ATHLETES

Are Athletes good role models?



Abstract

The paper mainly focuses on the role of athletes being followed by young people and their impact on them. The question answered in the discussion is that are athletes a good role model. To support the discussion, definition of a role model has also been discussed. Few examples of on the field and off the field activities of the athletes have been discussed. These activities show the positive and negative impact of the athletes being followed as role models. It has been observed that positive impacts are far more than the negative impacts. It leads to the conclusion that a majority of the athletes are a good role model for the society and are playing their role positively.

Are Athletes Good Role Models?

Introduction

Some people are of the view that athletes are good role models for the society. Athletes achieve success because they exhibit positive qualities such as persistence and courage. Other people are of the opinion that athletes make poor role models. It is because some athletes often engage in bad or illegal activities. It has a negative impact on the fans following them, and they may try to do the same. Because, what we see of them is a media creation.

Many Athletes have been seen as role models for as long sports have existed. Many children follow the athletes and not their parents as their role models. It raises an important question, are athletes the right kind of people to be followed as role models by children? Many children often look up to the professional athletes as role models. It is because of media that athletes are constantly the centre of attention for everyone (Babiak.K, 2009). Everything they do off and on the field is being watched by people and mostly by children. Some of the athletes portray a positive image though their character and commitment with their profession. While they are off the field, they are playing their role socially by visiting children at schools, hospital and other charitable organizations.

Whereas, some of the athletes are not interested in being socially involved in such activities. They are only concerned with their game only and what they do on the field. These are the athletes who make people think and raise the question that whether athletes should be considered as good role model or not. This paper will be discussing in detail all aspects relating to athletes being a good role model or not.

Discussion

The discussion would be focused on how athletes serve as role models and what impact they have on society and children. First it is important to know who is a role model, a role model is a person whose behavior and success can be emulated by others especially young people. Every parent would not want their child to follow someone whose has committed crimes or involved in illegal activities. The most common side of athletes seen is on their field activities. It includes physical fitness, team work, dedication and ...