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ATHLETES AS ROLE MODELS

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Considering athletes as role models is tricky business. It is a vast generalization to lump all athletes into the same category and call them role models. Each individual athlete is different, and should be considered for their own contributions. I don’t think we can either say that athletes should or should not be called role models, as each one has their individual personality, and many of them shouldn’t be looked up to as being model citizens. Many people put responsibilities on role models, and say that they should act in a responsible manner because many people are looking up to them. But that is a burden those athletes didn’t ask for, and it is unfair for them to have to act in ways that provide inspiration for people, and particularly for children. On the other hand, athletes make a lot of money and that money is thanks to the fans they have, so, in a way, the athletes owe it to their fans to give back. [“Write my essay for me?” Get help here.]

Professional athletes should feel some sort of responsibility to the public to do good, and to provide an influence for young people. They are in a position that allows them to be very influential, and it is only ethical for them to not behave poorly, as that is only promoting that behavior in others. However, I don’t think it is necessary for each athlete to proactively perform tasks that promote good behavior, or that provide inspiration to young people. While it is their duty to not act poorly, I don’t think it is their duty to have the responsibility and burden of meeting with kids and playing sports with them, for example. However, that would be the right thing to do, considering the privileged position the athletes are in, and the little effort it takes to make such a big difference in people’s lives, (LeMier, 2007).

Many athletes will visit children in the community who are sick, for example. Simply showing up and talking to children is a big way to make a difference, but I don’t think it is wrong of athletes to not take the initiative to help out. However, if a player was asked to visit children in a hospital, for example, and they said no, then I think that shows very bad characterin the athlete. But it doesn’t mean that they become a bad role model, they have simply not made the step to becoming a positive role model, (Should, n.d.). [Need an essay writing service? Find help here.]

Looking at athletes as role models is a given. Sports are extremely popular, and the athletes will no doubt become role models, simply by playing the sport. The position of them being in the public eye comes with the responsibility of not behaving in a way that promotes poor behaviors. However, I don’t think it means athletes need to take the time to do things that inspire children. Their amazing talents on the playing surface does enough to provide hope to children of achieving big things. However, athletes should feel some obligation to give back to the community.

Works Cited
LeMier, K. (2007, November). Relationship Between Athletes and Role Models. Minnesota State 
University. 

Should Professional Athletes Be Considered Role Models?” (n.d.). University of Buffalo.

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By Hanna Robinson

Hanna has won numerous writing awards. She specializes in academic writing, copywriting, business plans and resumes. After graduating from the Comosun College's journalism program, she went on to work at community newspapers throughout Atlantic Canada, before embarking on her freelancing journey.

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