Rolemodel Who is one and who isn't (debate)

[Betsyt82]

I was reading the B. Spears thread and some one commented that she is likened to a role model.

So I pose this question. So what makes a role model....populartity, money, status, paparazzi, or personality, deeds, and inspiration?(or any other attibutes)

I was thinking debating this as I feel that a role model in one who is giving worth to the world that you want to emulate because of there good points. Not who they are, what they drive, who there with, or bank balance.

I see some kids who think role models are those with the cash, car, and flash. And I think that is shallow.

PS I really miss the debate board!!!!

 

[nkjzmom]

I can only give you my opinion from my experience. Britney Spears and the like are NOT role models in our family's life because we don't let them be. We don't listen to their music, we don't watch their videos, we don't pay attention to what they do...good, bad, otherwise.

We do point out to our children that people all have strengths and weaknesses and just becuase they are a strong athlete, singer, whatever, it doesn't mean they are strong in everything. They may have a weakness with smoking, drinking, not being able to spend time with their family, etc.

We also try to surround ourselves with people who are truly worthy of being a role model. Good teachers, coaches, friends who are very talented in different ways. I think the best thing you can do is let kids know that no one is perfect....they are just really good at one thing and that gets them alot of attention. To be fair though I usually remind the kids to imagine what it would be like to have all that attention....to have someone watching EVERYTHING you do. I think they realize it wouldn't be all that great.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

Everyone has the potential to be a role model, it just depends on the life you choose to lead.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Growing up, my #1 and #2 role models were my mother and my father. I also had several teachers and an older cousin who were big influences in my life. And though I wound up not being a religious person as an adult, I also had a Sunday school teacher who I remained close with throughout my childhood, teenage years and early adulthood. (May she rest in peace).

I agree with nkjzmom - families decide who will be role models by what they allow their children to see and hear and the sort of values they instill in them. My cousin's DD, 12 does not listen to Britney either. She actually idolizes female doctors and scientists. When asked who she wants to be like when she grow up she usually rattles of the name of some woman who is a doctor on one of the learning channel shows.

 

[Microcell]

Originally posted by DukeStreetKing
Everyone has the potential to be a role model, it just depends on the life you choose to lead.

When you think about it, everybody is a role model to somebody, good or bad! I like to point out to my kids people who have good character and who we should try to emulate. I happen to have my FIL as a good one- there is no better person I know! We named DS after him and plan to teach him that we named him for someone he should strive to be like. He is consistently good to others, kind, lives his life with god in his mind. He is generous, caring and moral in thought and actions. I think I could stand to be more like him!

 

[LScot]

DukeStreetKing is right. And those RL role models are very important in a young person's life. It is important to know people may be watching and listening to you even when you think they aren't.

My DD has a few role models in the WNBA. These women aren't perfect and DD knows this but she enjoys their games and a few write=ups about them when we get lucky enough to find one.
She also has RL role models who are at our local college. These girls are well aware that she looks up to them. DD knows they aren't perfect but enjoys them just the same. And a t 10yo there are already some little girls looking up to DD at her school.

 

[DisMN]

Originally posted by LScot
DukeStreetKing is right. And those RL role models are very important in a young person's life. It is important to know people may be watching and listening to you even when you think they aren't.

My DD has a few role models in the WNBA. These women aren't perfect and DD knows this but she enjoys their games and a few write=ups about them when we get lucky enough to find one.
She also has RL role models who are at our local college. These girls are well aware that she looks up to them. DD knows they aren't perfect but enjoys them just the same. And a t 10yo there are already some little girls looking up to DD at her school.

I thought of your daughter and her experiences with the WNBA when I thought of role models.

Everyone IS a role model but some are negative and others are possitive ones. Each of us has a choice what kind of role model we want to be.

 

[LScot]

Aww, Patti. That's sweet. You're a role model to me--*snort, snort*

 

[mom2boys]

Definitely not Britney Spears - I will reserve my opinions of her because they are not pleasant.

Now Paul Hamm - he is a role model. He has worked hard & done his best at the Olympics - even under adverse conditions. They way he has handled himself through all of the controversy is admirable. He has remained gracious. He has not spoken an ill word against the judges, the Korean gymnast, or anyone else who has questioned whether he "deserves" the gold medal he was awarded. Then to have to compete after the Russian amdist the crowds boos - he did beautifully. That to me is a role model.

Michael Phelps is another role model from the olympics. He too has worked hard & dedicated himself to his passion. He is kind and caring. I think he surprised everyone when he gave up his spot on the rely team to his teammate.

 

[LisaSt]

I find alot of the pro hockey players to be good role models and Basetball players to not be so.

 

[Robinrs]

I think a role model is a person who, in a public or private light, has an affect on the life of an impressionable soul.

Who you admire reflects your character and who you choose to become.

I don't consider many public figures when I consider "role models", I prefer relatives or close personal people. I also choose to be one myself in the lives of children, this is a big responsibility and can be very rewarding.

My Mom and Dad were my role models, and I am thrilled that my son sees them as his also. I don't need to look much further.

 

[grinningghost]

DD15 and I were just talking about this yesterday. She said a role model should be someone positive, who shows you the way to do good things with your life. I think that's a pretty good definition.