Celebrity Role Models Children Emulate
Celebrity Role Models Children Emulate
Gary Gardner
July 11, 2010
Com 150
Phyllis Rosenburg
Celebrities are all around us influencing our children; they are on the radio, televisions, computers, ipods and even on cellular phones. Our children hear and see what they do in our homes, cars, stores, and even in their classrooms. Though some celebrities can be a negative influence on children, some can have a positive impact because children will mimic what they see. There are several celebrities that have these positive impacts on children and help kids to aspire to achieve their goals and to follow their dreams. Some of the negative impacts from celebrities can be drug abuse and drinking alcohol like singer Amy Winehouse and singer/actress Lindsey Lohan. Both of these young women have been an influence on the young people who idolize and want to be like them, resulting in young teenage girls thinking it is cool and acceptable behavior to drink, do drugs, and have sex before marriage. Even the person that we are to trust the most, the President of the United States Bill Clinton, committed adultery; sending the message to our youth that it is acceptable to be dishonest and to betray another’s trust. Even though celebrities can have these negative impacts on our children, the good can sometimes outweigh the bad. For example, celebrities that has long lasting marriages, such as Denzell Washington’s 26 year marriage to his wife, or Kirk Douglas’ marriage to his wife for 51 years. This sends the message to our young children that stable homes and long lasting relationships are achievable and desirable.
According to (Common Sense Media) when our children finally reach middle school, they become more interested in what their peers deem socially acceptable. Studies show time and time again that a connection exists between role models, advertising and the impact that these have on the way our children behave. However, parents still hold the primary
Gary Gardner
July 11, 2010
Com 150
Phyllis Rosenburg
Celebrities are all around us influencing our children; they are on the radio, televisions, computers, ipods and even on cellular phones. Our children hear and see what they do in our homes, cars, stores, and even in their classrooms. Though some celebrities can be a negative influence on children, some can have a positive impact because children will mimic what they see. There are several celebrities that have these positive impacts on children and help kids to aspire to achieve their goals and to follow their dreams. Some of the negative impacts from celebrities can be drug abuse and drinking alcohol like singer Amy Winehouse and singer/actress Lindsey Lohan. Both of these young women have been an influence on the young people who idolize and want to be like them, resulting in young teenage girls thinking it is cool and acceptable behavior to drink, do drugs, and have sex before marriage. Even the person that we are to trust the most, the President of the United States Bill Clinton, committed adultery; sending the message to our youth that it is acceptable to be dishonest and to betray another’s trust. Even though celebrities can have these negative impacts on our children, the good can sometimes outweigh the bad. For example, celebrities that has long lasting marriages, such as Denzell Washington’s 26 year marriage to his wife, or Kirk Douglas’ marriage to his wife for 51 years. This sends the message to our young children that stable homes and long lasting relationships are achievable and desirable.
According to (Common Sense Media) when our children finally reach middle school, they become more interested in what their peers deem socially acceptable. Studies show time and time again that a connection exists between role models, advertising and the impact that these have on the way our children behave. However, parents still hold the primary
References: Common Sense Media. (n.d.). Understanding Celebrity Influence. devine caroline. Retrieved from http://www.divinecaroline.com/22113/72758-underestimating-celebrity-influence Florence, R. (December 11, 2006). How celebrities impact our kids, article 7180. Retrieved from http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/7180/ A-List Celebrity Citizens. [Parade]. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.parade.com/celebrity/slideshows/editors-pick/celebrity- citizens.html?index=10 Lasting Celebrity Marriages. [Parade]. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.parade.com/celebrity/slideshows/lasting-celebrity-marriages/lasting-celebrity-marriages.html Sherman, T., Meadows, H.L. (n.d.). Do celebrities have a positive or negative effect on society?. Retrieved from http://www.helium.com/debates/151608-do-celebrities-have-a-positve-or- negative-effect-on-society/side_by_side?page=1