Nathaniel Ayers, Shawn Hornbeck, and Minnie Riperton serve as important people in understanding human behavior. Each of them faced challenges during their lives in which they overcame. They became advocates and educated society on different issues that many people face day to day. Although each culturally different they share a common mission to helping others.
Nathaniel Ayers was an African American musician who suffered a mental breakdown in early life and found himself homeless in Los Angeles, living with Schizophrenia. He is now an advocate for people who have mental illness as he brings public attention to the value of artistic expression. After being institutionalized and received therapy he made changes to better his life. His obstacles serve as an example for people everywhere suffering from mental illness. …show more content…
During his time of captivity, Shawn never attempted to escape. Shawn was manipulated by his captor and was left ultimately helpless. He had feelings of trust towards his captor which could be an example Stockholm syndrome. His story along with many other gives us a better look at how victims react to traumatic hostage situations.
Minnie Riperton, an African American singer-songwriter was diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age which left her terminally ill. She was one of the first celebrities to publicize her diagnosis and later became an advocate for the American Cancer Society. While battling cancer, she continued touring and speaking showing true acts of courage. She was brave while enduring a terminal illness in being an advocate for women battling breast cancer. She proves to us that you have to live your life regardless of what challenges you may be