Athletes Being Good Role Models Essay Example
Justin Perales
Professor Hoke
English 1301
4-16-2013
Role Models
In professional sports today, there are thousands of professional athletes. Some have more fame than others and have varying levels of influence on young children throughout the world. It is important for all athletes to realize that they are role models. Also to reflect a positive character to the youth around the world. Athletes tend to do things in a selfish manner, not realizing that they have thousands of kids following their every move. According to Solberg and Ringer “professional athletes generally operate with a different set of values and behavioral norms than do non-athletes who participant at a less competitive level” (93).
When people think of role models, parents are the first who come to mind. A survey took by Tracy L. Ziemer shows that kids choose athletes as their second role models “(73 percent) — second only to their parents (92 percent)” (1). Actions speak louder than words this is what children are taught at a very young age. Children are going to imitate what is seen on TV by these athletes. Whether it’s mouthing off to the opponent, or simply showboating. Some athletes like Charles Barkley don’t believe they are role models. But there are many out there who believe they are; take Dave Winfield who said in an interview with The New York Times: “Athletes are a key role model for many people, and they can and should be” (1). Being a role model comes with a lot of reasonability. Athletes are put on a higher pedestal, when signing with a team they are expected to act a certain way and represent the organization in class.
The big problem in baseball right now is the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Some of the most famous baseball players are getting caught using these drugs that help performance, healing, and overall muscle growth. This is not someone that parents want their kids to idolize because it’s fair to say that they’re cheaters. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens
Professor Hoke
English 1301
4-16-2013
Role Models
In professional sports today, there are thousands of professional athletes. Some have more fame than others and have varying levels of influence on young children throughout the world. It is important for all athletes to realize that they are role models. Also to reflect a positive character to the youth around the world. Athletes tend to do things in a selfish manner, not realizing that they have thousands of kids following their every move. According to Solberg and Ringer “professional athletes generally operate with a different set of values and behavioral norms than do non-athletes who participant at a less competitive level” (93).
When people think of role models, parents are the first who come to mind. A survey took by Tracy L. Ziemer shows that kids choose athletes as their second role models “(73 percent) — second only to their parents (92 percent)” (1). Actions speak louder than words this is what children are taught at a very young age. Children are going to imitate what is seen on TV by these athletes. Whether it’s mouthing off to the opponent, or simply showboating. Some athletes like Charles Barkley don’t believe they are role models. But there are many out there who believe they are; take Dave Winfield who said in an interview with The New York Times: “Athletes are a key role model for many people, and they can and should be” (1). Being a role model comes with a lot of reasonability. Athletes are put on a higher pedestal, when signing with a team they are expected to act a certain way and represent the organization in class.
The big problem in baseball right now is the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Some of the most famous baseball players are getting caught using these drugs that help performance, healing, and overall muscle growth. This is not someone that parents want their kids to idolize because it’s fair to say that they’re cheaters. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens