Public figures as role models

[dlg3000]

Charles Barkley said many years ago that he is not a role model. His point was that he should not be looked at as a primary role model like one's parents for instance. I agree with that but I am confused. Are celebrities really role models for young kids? Should they be? Are the Biebers and the Rihannas of the world role models for young children who watch them on tv, go to their concerts, or buy their CD? Should any public figure have the role model "tag" on them, whether primary or secondary for kids?

I shudder to think that any public figure would be considered a role model for any kid when they have a primary role model at home. However, some kids may think a public figure like a Justin Bieber or a Rihanna would be a role model for the reasons I mentioned above, plus many kids don't have positive primary role models at home or in their communities. But should Bieber or Rihanna and other public figures have the added pressure of being role models for young kids.

It sounds silly considering all that I said but I understand if some people would say yes and others would say no. There seems to be a gray area to me despite the fact that I do see the world mostly in black and white. I only mentioned Rihanna or Justin Bieber because they are currently young stars in the public eye.

[Deleted]

Maybe it's just me, but I still find it a bit perverse that we live in a world where athletes and movie actors are more revered and obsessed over than notable scientists and doctors.

I mean, I get it, but when you step back and think about it - it's a very strange thing to do.

[Orange]

Should they be? No.

Are they for simply being in the spotlight? Pretty much.

I don't really mind the idea of a kid having celebrity role models, simply because it's possible to look up to your parents and celebrities at the same time. However, regardless of whether or not they want to be, a celebrity that's constantly in the spotlight is a role model to somebody. Does this mean that they should change everything they do in order to become a better role model? That'll change depending on who you ask, but I don't really think so.

Celebrities are role models simply because of their role in society and because of the importance our society has placed on celebrities since the dawn of time, but I don't necessarily think that they have to welcome that with open arms, and approach everything they do with caution because they might be a role model to somebody. And, they definitely shouldn't be criticized by the media when they do something that's deemed "un-role model like", because I find that to be ridiculous, especially when dealing with young people (Justin Bieber's weed "scandal" comes to mind).

[Mochi Lone Wolf]

The thing is, if the person doesn't want to be a role model it's kind of pointless to make them out out be as such. That seems to be a trend with those who are considered "bad" role models. They're guys(or girls) kids look up to who don't want that kind of attention.

[willywonka666]

It really isn't every celebrity's job to be one, but there are many that I have looked up to. Anyone can be a role model, and a celeb's actions come under more scrutiny then someone who isn't famous.

I consider Mr.T a role model, Rihanna on the other hand I don't. I like her, but she never claimed to be one to my knowledge, Mr. T on the other hand does.

There's nothing wrong with having a role model outside your own family. I got a lot of my values and influence from both my parents and people I have admired over the years

[Piccolo]

These people are rich, successful, beautiful, and loved by millions. Of course kids are going to view them as role models. I don't think there's much you can do to convince a kid NOT to admire them. For that reason, I think if they're caring people, they'll be a little more careful than they would otherwise about what they say and do (for example, when Rihanna was initially saying she wouldn't go back to CB because of the message it would send... she's backtracked on that, obviously, but it was a pretty striking example at the time of a celeb overcoming their own flaws and damage because they recognized their influence). They're not obliged to, and it's not really fair that they should have to think about it, but reality is what it is. Kids are going to pay attention to what they do.

[Banjo Is Broken]

Just because I'm devilishly handsome, and adored by forum posters everywhere for my rapist wit and steel-traplike intellect, that doesn't make me role model for the masses of slack-jawed, eager-minded adolescents. KIDS, DON'T DO WHAT BANJO DON'T DOES!! BANJO SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED ON TV!!

*a public service announcement from the offices of Banjo Brown and Banjco Enterprises Inc. The character Banjo is trademark of the Hoffman agency located in South Burlington Vermont in the apartment buildings above the local fish market across the street from that lesbian bar that always plays those remixes that use so much bass they make you slightly ill when you hear them, so you decide not to order any food, but let's face it, the food there just isn't any good anyways so it ends up being a positive thing

[mjolnir]

Feb 17, 2013 20:14:27 GMT -5 @personman01 said:

Maybe it's just me, but I still find it a bit perverse that we live in a world where athletes and movie actors are more revered and obsessed over than notable scientists and doctors.

I mean, I get it, but when you step back and think about it - it's a very strange thing to do.

[Dub H]

Feb 18, 2013 0:31:05 GMT -5 mjolnir said:

Feb 17, 2013 20:14:27 GMT -5 @personman01 said:

Maybe it's just me, but I still find it a bit perverse that we live in a world where athletes and movie actors are more revered and obsessed over than notable scientists and doctors.

I mean, I get it, but when you step back and think about it - it's a very strange thing to do.

Because Fame and Popularity is redeemed more important than anything else in this society.

Sad but truth.Also,most people feel connected to these actors and athletes as they see him on TV,they give him entertainment and is part of their lifes lets say.

[El Hijo del Havoc]

No, I hate how the media has an order to label any popular figure in sports or entertainment a role model. If a Justin Bieber or Rihanna gets caught with a little pot, why should they be chastised for going against a label they were forced upon and probably never even thought of becoming?

With that said, I find Frank Zappa to be the best role model for anyone. Abstained from drugs (Except cigs), very aware of the world, always promoted education & knowledge, and wasn't afraid to speak his mind under any circumstance

[Unaffiliated]

Absolutely not. Celebrities should have no responsibility over the actions of people who merely admire them. Even though they are in a position where anything they do is considered 'setting an example', it's the job of schools and parents to teach the kids what is right and what is wrong.

[Wolf Hurricane]

Feb 18, 2013 0:39:41 GMT -5 Dub H said:

Feb 17, 2013 20:14:27 GMT -5 @personman01 said:

Maybe it's just me, but I still find it a bit perverse that we live in a world where athletes and movie actors are more revered and obsessed over than notable scientists and doctors.

I mean, I get it, but when you step back and think about it - it's a very strange thing to do.

Because Fame and Popularity is redeemed more important than anything else in this society.

Sad but truth.Also,most people feel connected to these actors and athletes as they see him on TV,they give him entertainment and is part of their lifes lets say.

Unfortunately, this is so. Most teens don't strive to be Carl Sagan because one, they don't know who he is and two, even if they did, the most they'd make of him is "that scientist guy." Compare to, say, Paris Hilton who has money to burn and then some, plus everyone knows who she is.

Now that's not to say there aren't a few actors, musicians or athletes that are worth looking up to: pioneers in their field like Jackie Robinson or most recently Danica Patrick, or philanthropists like Gregory Peck or Martin Sheen. Problem is, a whole lot of celebrities get admired for all the wrong reasons.