Athletes as role models?

[princessbee21]

I did a search and didn't find this topic, so here goes:

What is you guys opinion about people considering athletes as role models?

IMPO, people should not have to look outside of their own home to find people to emulate, whether it be mom/dad, aunt/uncle, grandmom/grandad, etc...It seems as if we hold them to a higher standard than we hold ourselves, why is that ?

All comments are welcome....

[The Original Ape]

I believe an athlete can be a role model. Some athletes should not be considered role models thought. That role model concept came from the media that covered controversial athletes. Whenever the athletes would decline interviews, it angered the media; and their response would be something to the effect like 'he or she isn't behavin' like a role model'. Whenever the media tried to assasinate the character of a professional athlete, they almost always asked the question: "Is this behavior characteristic of a role model?". There a good and bad athletes like there are good and bad politicians. That's my take on it.

[DoggyStyle82]

ORIGINAL APE:

Your response evades the question. Everyone who is in the public eye on a consistent basis is a role model. Shaved heads on Black men became popular after Michael Jordan did it. R.Kelly followed suit, now its been commonplace for years. You see youngsters emulate their favorite hip-hoppers all the time in dress and mannerisms.

Think about when tattoos became popular. How about braided hair on men. The general public models their behavior to some extent off of those at the forefront of pop culture. Of course, your primary role models should be at home, but that is now an almost antiquated notion. With the dominance of t.v and other media in a childs life, that and their immediate peer group are their primary models of behavior.

Gary Condit feels that if Clinton got away with it, he can too. His lack of shame is bolstered by the fact that Clinton survived the negativity of his affair. With Clinton as his "role model", he is following suit with the lies, half-truths, and deflrctions. Everything but accepting responsibility.

We are all role models, especially the most visible of us.

[Professor]

We are all role models, especially the most visible of us. I certainly agree. What amazes me is that people are quick to memick or encourage because of ones title. "He is a member of XYZ or President of XYZ" and they don't even know the character of a person. While I appreciate my blessings I sometimes hate to mess that goes with the association of many organizations. I was in the grocery store a few months ago and ran in just to pick up a few items in the very early a.m. and this chick started talking about how she had never seem me jeans. I left feeling like she caught me with my pants down.

[korkscru]

Excellent point, DoggyStyle2. I agree that people who are in the media (like actors, singers, rappers, athletes) are AUTOMATICALLY given the title of role model. I've notice that some of them say that they didn't ask nor do the want to be role models. They act as if that's a bad title. It's good when someone looks up to you. I'm thinking that maybe they feel pressured or they feel that it's too much for them to take on. You mean to tell me that it's better for these people to make millions off of the money that the public spends to endorse their products, watch their movies, or buy their CD's rather than for the public to actually like them and see them as a good and respectable person? I just don't get it.

On the other hand, I also agree that family members (particularly fathers and mothers) should be positive role models for children. But we have to be realistic. Children should be able to see POSITIVE role models all around. Remember..."it takes a VILLAGE to raise a child".

[spindahrellah]

people should not have to look outside the home for role models...but not everyone has what would be considered by some as beneficial role models in the home...so...although i do not believe we should place athletes on a pedestal...i do believe that their first responsiblity is to themselves and their household...and in adhering to that primary responsibility...they may inevitably become role models for young people that don't have anywhere else to look to but the media for direction...and i see nothing wrong with that...why we hold them to a higher standard than we hold ourselves...i don't know...they are still human...they just have to live their lives in the public eye...and unlike your mistakes...their mistakes are on tape or in print...to be re-broadcast...re-told...and re-written...countless times...how would that make you feel...to know your every right and wrong was under constant judgement and scrutiny...when all you want to be is a ball player and have some fun?