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Athletes as role models? Please …
Charles Barkley was right when he said athletes should not automatically be viewed as role models.
A brief discussion between a coworker and me earlier today prompted me to share my views on this. His belief is that since a high-profile athlete is in the spotlight, he should conduct himself as if children are looking up to him.
Maybe so, but I think athletes, high-profile or not, should conduct themselves in a respectable at all times.
I don’t like the fact that Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard voluntarily admitted to using marijuana during the offseason, but I also don’t care.
The point is, it’s his prerogative. I’m not saying it’s a good thing. I’m not saying it is or should be legal. All I’m saying is it’s his choice, and anyone who is outraged at him or anyone like him is sorely misguided in their choices for role models.
I don’t even like that term: “role model.” Why is there a need for children to have someone to look up to and try to be?
Emulating someone’s characteristics is understandable. I’m not trying to paint with a wide brush here, but emulating the characteristics of college and professional athletes is probably not the best way for a child to develop.
Why have “role models?” Whatever happened to people just being themselves?
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