Zbennitt's Weblog

Role Model Program

zbennitt — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 23:36:09 +0000

I read an editorial from an online newspaper from Rushville, IN. The editorial spoke of a group that assembles great local high school athletes and campaigns about tobacco prevention. The group is called the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s Role Model Program. I think this is an incredible idea. Having older student athletes involved gives a positive role model for young children. Student athletes always are watched by people in the community regardless of age and if little children see their idol talking about not using tobacco and to never use it, it makes the children not want to get involved with tobacco. This is a great way to show how an athlete can be a role model.

Cal Ripken

zbennitt — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:33:43 +0000

The great baseball player Cal Ripken said at his Hall of Fame induction speech, “As years passed, it became clear to me that kids see all, not just some of your actions but all.” He contiuned and said,”Whether we like or not, we big leaguers are role models. The only question is, will it be positive or will it be negative? Should we put players up on pedestals and require that they take responsibility? No. But we should encourage them to use their influence positively to help build up and develop the young people who follow the game.”

I like what Cal Ripken said and I completely agree. Whether they like it or not, they are role models. Kids will absorb anything athletes say or do and athletes know it. Athletes have the power to show kids how to act and what to think. If they are responsible, they can help mold thousands of kids into respectful adolescents.

Perfect Role Model For Sports in 90′s

zbennitt — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 02:04:58 +0000

The author discusses various athletes and their problems of their playing field. The main problem the author talks about is gambling. Charles Barkley, John Daly, and Wayne Rooney are all famous athletes and they have all spent millions of dollars on gambling. The athletes main argument is that it is their money so they can do what they want with it. This is true and I agree with it. These athletes have earned their money and they can spend it however they wish. Since their problems have been identified, the problems have been solved. Gambling is addicitive and if anything good can come out of this, it is that it shows how people can overcome addictions.

Athletes as role models?

zbennitt — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 04:19:46 +0000

An article written by Dan Meyer discussed information he heard at a lecture at a Tech. school in Minnesota. At the lecture, the speaker addressed the issue about athletes as role models. He compared and contrasted all of the main arguments but never gave his opinion at the end. Although there was no final thought, he did bring about important arguments in favor and against athletes as role models. He mentioned how Charles Barkley didn’t want to be a role model and thought if he doesn’t want to be one then why would any other athlete have to? He also mentioned the women athletes. With new leagues being created for women professional sports, women have now become role models to little girls. There will always be the debate about athletes as role models as long as there will be professional sports. It is up to the child to decide who they want as a role model.

Memo to the masses: Athletes not role models

zbennitt — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:08:46 +0000

Athletes are not role models. The author of the article picks famous baseball player who use steroids, Maurice Clarett, and Ray Lewis. Although he rips these athletes apart, he then begins to say how there are athletes who should be role models. Which is it? Are athletes role models or not? The role model that he praised was Lance Armstrong who is a worthy role model. He recovered from serious cancer and won seven Tour de Frances. Although he is a great role model, the author shouldn’t beigin the essay dismantling athletes who have made mistakes. He should either think they are role models or they aren’t.

Sean Taylor

zbennitt — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:22:51 +0000

The Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor died on November 27th. He was an incredible player who played in the pro-bowl, which recognizes the best players in the league, a number of times. He was 24 years old when he died. He was killed during an attempted robbery at his Miami home. Four people have been arrested as suspects. The investigators of the trial think the robbery and the killing may have been related to an altercation involving Taylor in Miami back in 2005. If this is the case, then it is another case of troublesome athletes. He may have been the vicitim back in 2005 as well but it also may be involved with the crews people grow up with and continue to have around when an athlete becomes famous. The posse Vick hung around ended his football career and possibly so did Taylor’s. Athletes are blessesd with talent and they should not waste it. Athletes need to learn from all of the examples of troublesome friends and athletes and they need to see it and become a good role model.

Athletes: Dumb Jocks or Role Models?

zbennitt — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 23:21:04 +0000

This article brings up an interesting perspective about athletes and role models. The author says that even though athletes want to have a normal life and not be considered a role model, they can’t. They can’t because they have no rights. The leagues, sponsors, and fans pay them. As long as they sign a contract they have to abide by the rules and expectations of fans. If atheletes don’t like it then don’t play. Your job is to play a sport and as a result you are paid. If you don’t like it terminate your contract and don’t play that sport anymore. I completely agree with these viewpoints and perpectives.

Are athletes role models?

zbennitt — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:17:54 +0000

The article mentions how long the debate has been going on about whether or not athletes should be considered role models. It also talks about various viewpoints of the idea of athletes as role models. Star athletes such as Mike Tyson and Charles Barkley are both opposed to the idea of role models. The author’s view on the issue is that he uses athletes success as motivation to encourage his children that they can accomplish anything if they put their mind to it. He also says that his kids are his kids and it is his duty to raise them properly and teach them the important values and morals in life, not some rich athlete who is on television.

I agree with the author’s point of view. I also found interesting how far back role models have been worshipped. Ancient Greek Olympians were some of the earliest role models to people. I think parents should be role models not athletes.

Should athletes be role models?

zbennitt — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:16:04 +0000

A girls softball camp during the summer was taught by sofball players at the University of Michigan. After the camp one of the young participants in the camp wanted a tattoo because she saw one of the older athletes with one. The young girl was a sixth grader. There was a board meeting to discuss whether student athletes should be held to high ethical standards than other students. The board ruled a general consensus on the panel was that student-athletes should be more cognizant of their influence than others need to be.

The panels ruled that they are treated differently and that they should act responsible. But alumnus and students think that there is already enough pressure on student athletes. I agree with them. Athletes spend the same amount of time in classooms as students plus they have to practice for three or more hours on top of it. They travel on school days and weekends to compete and represent their school. They have a lot to worry about and the last thing they need is to worry about having to hear how their tattoo makes a child want one.

The misconception of athletes as role models

zbennitt — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:50:50 +0000

As many athletes as there are who consistently get into trouble, there are still others that people can look up to. Tiger Woods contributes 10 million dollars annually to help organizations and charities. Also consider Pat Tillman who left the NFL to serve our country after the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Many athletes come from ghettos and poor areas. Their dedication and work ethic to their sport shows how people can overcome obstacles in their life if they put forth an effort.

The author brings up a great point with his closing stement. It says, “What we need to remember is that for every Mike Tyson, Dennis Rodman and Pete Rose there is a Lance Armstrong, Michael Jordan and Pat Tillman.” People can have athletes as role models because there are great role models out there. The children just need to pick the correct one.

http://media.www.californiaaggie.com/media/storage/paper981/news/2004/10/18/Sports/The-Misconception.Of.Athletes.As.Role.Models-1318417.shtml