10 of 74

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

they are professional athletes.

Role models are men and women of integrity and good behavior, regardless of their jobs and professions. It's not the profession that makes the role model; it's the individual models of society, regardless of position, who play the roles of persons of integrity.

We should be ashamed of ourselves for giving our children the impression that famous people are automatically heroes. Or, maybe, we should be ashamed of ourselves for making the athletes appear to be heroes and role models simply because we need to justify why we spend our hard-earned money on so much entertainment.

Obviously, by the number of professional athletes getting in trouble, they are not our role models and heroes. Role models earn honest livings being honest; heroes save lives. Given that definition, we will find some athletes to truly be honest and heroic, but for their efforts, not their simple existence in the profession. Role models and heroes are everywhere, in every profession. And with this, I must say, for the hardworking, honest athletes and entertainers, they are heroic in that they can thrive within professions that put undue pressure on its "employees."

Michael Vick made a glaring, illegal mistake, was tried, and was found guilty. Should we be disappointed in him for his actions? Sure. But not because he's a football player. Has he ruined anything for football? No, he's opened the door for some other talented athlete to prove himself.

Should we be ashamed of ourselves? Nah, shame is just a literary device anyway, right?

Learn more about this author, James Tigerlobo White.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections on Michael Vick's alleged involvement with dog fighting?
We want to hear your view. Write now!