Are athletes supposed to be outstanding citizens of society that we can all look up too, and base our actions off of? Are athletes even aware of the stature that they carry, and if they are or are not, how should they be judged? Sir Charles Barkley said in his infamous 1993 Nike commercial, "I am not a role model...Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids." Does Barkley raise a good point?
Last week Cal Ripken Jr., was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and in is acceptance speech, he addressed the issue of athletes and being role models. "As years passed, it became clear to me that kids see all, not just some of your actions but all," Ripken said. "Whether we like or not, we big leaguers are role models. The only question is, will it be positive or will it be negative? Should we put players up on pedestals and require that they take responsibility? No. But we should encourage them to use their influence positively to help build up and develop the young people who follow the game. Sports can play a big role in teaching values and principles. Just think. Teamwork, leadership, work ethic and trust are all part of the game, and they are also all factors in what we make of our lives."
Kids are like sponges, they absorb everything, both positive and negative. A seven year old who follows the Michael Vick situation may be thinking, if he abused animals and he is a quarterback in the NFL, then what is the big deal if I do it? Kids may see baseball players and other professional athletes taking steroids, and they are succeeding, why shouldn't I dope and get the same results? Cal Ripken is right, athletes whether they like it or not are looked up too, and they are role models so they should do the right thing. They are very lucky to be in the position they are in, and they should always conduct themselves like it. Thank you Cal Ripken Jr., for being one of those positive role models, and thank you for telling other athletes their role. Now they just have too all listen.
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4 comments:
I already have Barbra Sreisand, Tom Cruise, Britney, Oprah, Al Sharpton, etc. as my role models, but if these athletes will agree with the above I would be thrilled to have them as America's role model.
Il semble que vous soyez un expert dans ce domaine, vos remarques sont tres interessantes, merci.
- Daniel
No doubt about it, role models definitely still exist in sport. There is a list of some great ones here: http://wp.me/p1EsHM-6Gas well as arguments for role models in general here: http://wp.me/p1EsHM-75
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