has a Wimbledon title to his name, as well as one from the Australian Open. This year he’s the only man able to go for a true Grand Slam.

So. How have these people influenced you today?

Click Below to Check out the Latinos Who Made Time’s List

The 2009 TIME 100 [TIME]