Should we Idolize these Stars?
In the May 18th class (module 2), we discussed the brief history of sport and socialization of sport. Among topics discussed, was how those get into sports and how professional athletes can or cannot be role models. For as many that stand out as good role models, there are more that are bad role models. The impact it has on the youth is immense. In the article above, Michelle Bright for Northeastern Illinois University writes that athletes aren't perfect and people want to imitate them due to media coverage. Michelle uses an article from ABC News, and states "The article also stated that children think it's alright to receive special treatment on and off the court, and being promiscuous is alright."
Some qualities of a role model in module 2 were: honesty, commitment, sportsmanship, fairness, and high moral values. From a staff editorial from Duquesne, they believe that role models should prove themselves both on and off the field. In addition, they mention that humans are flawed and used Aaron Hernandez as an example of such flaws. He killed multiple men and a lot of Americans have rooted for him on the football field. In module 2, it highlighted certain athletes believed to be good role models, and one of them was Tiger Woods. His perception by the public has also changed due to his cheating on his wife.
In the psychology today article from the same module, it states at the end that kids should not become too attached to athletes due to the multiple examples of fallen stars. I don't believe this is the correct statement. I think that kids can become attached given the right guidance from peers and parents. Power point three explains what influences us to play sport and peers and parents are two major factors. That's how it was for me growing up. Kids can become attached given supervision of parents, making sure that they chose the role model for the right reasons. Role models shouldn't be permanent either, because people change and what you thought you knew about a person can always be wrong.
One problem is also with the media, because they highlight their skills or even their flaws more than their contributions. In the same psychology today article, it says that athletes have an incredible opportunity to positively influence society. But I personally don't think enough is done to highlight their excellence. The following is an example of one hockey player, PK Subban, talking about his contribution to the children's hospital in Montreal. Although famous in the hockey community, his contributions haven't received the praise it deserves.
He has raised his contribution to 15 million since this video. He also plays in Nashville now, but continues to visit the Montreal children's hospital during his times off. This is just one example of stars who go unnoticed.
By now, most of the populace is fed up with the way athletes take their lives for granted, and changes in the way they act are coming. The NFL implemented a new domestic violence policy, which suspends players for 6 games without pay for the first offense, and a lifetime ban for the next. But teams don't let it go that far. The Giants a day after kicker Josh Brown's domestic abuse came about, suspended him. Three days after, they released him and now he currently doesn't play.
The biggest take with athletes being role models is that they are human just like us and they make mistakes. We should constantly evaluate who we look up to, and on a societal level, who speaks into our lives. There are good and bad role models regardless of profession. Module 2 mentions that positive effects occur when participants are viewed as human beings, not just athletes. People used to look at priests as role models, until the Boston Globe shed light on their sexual abuse in the 70's. Parents be careful who your kids adore, and that athletes can be positive with proper supervision.
References:
Staff, D. (2017). Famous Athletes not always the best role models. The Duquesne Duke. Retrieved from http://www.duqsm.com/staff-editorial-famous-athletes-not-always-the-best-role-models/
Bright, M. (2017). Should athletes be role models? Independent. Retrieved from http://neiuindependent.org/7733/sports/should-athletes-be-role-models/
Sharp, K. (2014). NFL announces new domestic violence policy. SB Nation. Retrieved from http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/8/28/6079465/nfl-announces-new-domestic-violence-policy
Smoll, F. Smith, R. (2015) Are athletes good role models? Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/coaching-and-parenting-young-athletes/201504/are-athletes-good-role-models
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