Today's youth struggles with the ability to make sound decisions. It seems they lack the motivation to solve problems on their own. They live in an era where information and social interaction is literally available at the touch of a button. Everything for them is instantaneous. The potential of members of this young generation to change our world for the better is huge, however, society must play a role in providing our young generation with responsible role models.

Since when did role models have to be millionaires, or even celebrities. I never fully understood that concept. It seems that every professional sports athlete, musician, actor, or even worse reality television personality has become a role model. It is absurd to think that just because these individuals have been fortunate enough to be able to make a large amount of money, they deserve to be considered role models. Maybe some of them are quite talented, but should our children use talent as the sole quality to judge whether someone is worthy of being a role model. I think not. In fact, I think it should be very low on the list. Because of our misplaced focus, our youth are idolizing people like Michael Vick, Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohann, Britney Spears, or other stars that have had encounters with the law.

I do believe we need to re-examine the people that we idolize in the media, because our youth are looking up to the wrong types of people. Just because these people can run fast, or sing well does not qualify them to set examples. Our young generations should focus on the people around them that always work hard, sacrifice their time for others, are not solely motivated by money, are not afraid to go against the grain. Our young generations should learn to follow in the footsteps of responsible leaders in the community not in the record books, or the music charts.

Learn more about this author, Drew Price.
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