Are Sports Icons Role Models?

[bomelia]

I just got slammed a bit for claiming that sports icons are role models. So I thought I would ask the question in a separate thread. Are they?

They surely used to be. And I don't think things have changed all that much, even though money has skewed perceptions.

Is Michael Jordan a role model? Remember the hot dog commercial? What about Tiger?

mike

[Sharroll Celby]

Sports figures (icons) are definitely public figures, but I would not hold them to be role models as a whole, just for being the public figures that they are. There are some sports figures, actors, newsreaders, and celebrities that ARE role models, in that they actually DO some things for the public good, and NOT just for the "photo ops."

Again, I would not hold any public figures to be role models in this day and age. But if they choose to be, then more power to them.

[hey,littlecobra]

Yes, Mike they are ABSOLUTELY role models. Ask any teenage boy. And.. I happen to have two!
We hope our children follow GOOD role models. But unfortunately part of the deal are really really bad ones. I think there are more good ones than bad ones, actually, but of course the bad ones are really bad and get a ton of press. Bad $hit sells.
(I agree with your post on the other thread but I'm 'off' that one)
Kristen

[J. T. Toad]

Mike,
I don't disagree at all with the other respondents. I just wanted to add an impression of my perceptions. I felt like butting in.

It all comes down to semantic definitions.

Roll models are defined by what we allow our moral judgment to discern. This isn't limited to sports. With our modern day bombardment of instantaneous information, people tend to gravitate toward those in the public lime lite for a moral standard, thus making them role models.

People in the news are dissected, exposed, digested, and exemplified. Just go to a bunch of themes birthday parties, one can notice what a child will be influenced by.

Society lacks a direction on defining any type of moral ideal. Most information presented is motivated by money.

On a similar idea, can you define a hero? Now take that definition and apply it to those who are perpetuated to be heroes. (a hero is NOT the pilot who saves his own butt after getting shot down in enemy territory, it is the individuals who risk all to rescue him, but yet he was every news reporting agencies with interviews as such)

so, to answer your question...
Are they? No, unless we choose/allow them to be
Should they be? Yes, being in the forefront has power and responsibility.
Will they be? No, not unless it pays
Do they think they are? you bet. If any figure is perceived to be a role model, that means they will get support and supported by money.
Should I care about a sports character being a role model? no, I should chose a role model, regardless of who it is, by what moral attribute or character I can manifest in my own life.

Role models should be leaders of attributes we willfully follow. Just ask yourself where you want to be lead.

Now, I would like to know who you think a good roll model is?

[Dirty Harry]

As a former high school basketball official, I watched for several years as the high schoolers would imitate what they saw the college and NBA players doing on the court. I can't imagine that they would not have also taken note of their off-court behavior too. I think the role model thing is inescapable.

Whether it's tattoos, brands, long shorts, headbands, wristbands, tee shirts, hanging on the rim, trash talking, or just the latest "move," the youngsters don't miss a thing as they watch their heroes in action.

Just my $.02 worth.

[Excaliber]

I see the influence on my son, there is no question the sports guys/gals in the news today have an impact on the younger generation.

He even likes Jeff Gordon, (go figure)! When Earnhardt passed on my son was sympathetic toward me for my 'loss'. What I found strange was he KNEW Earnhardt was the guy I 'loved to hate'. But never the less, he also knew I would miss him, and he was right! Love 'em or hate 'em, sports figures impact our lives for good or bad.

What impacts us directly or indirectly is relative to our interest in the sport at hand. I don't play golf, but man LOTS of my friends do! Michelle Wei is undeniably a tremendous influence on the local people here, young and old!

[Cobrabill]

Originally Posted by Sharroll Celby

Sports figures (icons) are definitely public figures, but I would not hold them to be role models as a whole, just for being the public figures that they are. But if they choose to be, then more power to them.

Bingo!
This was/is my point-just because you put on a uniform,doesn't make you a role model.
If all the players in the NBA,NFL & MLB were polled,i would bet that 9 out of 10 would say"i'm just here to play ball".(money aside)

Mike-lighten up a bit."slammed"?Come on.

[Buzz]

[jams]

They are roll models but you have to look harder and harder to find a good one. Years ago you never had to pick and choose.

[4RE KLR]

Yes, unfortunately they are.

They teach our children about drugs, gangs, dog fight, hookers and prostitution, too much money, lack of responsibility, running from the police, carrying guns into airports, fighting on the field, fighting on the court, fighting at home plate, getting in other peoples faces and screaming at each other over a bad call, spitting in others faces, pushing down cameramen and the media, cursing on TV, child abuse, murder, suicide, fleeing the police, theft, burglary, grand theft auto, about tats on your face (and other places) how to bite other peoples ear off if your loosing, hit and run, disrespect of others and themselves........

Shall I go on?

Yes they are role models and the above is a short list of what they are teaching our children.

I do agree there are a few that are great and need the respect of the people. They are however very few and far between.

Great topic Mike...

[bomelia]

I think Tiger Woods is a great role model, and a dam good one too. Payne Stewart was another. I think Larry Bird was a great role model. Hank Aaron! Nolan Ryan!! Wayne Gretski (until recently).

There are bunches. Keep listing them.

Mike (Buzz, that was sick!)

[Cobrabill]

What do all the above mentioned people have in common?

[4RE KLR]

Too much money and no self respect

The bad ones that is. If that is who you are talking about "the above ones"

[Buzz]

Thanks Mike - I figured you'd appreciate that. Feel free to use it if you want to upgrade your avatar.

The point about parenting and the whole role model issue is an excellent one. The crucible from which an effective, well adjusted adult develops is the home. A kid armed with a strong sense of moral direction and high self esteem is difficult to corrupt and while you cannot always shield their eyes and ears from from the negative, ugly influences and examples of others, you can make them somewhat immune by fostering and exemplifying confidence, courage, and some stout moral fiber. Parenting and guardianship of children is one of the most critical and important responsibilities in life and it is often abdicated, leaving kids to be partially raised by teachers, television and so-called "role models". Weak, lazy parents leave their kids wanting for heroes and role models. Unfortunately, the self centered thugs and morons dressed up as celebrities and pro athletes fill the void perfectly for vulnerable, impressionable minds.
I find it paradoxical that we easily accept that in fear of posing a danger to himself and others, a person needs to be trained, tested and licenced before operating a car on public roads, yet something as critical as raising a child can be done by anyone, anytime and as often as they like. We don't need soulless dummies in colorful uniforms in stadiums and on TV to inspire our youth, we need dedicated, effective parenting and until the day society is prepared to hold the legal parents or guardians FULLY RESPONSIBLE for everything that a child does up to the age of adulthood, the slackers among us will continue to burden their poor kids and, by extension, all of society with the consequences of their incompetence and irresponsibility.

Are sports icons role models? By definition;no. In reality; unfortunately - yes. Should they be held to higher standards of behavior than anybody else because of this? Maybe not but it would be a far better reflection on the society if the people who rise to celebrity and command huge sums of money are the finest and best among us. If we as a culture place idiots and thugs on a pedestal and reward them with the lifestyle of kings, what does that say about us???

[Cobrabill]

Steve-no,the good ones.

[imagine2frolic]

Tropical, well put.........................

I hope your island is recovering well. I someday wish to sail between the 2 pitons, and visit your island.

[J. T. Toad]

let's see... in common hmmm...

foul mouths? nearly all, but no hmmm,

Hot wives? they have that in common, some more so than others.....

I am not sure of any common trait other than they tend to emulate some form of humility during press interviews.

[Buzz]

Thanks Imagine, we took a beating, but all in all we consider ourselves lucky as it could have been a lot worse. Recovery will be quick overall, but some things you can never regain like the man who lost his life, and the 300+ year old trees and military tombs in one of the national parks. Still, we need to be thankful. BTW the Pitons are still there and the view at anchor between them still takes my breath away after all these years.

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Thanks Imagine, we took a beating, but all in all we consider ourselves lucky as it could have been a lot worse. Recovery will be quick overall, but some things you can never regain like the man who lost his life, and the 300+ year old trees and military tombs in one of the national parks. Still, we need to be thankful. BTW the Pitons are still there and the view at anchor between them still takes my breath away after all these years.

Just good to know you're safe, buddy.

[Buzz]

Thanks Jamo. Pauline and I stayed up all night and watched the whole thing - mainly so that I could get her and my parents into the safe room (a wine cellar in the garage that I use as a parts room for the Cobra) if the house started to come apart. It was an awesome show of wind and waves,chewing up my roof and our trees but structurally the house held firm.