This I Believe

A role model is someone worthy of imitation. It can be said that every child needs a role model. I believe that this is true, and that a child’s parent or guardian should fill the position. Being a role model is not an easy task. Nor is it something that one wakes up and decides to be. But in a time where the most visible people, notably athletes and entertainers, are taking drugs, committing crimes, and cutting practice, parents must step up to the plate and realize that they have to play a critical role in their child’s life.

I was blessed to be lucky enough to have parents that did all that they could to make sure I was raised with morals and understood right from wrong. If I ever had a question, or wanted to see the proper way to do something, I would look at my parents. They were, and still are my role models, and I could never thank them enough for the positive impact they have had on me.

Athletes and entertainers did not sign on to be role models. They signed on to do their job, which could be to throw a football, or record a top ten hit. These people are not perfect, and mistakes do happen. Unfortunately, the media blows things out of proportion, and these individuals are blasted for their actions. A reporter always has to ask, “what about the kids?” This question should never get asked because these individuals aren’t parents to every child who is tuned in. Parents should take advantage of these moments to sit their child down and teach him/her what was right and wrong about the situation.

To elaborate further, sometimes these individuals do things that can’t be considered mistakes. Michael Phelps, arguably the greatest swimmer of all time, had photos of himself smoking marijuana on the Internet. Also, Plaxico Burress, an extremely talented wide receiver shot himself in a New York City nightclub.

The lifestyles that these entertainers are living may seem “cool” due to the riches and fame, but parents need to explain to their children that very few...