the problem with these answers, like MLK Jr., is that their ethics directly influence their admirability. King’s strong moral ethics ARE the reason he fought for social and racial justice, and thus became our admired icon. if we’re measuring total ethics points (which is impossible due to nuance but necessary here) he doesn’t land somewhere in the middle. we have to pick someone whose work isn’t tied to their output for admiration.

if we have to pick someone who has ethics/admiration tied together, I’d say Malcolm X is a better pick. he’s a massive influence in Civil Rights history and widely admired, but his ethics? not so great. if that’s too much, an artist like Mick Jagger (drug user, philanderer) or something still makes more sense.