Role Models Question- How are celebrities perceived role models and how can teens choose a good role model?

Why is this important?

     This is an important topic because it is rarely discussed, and people don’t think about it very often. Because of this, they may forget a role model’s significance, losing an important tool in shaping themselves. Also, not being aware of how bad role models influence one’s life can devastate a person. It helps if one is aware of their surroundings, helping them to determine (by example) how to succeed.

The Facts-

     A role model is a person who serves as an example to others in a particular area that is worthy of being emulated (imitated). They also encourage people to aim for a high goal. Good role models inspire others to also be great, and bad role models are commonly called ‘bad influences’, or people who shouldn’t be followed. Good role models, when actively thought about, can influence a person greatly. They can aid a person in focusing on their goals, in that they inspire others to reach their goals as well, particularly if one picks role models who has achieved the same goals that they aspire to. They also make people more confident, by showing them that problems can be overcome. A good role model can provide “inspiration, motivation, insight, encouragement, confidence, and an appreciation of the benefits of successful change.” (http://www.wellnessmentor.net/Role%20Models/Modelingqualities.html)

     It may seem that a role model may not do much for a person, but the opposite is in fact true- research has shown that the majority of successful people model themselves after a good role model. Not only that, but research has also shown that children exposed to positive role models are more likely to succeed as well. They will become better, more productive citizens, gain a greater amount of self-worth, aid in forming one’s identity, making a person more resilient lessening the risk of harmful behaviors, and mold their development in environments that may keep them from living up to their full potential. One of the most important things that a role model can do is address a person’s doubts about the future. They provide information as to how they could fit into society and whether they have a place in society, when a person sees other people succeeding in the same field they want to go into. However, a positive role model doesn’t just give a positive role- it also shows specific aspects of desirable things in life (wealth, social respect, intelligence) that makes a person’s goals more concrete, and how attainable a person’s goals in life may be, furthering motivation to strive for success.

     The effects of a role model aren’t all unseen- it has been found that having a good role model raises self-esteem, academic grades, less use of drugs and alcohol, less behavioral problems, greater amounts of exercise, and less amounts of high-risk or early sex. If they can’t find a successful role model, they are more likely to emulate bad ones. As an extreme example, a survey of adolescent males convicted of juvenile homicide had found that they did not have a good role model or direction in life. Overall, though, a person may have a vaguer or absent sense of goals without a role model.

     One of the biggest areas of concern when it comes to role models, and also the one hardest to guard against, is the media and the messages it delivers. Celebrities are in the spotlight, and tabloids, television, and countless websites talk about the partying, arrests, drug abuse, drunk driving, bad parenting and wild behavior of people in downward spirals. They are held up as examples because they are simply more entertaining than some of the calmer, less ‘exciting’ stars. It was found in a survey from Experian Consumer Research that 23% of teen girls read US Weekly in the first half of 2004, as compared to 6% in 2000. The magazine provided information on stars involved in substance abuse, serial divorces, DUI and scandals. The easily-obtained information about the supposed glamour of these people sends the wrong message, but is accepted as a point of interest and conversation, which gradually desensitizes the reader to proper behavior. By looking up to the glitz and glamour of celebrity life and trying to attain this goal, people open themselves up (in far too many cases) to problems dealing with values.

     If a person focuses on the glamour and trends of teen idols, they see themselves as plain and boring, eventually creating an obsession with excitement and entertainment, which makes them miss out on actually meaningful relationships. Also, priorities, values and habits can get mixed up by looking at the famous for inspiration. By emulating stars who are self-absorbed, a person’s selfishness can get in the way of their everyday lives. By blowing money on the latest trends, gadgets and accessories as a teen, finances become harder to deal with as an adult when expenses become much more important. By wanting what celebrities have, people open themselves up to illicit behavior (drugs, shoplifting, etc.) when they see these people doing it repeatedly with (seeming) lack of consequence. By admiring them, people open themselves to letdown when these supposedly amazing people do get caught doing things they shouldn’t.      

     With this in mind, it must be considered that celebrities are NOT the only role models one could have. One point to consider is that some of the celebrities in question know that they are bad role models, and they are looked up to anyway. Charles Barkley, a former star on the Phoenix Suns, once said, “I am not a role model. Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids.” This admission gives a new perspective on celebrity role models. Why should a person look up to a star when the star themselves said that it’s not a good idea? Sometimes the best role models aren’t the famous, most touted names on TV. In many cases, the best role models are family or people one knows.

     The main thing to look for is qualities that are personally admirable. Instead of focusing on their salary, popularity or appearance, focus on whether they are encouraging, accepting, respectful and have their morals straight. Are they trustworthy and respectable? Can one speak to them easily and do they promote self-worth? Do they study hard? Play fair? Spend wisely? It must be kept in mind, however, that every person has a different idea of what a good role model is, because they each may admire different characteristics in a person. This means that there aren’t really any ‘universal’ role models to follow- what one person may consider a strong role model may not be the same role model as another would pick.

The Solution-

     Educate people and make them aware about how a role model could affect them. Teach them to recognize a good role model by finding people to emulate who succeeded in the areas that they find most important personally, not simply what they have been told to accept. Also, make sure that they aren’t simply picking people to compensate for what they believe they lack in beauty, skill, talent, or intelligence. Pick a person with attainable goals, not ‘absolute perfection’- an unachievable goal is more likely to demoralize and depress than to inspire.

Works Cited

"Role Models." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. Ed. William Darity, . Vol. 7. 2nd ed. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2008. 273-275. 9 vols. "Smartest things ever said about ... role models." Men's Health 19.9 (Nov 2004): 20. "Factors Influencing Children as They Consider Role Models." Educational Insights. The University of British Columbia. 2 May 2009 . Meighan, Ty. "Be careful choosing role model." Go San Angelo. 32 Jul 2007. 2 May 2009 . "Choosing Role Models for Teens." Parenting Teens. Parentingteens.com. 2 May 2009 . Hovsepian, Ann-Margret. "Celebrity Role Models ." Tweens and Teens News. Mar 2008. Parentingteens.com. 2 May 2009 . "Celebrity Role Models." 4 Troubled Teens. 2 May 2009 . Deaner, Julie. "Your Teen and Celebrity Role Models." Family Education. 2 May 2009 .