Role models are out there, find yours
Ryan Scott
The role of the role model has changed quite a bit over the years.
People needed role models for different reasons in years past as opposed to what we need them for now.
Sure, a lot of the integrity and traits may be the same, but I don’t think that everyone needs an Abe Lincoln in modern society.
That is not to say that Lincoln wasn’t the great man that history remembers him to be, it just means that things change.
In the past, we had great men such as John F. Kennedy, and F.D.R to look to in the political realm and great athletes such as Michael Jordan to look to in that realm.
We are not quite so lucky these days it seems. Politics have just become so ugly and hard to take seriously and there seems to be quite a bit of negative press towards athletes in the press.
People have even looked to fictional characters being portrayed as role models such as Superman or other comic book heroes. But Peter Parker isn’t even Spiderman anymore. Now what?
Some might argue that there aren’t very many positive or historical role models like there once was, but I would argue that we are in a sort of golden age for role models when it comes to the needs of the individual. It just may not be a Jordan or a Kennedy.
Our society has become very splintered and has become increasingly more niche.
With that, individuals with distinct and personal motivations and dreams may find it harder to unite under one common role model.
The idea of the firefighter or the police officer speaking to everyone these days just doesn’t seem fitting.
However, thanks to technology and the availability of information in the world today, people with those very specific interests and dreams can find role models within their wheel house.
If someone wants to become an architect, it might be a lot easier these days to find someone to look up to with the use of the world wide web and digital resources.
One can find specific inspiration as opposed to general inspiration.
A role model is defined as a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
Perhaps that is an oversimplification, but it does get to the heart of what I’m talking about.
As individuals, we need examples to use as a point of reference, a social compass.
Many of us look at pop culture figures and their atrocious behavior and wonder “who do we look to?”
Don’t fret people, role models are out there, and they may be more accessible than ever.
